Effective retroactive to April 23, 2010, WellPath is working with employers to extend coverage to young adults under the age of 26 who are currently listed as dependents under their parents’ WellPath health plans.  Because newly-enacted healthcare reform provisions to extend dependent coverage to age 26 do not take effect until September 23, 2010, WellPath is taking this proactive step to expedite the mandate and help prevent a coverage gap for many young adult members.

This offer to extend coverage automatically applies to dependents that currently are covered under their parents’ fully insured group plans offered through WellPath and would have otherwise become ineligible for coverage as of April 23.  WellPath is working closely with all fully insured employers to implement the extension and ensure these young adults continue to have health coverage available to them.

Additional guidance from WellPath regarding dependents removed from the plan prior to April 23 is forthcoming, and we will alert affected employers when it becomes available.  In the meantime, should you have any questions regarding dependent eligibility and extension of coverage, please contact our office at 919-403-1986.