Legislation signed by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine will require
group health insurance policies sold by commercial insurers to continue coverage
for up to one year for dependent children under age 25 who can’t continue as
full-time students because of a medical condition.
Under the new law, which will take effect July 1, coverage in
such situations would remain in force for up to 12 months from the date a
dependent child ceased to be a full-time student or attained age 25, whichever
occurs first.
The measure is part of a trend by states to find ways to
enable employees’ dependents to retain group coverage for a longer period of
time, reducing the likelihood that the individuals will become uninsured.
Filed by Jerry Geisel of Business Insurance, a sister publication
of Workforce Management. To comment,
e-mail editors@workforce.com.
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