The differences between health care reform laws passed at the state and federal levels are confusing, leaving many employers wondering if dependents are covered under health insurance plans to age 26 or 27.

The state of Wisconsin and the federal government passed two different laws.

On January 1, 2010 the state of Wisconsin increased the dependent eligibility age to 27. Dependents are eligible, regardless of student status, if they are not married, not eligible for coverage under their employer’s health plan, or if they are eligible, the premium is greater than under the parents’ plans. (Section 632.885, Wis. Stat.)

Under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) dependents are eligible only to age 26. Both married and unmarried children quality for this coverage.

If your group is a client of The Starr Group, which specializes in small to midsize groups, you would likely fall under Wisconsin criteria for fully insured groups.

Our agency has seen an increase in the number of dependents added to our existing groups. Dependents can be added regardless of student status, whether or not they live with their parents, and they do not have to be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes.

For more information about dependent ages, contact your representative at The Starr Group or visit the state of Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance http://oci.wi.gov/oci_home.htm