Wisconsin’s adult child dependent age will change to 26 for health insurance.

On January 1, 2012 a Wisconsin mandate on dependent ages for healthcare coverage will be brought closer in line with Federal mandates outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Last year, the state of Wisconsin increased the dependent eligibility age to 27 while the PPACA required age was 26.

Under Wisconsin’s Budget Bill, 2011 Wisconsin Act 32 which passed this summer, the age changes to require coverage for dependent children over the age of 17 but less than 27. The rule applies regardless of marital status. It applies to dependent children who are not eligible for coverage under the child’s employer plan or if the premium for the child’s employer plan is greater than premium as a dependent, under the parent’s plan.

The dependent age remains 27 or older if the dependent child is:

• A full-time student, regardless of age.
• Called to federal active duty in the National Guard or reserve unit while the dependent was a full-time student.
• Was under the age of 27 when called to federal active duty.

For more information about how to implement this change or your insurance carrier’s procedures for this change, contact your Starr Group representative.

Links:
http://oci.wi.gov/ins_rev/in0711.pdf
Budget Update - Page 6