81 comments on “Disabled Adult Children – over 26 – stay on parents insurance”

1. If a disabled adult child (DAC) woman receiving SSDI through the pickle program
   marries a man with no income because of his own disability and is not on SSI or SSDI
   because he has affluent parents that make enough to care for him,
   will the DAC women lose her monthly SSDI income and medical that her and her toddler relies on?

   Thank you so much

   Reply

   • This seems to be a rather complex question. We just got back from vacation and now caught a cold. It might be awhile till we can truly research this. We are not compensated to have this website…

     In the meantime, see our pages on:

     Pickle Program
     SSDI
     Medi Cal contact
     DAC Disabled Adult Child Program
     CA Health Care Advocates – SHIP HI-Cap

     It appears the the pickle amendment only protects you to keep Medi Cal. Your daughter is probably qualified under MAGI Medi Cal, meaning that your income is below 138% of federal poverty level.

     How much is your fiancé’s father “gifting” him per year?

     Is he paying gift tax?

     Is he claiming him as a dependent?

     Here’s our webpage on gifts as income?

     Your question is really above our pay grade. Try calling the people on the Medi Cal contact page listed above

     Maybe this company can help you? https://www.medi-caladvisorgroup.com/ or this one

     https://www.medihelper.com/

     Reply

     • Thank you for making time.

       Reply

2. My son is 32 and disabled and on my Aetna plan as a disabled adult. I will be turning 65 soon and thus going on Medicare. Will he loose his coverage under Aetna? If I choose a supplemental Aetna medicare plan, will he be able to stay on Aetna?

   Reply

   • Is your Aetna Plan an Individual or a Group Plan?

     If a Group Plan, will you still be working?

     No, a Medicare Plan won’t cover your son.

     Reply

3. We live in CA, our son is 28 and therefore came off our insurance two years ago.

   He is autistic and we didn’t realize he might still be eligible to remain on our policy (through my employer – bcbs ppo) indefinitely as we support him as he is unemployed/underemployed due to autism.

   Are autistic children eligible and if so how absolus we proceed?

   Reply

   • Please contact your employer’s HR department and get a copy of the evidence of coverage and the forms, then we can review and see.

     It doesn’t seem that the question has been asked before about their being a lapse in coverage.

     It’s not if autism is covered, it’s if your son is chiefly dependent on you and is incapable of self sustaining employment.

     Reply

4. https://disability.lacity.org/

   https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicares-role-for-people-under-age-65-with-disabilities/

   Reply

5. https://www.anthem.com/ms/easyrenew/Handicapped_Dependent.pdf

   Reply

6. May i enroll my adult son with a disability on my current health insurance plan?

   Reply

   • We need a copy of your EOC Evidence of Coverage to get you a true, correct & verified answer.

     How old is your son?

     When did he first become disabled?

     Is he on your plan now?

     Does he meet the two requirements under the law above to qualify?

     What Insurance Company and Plan are you with?

     Can you complete their forms?

     What about Medi Cal?

     ACA/Obamacare Guaranteed Issue?

     Reply

7. I have a disabled son aged 32 years, who is covered under my employer’s group health insurance plan as the primary and Medicaid as the secondary insurance.

   He has been disabled since birth and has been on my employer’s group health insurance plan prior to age 26. He requires to undergo a medical procedure that is not covered under my employer’s plan but covered under Medicaid.

   I would like to temporarily terminate my son’s coverage from my employer’s health plan and continue with Medicaid so that he can have his procedure done.

   Can I do that?

   If so, can I re-enroll my son in my employer’s plan after the procedure?

   Reply

   • Do NOT cancel the Employer Plan!

     While your Employer Plan is primary, that just means they get billed first. So, if the Employer Plan pays nothing, then Medi Cal will get the bill. It does NOT mean, that you have to go to MD’s on the Employer Plan first!

     I’m sure if you ask Rando’s at the Insurance Company or Medi Cal, they will tell you something else, but unless they can show it to you in writing, IMHO it’s not worth the dime to call them.

     See our webpage on Dual Coverage.

     You may not quote anything I say or that you think I say. You may only refer to the actual footnotes to the law or actual Insurance Company EOC Evidence of Coverage.

     Reply

   • I am widowed and employed by a city, who has continued to keep my special needs daughter on after the age of 26.

     I am retiring in about 2 years and I receive retirement health care.

     How long does my daughter get to stay on? when I retire? or social security age? or death?

     Please help?

     Reply

     • Assuming that you are in CA, the law says that your daughter can stay on as long as you are covered by the policy.

       Please see our page on interpreting law, rules & statutes. Also, see our page on the importance of reading the actual policy, EOC Evidence of Coverage.

       I would really need to see all your retirement materials to verify that your daughter would be covered under that plan. I don’t see that your Social Security age would be relevant. If you G-d forbid die, then your daughter would lose coverage under your plan. She could take COBRA and Cal COBRA for 36 months. She would qualify for a guaranteed issue, no pre x individual plan…Get Quotes. If no income, then Medi Cal or she could pay the full price of an individual plan without subsidies.

       Check out life insurance to help take care of her, should you pass.

       Reply

8. Hi, I have a 24 yr old with schizophrenia, and run across your web site trying to find resources for them (specifically a Special Needs Trust which I just had learned about).

   I wanted to ask questions about signing them up for Medi-Cal and accessing LA County resources for mental health.

   My kid is covered by Blue Cross PPO through my policy which is with USC.

   I would love to discuss also how to prepare to get my kid coverage after my policy does not cover them once they are 25 years old, or maybe my kid needs to file for disability in order for my policy to cover what they need.

   Would love your help with all these topics! I never knew that people like you existed…

   Thanks for all the resources on your web site, and look forward to hearing from you.

   Reply

   • I don’t see any reason why USC would not continue to cover your child. See above on my webpage and it even says so on USC’s webpage!

     Our webpage on:

     Special Needs Trusts

     Mental Health Resources

     SSI Supplemental Security Income

     Medi Cal is automatic when you have SSI

     Medi Cal & USC Coverage – Two policies?

     how to set a Zoom Meeting

     Reply

9. THE DUTY TO SUPPORT ADULT DISABLED CHILDREN

   The Basics

   California requires that the parents of adult children with incapacities support those children if possible. Family Code section 3910 states,

   “The father and mother have an equal responsibility to maintain, to the extent of their ability, a child of whatever age, who is incapacitated from earning a living and without sufficient means.”

   Incapacitated From Earning a Living

   A child is incapacitated from earning a living if the child demonstrates “an inability to be self-supporting because of a mental or physical disability or proof of inability to find work because of factors beyond the child’s control.”  Courts have been liberal in meeting this standard when dealing with the mental health of adult children and found the incapacity in the following cases to be sufficient.

   In Chun v. Chun, a father was ordered to support an “emotionally disabled” adult child with a twelve-year-old maturity level.

   In re Marriage of Drake dealt with a parent who was ordered to support an adult child with chronic paranoid schizophrenia.

   Farber v. Olken involved an adult child who was mentally ill.

   In order to demonstrate that an adult child has an incapacity sufficient for adult child support, an independent medical exam (IME) is required. In fact, for every adult child support case, an IME should be considered, even if the parties stipulate to the fact that the adult child is incapacitated. An IME will set a benchmark for the adult child, which will allow medical professionals to measure the extent of the adult child’s incapacity and the likelihood of the adult child developing a marketable skill set.

   Without Sufficient Means

   “[T]he question of ‘sufficient means’ should be resolved in terms of the likelihood a child will become a public charge.”

   The principle that society should not bear the burden of caring for incapacitated adults who have parents with the means to do so. The “without sufficient means” inquiry concerns the issue of whether the adult child will end up requiring governmental benefits in the future.

   It is also important to determine whether an adult child is already receiving such benefits.

   See our resources & links below

   In such a case, care should be taken to avoid the loss of such benefits through the use of a special needs trust or similar instrument. Nevertheless, some may argue that a proper adult child support order should eliminate any need for government benefits. However, certain benefits are frequently crucial to the health of the adult child and may be required as part of a medical regimen. For example, an adult child, who has an established course of treatment from a doctor that the adult child visited through the Social Security Administration, may need to remain on that course in order to avoid interruptions and complications that a change in medical provider would likely cause.

   Also, the process to qualify for such benefits is fairly rigorous. A strong argument can be made that if an adult child has already qualified for government benefits, that adult child will likely qualify for adult child support.  Read full article from Orange County Bar

    

   Children Are Like Diamonds: Forever.  Only, More Expensive: A Primer on California Family Code section 3910(a), the Most Terrifying, Most Common Sense Law You’ve Never Heard Of, but Should Have  Read Article Alameda Bar Assoc. 

   Wallin & Klarich Family Law

   Song Family Law

   Proper standard for definition of incapacitated?

   See Article on 50 year old attorney with depression

    

   Reply

10. If my employer switches plans or I get a new job, will my disabled child be covered under the new plan?

     

    We find that often policyholders are told that a new insurance company  says that they will only cover disabled dependent children that are already enrolled on our group plan that happen to age out, not if you transfer plans, get a new job, etc.

    Here is what we show the actual law and policy provisions to be:

    If the employee or member changes carriers to another insurer or to a health care service plan, the new insurer or plan shall continue to provide coverage for the dependent child. ^{CA Insurance Code 10277 (d)}

    A Dependent child who reaches age 26 becomes ineligible on the day before his or her 26th birthday, unless the Dependent child is disabled and qualifies for continued coverage as described in the definition of Dependent.  ^{Page 60 of the EOC}

     .

    The  Group Administration Guides says virtually the same thing.

     .

    Our wholesalers – General Agent’s website says:

    Yes, pending approval from Patient Management Group Department

    Here’s an actual EOC – Evidence of Coverage from Blue Shield for the PPO Platinum Plan.

    This caused us to lose at least one new hire, because she decided to stay on her current medical plan (with her current employer) that provides coverage for her disabled adult child.

    ***I suggest you appoint us as your agent and we will fill out the disabled child form, along with the employee application and get a WRITTEN answer, not a “bozo” oral – hearsay  (Federal Rules of Evidence) answer.

     

    ******

    I currently work for a company that provides a group health plan. I have a disabled son age 27 covered on my policy.

    I may be changing employer and going to a UC – University of California system.

    How am I able to continue coverage for him through the UC system?

    *************

    Here’s the 2018 Health Benefits Guide for the UC System.

    Page 6 Excerpt

    If you are a newly hired employee with a disabled child over age 26 or if you acquire a disabled child over age 26 (through marriage, adoption or domestic partnership), you may also apply for coverage for that child. The child’s disability must have begun prior to the child turning age 26. Additionally, the child must have had continuous group health coverage since age 26, and you must apply for University coverage during your Period of Initial Eligibility. The plan will ask for proof of continued disability, but not more than once a year after the initial certification

    See also Page 14

    Reply

11. What about Self Insured Plans?

    ************

    What does the evidence of coverage – EOC say? Please send your EOC to us or at least take a photo of your ID card with your Smart Phone and send to us. We don’t post individual identifiable information. We might then be able to search and find your EOC Evidence of Coverage and it would be so much easier to show you the benefits you have in your policy.

    Pro

    The Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA, specifies requirements and guidelines in a number of different areas that are relevant and applicable to self-funded employers. Below is a summary of these provisions.

    Disabled children who meet the requirements for enrollment, however, do not become ineligible at age 26. Providence.org

    ADA NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

    The ADA protects against disability-based discrimination in employment, governmental and commercial activities, transportation, and telecommunications.

    ADA Title V allows bona fide insured or self insured employee benefit plans to make some health-related distinctions for risk classifications based upon, or not inconsistent with, state law.

    However, all such provisions are allowable under the ADA only if they meet the requirements of applicable state law and are not used as a subterfuge

    Disability-based distinctions involving dependent coverage will be analyzed in the same fashion as disability-based distinctions in employee coverage Cornell.edu

    The Department of Labor has instituted disability nondiscrimination regulations which may apply to those with “health factors.” The regulations are complex; setpnowskilaw.com

    Con

    CA Department of Insurance does not regulate Self Insured Plans Insurance.CA.Gov

    Self-funded Health Plans–Federal or Governmental:

    Although the business of insurance is primarily regulated by the state, a number of federal laws contain requirements that apply to private health coverage, including ERISA and HIPAA. ERISA was enacted in 1974 to protect workers from the loss of benefits provided through the workplace; and in 1996, HIPAA was motivated by concern that people faced lapses in coverage when they change or lose their jobs.

    Most self-funded health plans operate under ERISA and are health benefit arrangements sponsored by empoyers or employee organizations. Under a self-funded arrangement, the employer retains the responsibility to pay directly for health care services of the plan participants.

    In Connecticut, self-funded health plans cover approximately 50% of the privately insured citizens.

    ERISA does not require employers to establish any type of employee benefit plan, but contains requirements applicable to the administration of the plan, such as requirements for disclosure, reporting and fiduciary standards, claims and continuation coverage.

    In general, ERI[S]A preempts state laws that would regulate the operation of health plans. Therefore, any state mandates do not apply to those covered by self-funded plans. (An exception is CT’s state employee plan, which abides by state mandates by contract).

    Self-funded governmental plans such as the state employee plan or municipal self-funded plans may be exempt from ERISA but still bound to follow other federal laws, such as the federal regulations on internal and external review processes under the Affordable Care Act or the Mental Health parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Ct.Gov

    Can my child with a disability be covered after the age of 26?

    If your plan is fully insured, it is regulated by state laws in addition to federal laws Pacer.org

    ERISA

    Met Life v Mass.

    ********************
    What about Governmental or Church plans, does ERISA affect those?

    See our Page on ERISA

    See 29 US Code Section 1003 (b)

    The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to any employee benefit plan if—
    (1)such plan is a governmental plan (as defined in section 1002(32) of this title);
    (2)such plan is a church plan (as defined in section 1002(33) of this title) with respect to which no election has been made under section 410(d) of title 26;

    ***************

    Excerpt of Blue Cross Small Business Application

    ************

    Cal PERS We serve those who serve California. California Public Employees’ Retirement System

    Forms, Information and Rules on Disabled Children over 26

    Questionnaire

    Doctors Medical Report

    *****************

    Reply

12. Would 10277 d apply if my disabled son is on his father’s plan, is now turning 26 and my X husband no longer wants our son on his Insurance?

    Reply

    • Yes, we believe so. Your son has a special enrollment period to go onto your health insurance as he is losing minimum essential coverage.

      Please send a copy of your evidence of coverage EOC or let us know the exact plan you have and we can see if we can find your EOC. EOC’s are mandated to be in Plain English.

      Reply

13. My son’s father’s employer is refusing to drop our son from his health insurance they are saying we need a court order to take him OFF the insurance. Even though he is fully covered for state funded medi-cal as he is an SSI recipient.

    My son has autism and his father’s insurance is denying recommended hours of treatment.

    Reply

    • Check out our pages on:

      Medical Necessity

      Medi Cal FAQ’s on autism

      Check out the clinical bulletins for the services you are looking for. Here’s one as an example.

      Aetna – Autism Spectrum Disorders

      Our webpage on Appeals & Grievances

      State of CA Independent Medical Review

      Our webpage on Medi Cal and other coverage

      What makes you think Medi Cal will pay for these services and employer group won’t?

      Medi Cal in CA is all HMO!

      Your husband employer, probably thinks they would be BUSTED if they are thought to be gaining advantage by taking the “sick” people off their group plan!

      RELEVANT LAW:

      The following federal laws focus on addressing discrimination based on health status that occurs at the point of enrollment, but only tackle risk management techniques linked to coverage to a limited degree.

       Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits intentional and disparate impact discrimination in the form of lesser benefits based on race; and prohibits both greater charges and provision of lesser-value benefits based on sex.

      ***I’m not sure of your ethnic background and it’s not relevant to me… BUT my local congresswoman is of what appears to be the same background and 1/2 of her posts are how the US Government discriminates against that ethic background! By the way, she’s IMHO an Idiot on Health Care as she keeps telling the people who elected her in Southern CA to go to Health Care dot gov rather than Covered CA or better yet to the local agents, many of whom I’m sure are of the same ethnic background. Please excuse my rant. Don’t forget President Trump said health care was more complex than anyone knew. He should have asked me or visited this website.

      Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prevent any employer-sponsored plan or public insurance program operating in either the group or individual market from refusing to enroll a qualified person with a disability.

      Thus, if an employer health plan takes off a disabled person, it will “look like” it was the employers idea, not yours.

      Also, Social Services are for those in dire need, not ones who have income and employer benefits.

      I suggest you research the clinical bulletins and try IMR.

      What Does Autism Spectrum Disorder Look Like in Adults?

      Autism community in Action

      Autism Speaks.org
      Guide for Adults

      

      california healthline.org/delays-for-autism-diagnosis-and-treatment-grew-even-longer-during-the-pandemic/

      Reply

    • My sons father (ex-husband to be, legally we are still married) have been separated for 6 yrs I just never filed ,

      He got a job and added our son to insurance

      I found out because my son’s therapy was cxl [cancelled] because medical [medi-cal] said they are no longer the primary.

      What can I do if I don’t want his dads work insurance since my son has medical [medi cal] and I’m his parent provider as well .

      I feel this is a mess and I don’t even know where to start.

      Please help?

      Reply

      • Check our webpage on dual coverage Medi Cal & Employer Plans

        Note also, that if you take your husband to court for child support or divorce, it’s quite likely the court will ORDER your husband to put the child on his employer coverage. Why should the tax payers provide coverage, when it’s available from an employer?

        Sorry, but we are out of country on vacation…nor do we get compensated to help people with Medi Cal. If you have more questions, ask your Medi Cal HMO provider or see our contact page for Medi Cal.

        Reply

14. my son, who is mentally disabled just turned 28

    now united healthcare is trying to kick him off saying his disability occurred after he turned 18/19

    even though they determined him to be disabled and allowed him to remain on the insurance after he turned 26.

    Is he not grandfathered? Can they just chang the rules.

    Reply

    • Check your evidence of coverage EOC

      See “excerpt” of typical group plan above. It appears to me, it’s not if the disability was before or after age 18 or 19, but as long as it was before 26. See also the California Law in the very first section above. Age 26 shall not terminate coverage, if the child meets the criteria.

      Also note, UHC can require proof of disability annually.

      Reply

      • See the other FAQs for similar questions

        Reply

15. My son is deaf and on my husband’s health insurance in sept he will be 26 can he stay on my husband’s insurance

    Reply

    • Do you support him? Can he get a job? Can you get a doctors statement that he can’t work?

      He can always get COBRA for 18 months https://employers.healthreformquotes.com/cobra/ if it’s an employer group plan.

      Cal Cobra if a CA employer and you’re in CA for another 18 months https://employers.healthreformquotes.com/cobra/california-cal-cobra/

      He can get ACA obamacare with no pre-existing clause. Click here for CA Quotes. http://www.quotit.net/eproIFP/webPages/infoEntry/InfoEntryZip.asp?license_no=0596610

      Try these websites for help so that your son can find employment:

      https://www.nad.org/

      https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Support-Services-for-Adults/

      http://www.deaflinx.com/Services/gov.html

      https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/financial-assistance/

      Reply

16. I’m disabled and on my Dad’s Group Health Plan. I am in the state of Virgnia. I have Medicaid as secondary insurance.

    My father is retiring. When he loses his insurance policy, I am under the assumption that I will no longer be eligible for that insurance either.

    He will start receiving Social Security, and I have been told at that point I will be eligible for Medicare. However, in my state people who are now on Medicare and Medicaid are being put into a new program called CCC+ It’s managed care. I am not sure if I will be able to continue seeing my current doctors on it or not.

    Reply

    • Is there a retirement health plan for your Dad to stay on at his work?

      If all else fails, there is COBRA for 18 months.

      Reply

    • Medicare eligibility?

      I don’t know about getting Medicare just because your Dad is getting Social Security. Were you on SSI? SSDI? Try these links:

      https://socialsecurity.healthreformquotes.com/ssi/

      https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/sign-medicare/rules-get-part-hospital-medicare-no-charge/

      https://www.medicareadvocacy.org/medicare-info/medicare-coverage-for-people-with-disabilities/

      If you find a citation showing that you can get Medicare based on your Dad getting Social Security, please post it!

      Reply

      • Hi. Thank you for the links.

        Because I was determined to be disabled before the age of 22, I will receive Social Security benefits not based on my work record but on one of my parents’ work record. Once a parent is eligible for benefits I receive 50% of their social security income as an SSDI benefit. If they were deceased, I would receive 75%.

        The information is on the Social Security web-site:

        Adults Disabled Before Age 22

        An adult disabled before age 22 may be eligible for child’s benefits if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. We consider this a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.

        The “adult child”—including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, or step grandchild—must be unmarried, age 18 or older, have a disability that started before age 22, and meet the definition of disability for adults.

        https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/qualify.html

        In my case, because both of my parents have been working full time, I have been eligible for SSI based on my lack of resources and income and for Medicaid based on my disability and lack of income. Once my dad retires the situation changes in that I will receive SSDI. Some people in that case would also continue receiving SSI if the SSDI benefit was below a certain thresh-hold (based on how long the parent worked and earned). In my case I will just receive SSDI. I will also be eligible for Medicare. But because I will also still be in the income group eligible for Medicaid, I believe I will have the CCC Plus plan—although that is the part that the social worker wasn’t as sure about. It was being rolled out slowly, but she thinks now everyone may have to go on it.

        I was able to find my private insurance policy I have now through my dad’s work and it looks like I could stay on but only if I paid the premiums which would be more than I will receive in SSDI. I did find a policy in Connecticut for the same insurance company where a disabled dependent can stay on one year without paying premiums after the policy ends for the employee, but that’s not the case in our state/plan.

        Thank you for the provider search link for CCC Plus. It’s confusing because it seems more providers take Medicare or Medicaid than take one of the 6 managed care programs they’re putting CCC Plus people into. For example, I can see I would be able to continue seeing my PCP on some of the plans but not others, but I know he takes Medicare. And then I wonder if I’d be locked into that plan. I’m not sure how common acceptance of those CCC Plus plan is versus regular Medicare. I wonder if I’d be better off getting rid of Medicaid (if I’m allowed to even though I’m eligible) and paying for supplemental insurance for Medicare once I start receiving that. Something I will have to research more. But the provider search is a good start so I can check which of my current providers are covered by the 6 different plans.

        Thank you again.

        Reply

        • Do you get Medicare immediately or after two years?

          Reply

        • I don’t know about opting out of CCC… I’m only licensed in CA. Here’s how to opt out of Cal Medi Connect https://medi-cal.healthreformquotes.com/full-scope/hmo/cal-medi-connect/

          It’s one thing to simply not use Medi Cal, Medicaid, quite another to formally drop out of the program.

          Reply

        • When you qualify for Medicare, that would make you eligible for Medi Gap, although the under 65 rates are higher than for a 65 year old. https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/medi-gap-supplements/

          You could also get a Medicare Advantage Plan https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/medicare-advantage-plans/

          Here’s our website on Medi Medi Medi Cal – Medicaid and Medicare together https://medimedi.healthreformquotes.com/medi-medi-introduction-medicare-medi-cal-together/

          It’s confusing and complicated. I haven’t found many people that I could trust and are knowledgeable on all the rules…

          Reply

    • CCC?

      California has a similar program https://medimedi.healthreformquotes.com/medi-medi/

      Here’s the website for the Virgina Program
      https://www.cccplusva.com/choose/if-you-qualify-for-or-get-medicare

      https://www.cccplusva.com/choose/tips-for-choosing-health-plan

      Provider Search
      https://ssa-vaeb.maximus.com/VASelfService/resources/portal/index.html#P/public/provider_search

      Reply

17. I’m turning 26 in May my family has Cigna and I’m not sure what to do to stay on their insurance plan. I have fibromyalgia along with some other medical issues

    Reply

    • Do you meet the definition of disabled above? That is, you can’t hold a job and are chiefly dependent on your parents for support?

      Check with CIGNA’s member services, your Insurance Agent, your parents employer’s HR department and get the forms to certify (Sample from Oscar Insurance) your disability.

      If you don’t meet the definition of disability, you can get special enrollment into ACA/Obamacare (get quotes) as you’ve lost coverage.

      If you are not dependent on your parents… you may qualify for Medicaid either under MAGI Income Rules or aged & disabled. If you are getting SSI you automatically qualify for Medicaid.

      Reply

      • I recently did a fundraiser for my friends disabled child and raised $13,000.

        I need to know if I write a check for the proceeds to him, will he lose his coverage?

        Reply

        • See our webpage above and review the definition of “chiefly dependent”

          See also the IRS worksheet above

          Please note the court ruled that there is no exact definition – so I can’t give you one

          Reply

18. Hi,
    I have a brother who is disabled by birth. My parents have passed away and I am now his legal guardian. Is there an age requirement (for my brother) on when I would become his legal guardian for him to qualify as a dependent on my health insurance?
    Thanks
    -Maggie

    Reply

    • I don’t believe he would ever be your dependent for health insurance.

      What about Medi Cal or Medicaid?

      See dependent defintion here https://employers.healthreformquotes.com/ab-1083/employer-definition/employee-definition/dependent-definition/

      and in a specimen policy here https://steveshorr.com/steveshorr/ab_1672_small_group_guaranteed_issue/Blue.Shield/2016/Eoc.platinum.201601PPO.pdf#page=71

      WOW!!! you could be right!

      3) A Dependent child is a child of, adopted by, or in legal guardianship of the Subscriber, spouse,
      or Domestic Partner, and who is not covered as a Subscriber. A child includes any stepchild, child placed for adoption, or any other child for whom the Subscriber, spouse, or Domestic Partner has been appointed as a non-temporary legal guardian by a court of appropriate legal jurisdiction. A child is an individual less than 26 years of age (or less than 18 years of age if the child has been enrolled as a result of a court-ordered non-temporary legal guardianship.
      A child does not include any children of a Dependent child (i.e., grandchildren of the Subscriber, spouse, or Domestic Partner), unless
      the Subscriber, spouse, or Domestic Partner has adopted or is the legal guardian of the grandchild.

      I’m not sure I fully understand your question… Please obtain the EOC evidence of coverage for your plan and we can double check everything.

      Reply

19. How do we place our 27 year old daughter back on the Insurance to that it will pay for assisted living?

    Reply

    • 1st get the forms from your Insurance Company.
      Verify that you qualify.
      Is your daughter chiefly dependent upon you?

      Will your coverage pay for assisted living?
      Is that a medical treatment?
      Is it in the Principal Benefits and Coverages (Covered Services) section of your coverage?
      Is assisted living medically necessary?
      Sample Evidence of Coverage
      https://healthlaw.healthreformquotes.com/medical-necessity/

      Does she need assisted living or Board & Care?

      Does she have Medi Cal, Medicaid?

      Medicare?

      Is she on SSI?

      Check these links:

      https://life.healthreformquotes.com/long-term-care/nursing-homes/assisted-living/

      https://life.healthreformquotes.com/long-term-care/nursing-homes/home-health-care-finding/

      https://life.healthreformquotes.com/long-term-care/cant-afford-premiums-or-not-medically-qualified/low-income-assets-assistance-alternatives/medi-cal-qualification-nursing-home/alw-california-assisted-living-waiver/

      https://life.healthreformquotes.com/long-term-care/

      https://life.healthreformquotes.com/long-term-care/cant-afford-premiums-or-not-medically-qualified/low-income-assets-assistance-alternatives/medi-cal-qualification-nursing-home/medi-cal-nursing-home/

      https://socialsecurity.healthreformquotes.com/ssi/

      https://medi-cal.healthreformquotes.com/eligibility/aged-and-disabled-federal-poverty-level-program/

      https://life.healthreformquotes.com/long-term-care/cant-afford-premiums-or-not-medically-qualified/low-income-assets-assistance-alternatives/medi-cal-qualification-nursing-home/

      Reply

20. My 30 year old son is autistic and continues to receive medical insurance coverage through my group health insurance plan (Healthnet) based on my retirement from the University of California.

    He receives SSI and just received a Medicare Card in the mail that becomes effective on 1-1-19. The booklet accompanying the card is vague when it comes to deciding whether he should select or decline Medicare Part B. It states that he can sign up for Medicare part B through a Special Enrollment period at a later time without incurring a penalty as long as the family member is currently working.

    Does the same rule also apply if the parent is retired and has group insurance coverage through the prior employer?

    Thank you.

    Reply

    • See our Medicare Part B page and Employer Plans.

      Reply

21. I did not know my son could stay on insurance, he was diagnosed while on the policy with schizophrenia, cannot work, it has been 2 years, can I get him back on the policy

    Reply

    • Good Question. Does he qualify otherwise? Still chiefly dependent on you? Do you have Medi Cal, Medicaid? Dual Coverage?

      Please send a copy of your evidence of coverage. See the sample EOC’s above, it looks like you have 24 months.

      Did you get notification about your child being able to stay on the plan if you could show he was disabled?

      (2) Chiefly dependent upon the employee or member for support and maintenance.
      (b) The insurer shall notify the employee or member that the dependent child’s coverage will terminate upon attainment of the limiting age unless the employee or member submits proof of the criteria described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision

      (a) to the insurer within 60 days of the date of receipt of the notification. The insurer shall send this notification to the employee or member at least 90 days prior to the date the child attains the limiting age. Upon receipt of a request by the employee or member for continued coverage of the child and proof of the criteria described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a), the insurer shall determine whether the dependent child meets that criteria before the child attains the limiting age. If the insurer fails to make the determination by that date, it shall continue coverage of the child pending its determination. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=10277&lawCode=INS

      Check the appeals procedures in your EOC https://healthlaw.healthreformquotes.com/appeal-grievances/

      Reply

      • My son used to be on my health insurance via my employer and was removed when he turned 26 yrs old, he is now 29 and disabled.

        Would I be able to put him back on my health insurance with my employer and have Medicaid as a secondary insurance for him?

        I am in the state of Kansas.

        Reply

        • I doubt it as he wasn’t disabled before age 26. Please read the law cited above 3 times and when you think you understand it, read it again. If you have more questions, put them here.

          ACA/Obamacare is guaranteed issue. You can have an individual policy in addition to Medicaid – Medi-Cal (California)

          In CA, you can get quotes here.

          It wouldn’t hurt to fill out the forms to ask, but I don’t see that your employers health plan is mandated to take it. I only do CA and National Health Laws, if Kansas has something that might help you, you would have to check with the Department of Insurance there or see if you can find a top notch agent there. Here’s the NAHU Agent Finder.

          Reply

      • My daughter will be 26 in April 12, 2020. She was diagnosed with bipolar 1, etc etc October 2019. and is totally dependent on us since August 2019.

        Our insurance carrier, is refusing to allow her to stay on my insurance past age 26 because she wasn’t dependent on us in 2019 and 2018.

        Their premise is that if she wasn’t dependent on our taxes she is not eligible. She wasn’t disabled till very recently and before age 26.

        Please advise me on how to proceed?

        Reply

        • We can’t give you legal advice, but we can point out policy provisions, reference materials and the appeals process through State of CA and what it shows in your Evidence of Coverage.

          How about reviewing the guide to contract interpretation above.

          Please send a copy of your evidence of coverage and the disability forms you sent to the Insurance Company and their replies.

          This is what looks like the relevant portion of Insurance Code 10277

          attainment of the limiting age [26] shall not operate to terminate the coverage of the child while the child is and continues to meet both of the following criteria:

          (1) Incapable of self-sustaining employment by reason of a physically or mentally disabling injury, illness, or condition.

          (2) Chiefly dependent upon the employee or member for support and maintenance.

          I don’t see any requirement that the child has to be disabled for any period of time before age 26, just before age 26.

          With so recent a diagnosis, maybe they don’t believe she is truly dependent?
          For reference, check out the rules to be considered disabled for Social Security

          Check this page about SSI Supplemental Security Benefits, there are attorneys there…

          Check this page on Medi Cal

          When anyone loses coverage, they are guaranteed issue special enrollment into an Individual Plan, get quotes.

          Check the appeal provisions in your evidence of coverage.

          Reply

        • My son is 26 and disabled and lives with us. We do not claim him as a dependent on our tax return.

          The insurance is now asking for a copy of our tax return.

          Will that be a problem?

          Reply

          • How will you show that your child is chiefly dependent on you and your husband?

            We are no longer able to do complex research pro bono. We now charge for tutoring, education and research.

            You might try these links to find help to show your child is chiefly dependent on you.

            Reply

22. I have a 26+ year old child deemed incapable of self support and receiving social security disability. I just started a new job and have been told she is NOT eligible for health care coverage.

    xxx healthcare is claiming they only have to extend coverage to those children who were in their insurance plans prior to age 26 regardless of my being a new employee.

    Reply

    • Do you mean the Insurance Company is saying they won’t transfer the benefit over, from your prior employer, when you say:

      who were in their insurance plans

      Has your child been on your prior coverage?

      Reply

      • Insurance Code 10277 d

        (d) If the employee or member changes carriers to another insurer or to a health care service plan, the new insurer or plan shall continue to provide coverage for the dependent child.

        The new plan or insurer may request information about the dependent child initially and not more frequently than annually thereafter to determine if the child continues to satisfy the criteria

        Reply

        • Would 10277 d apply if my disabled son is on his father’s plan, is now turning 26 and my X husband no longer wants our son on his Insurance?

          Reply

          • Yes, we believe so. Your son has a special enrollment period to go onto your health insurance as he is losing minimum essential coverage.

            Please send a copy of your evidence of coverage EOC or let us know the exact plan you have and we can see if we can find your EOC. EOC’s are mandated to be in Plain English.

            Reply

23. My son has had SSDI for 2 years and now has Medicare. He may also qualify for Medi-Cal (Medicaid)

    Would having Government or other coverage disqualify him from remaining on an individual or employer group plan from his parents?

    Reply

    • I don’t see anything in the law (which we can only point out to you, we are not attorney’s and can’t interpret or advise you) or Sample EOC – Evidence of Coverage that says that he would not qualify for having other coverage.

      Just review our pages on dual coverage…

      Reply

24. What if disabled child lives with father, and pays majority of support, but medical insurance is paid by mother through employer.

    Child will be 26 next March.

    Each parent meets only one requirement.

    Can child still be covered by mother after age 26?

    Reply

    • I believe so. Both of you are still the parents. The child is still dependent on his/her parent (s)

      I’m out of country. If you haven’t resolved this with your employer’s insurance company, email me mid May

      Reply

25. What happens if a disabled dependent over 26 gets married? Does the parents’ coverage for that person end?

    I can’t seem to find an answer to this. (California resident).

    Reply

    • Good question. Is the disabled person still “chiefly dependent” on the policy holder, see above? If you do lose coverage, that would give you a special enrollment into ACA – get quotes here.

      What Insurance Company are we talking about? I can then pull the forms and proofs for that specific company.

      While this page is very popular 189 hits in the last 30 days, no one is buying Insurance from me and thus I haven’t kept up posting the revised forms. I’m happy to when asked.

      Reply

      • Yes, she is “chiefly dependent” on her parents’ insurance for lifelong medical care.

        The policy holder is Anthem Blue Shield/blue Cross.

        She also received SSI benefits.

        Reply

        • Please read again, at least 3 times, what chiefly dependent means. It doesn’t mean how much she needs or uses the insurance, but if her parents are supporting & maintenance for her. Please review the footnotes above that I’ve just added.

          Now that she’s married, is her husband supporting and providing maintenance for her?

          If she has SSI that provides around $1,000/month for support. Are her parents providing more than that? In addition, SSI automatically gives her Medi-Cal coverage.

          In CA telling me Blue Cross – Blue Shield means nothing. They are two separate companies.

          Please send a copy of her ID card. Then I will know and can get further details. I will not post any PHI – Protected Health Information. If I do post the ID card, I will blot that out.

          Reply

          • Thanks for the ID card. The plan your friend has is not one that I’m an authorized agent for. Please have her or her parents log into their “member portal” and then you can review the actual EOC full policy and the forms that BC/BS requires to prove disability. Also you can check the definition of dependent and from what I can tell in general, being married doesn’t disqualify a child. I’m concerned about “chiefly dependent.” Please review the page above again, as I just updated it.

            Reply

      • My son was diagnosed with Autism and sensory integration disorder when he was 8 years old.

        I applied for disability and he was denied.

        He is now 25 and will lose his insurance (our plan) BCBS in April of 2023.

        How should I proceed?

        He isn’t officially disabled.

        Reply

        • Here’s more information on our website about Autism and here

          What kind of disability are you talking about?

          SSI? SSDI? Medi Cal?

          How do you know your son will lose the group coverage? Did you apply? Does he meet the requirements in your EOC Evidence of Coverage?

          I don’t see anywhere, where it requires that one be “officially? disabled to continue the parents plan. Have you given your doctor the official insurance forms to fill out?

          If you don’t get Medi Cal or stay on the group plan, your son can get an Individual ACA Guaranteed Issue Plan. Get quotes

          See also COBRA and Cal COBRA

          Reply

          • We appied for SSDI.

            He does meet all of the requirements; [to stay on the group health plan] with one exception. Documentation of severity from his current primary.

            This is my quandry. His current primary is asking for instruction on this documentation and our insurance doesn’t provide instruction or documents/forms.

            Simply put, his primary doesn’t know him. He has given him a yearly physical exam for 5 years. The front office recieved a copy all diagnoses during the transition from his pediatrician so I have not accompanied him into the exam. I couldn’t make my request more simple. I haven’t approached BCBS regarding the hesitancy of his current primary to document and submit a letter of severity out of fear they may question our integrity.

            In my experience, having written diagnoses from multiple doctor’s and therapists does not equate to having a ‘disabled status’ when sourcing advocacy. I have struggled to find resources time and time again because he does not carry a legal status. I am fortunate that my son is strong and continues to learn and compensate for his disability but I am truly petrified at the thought of not having medical care for him

            Reply

            • As far as getting information from your doctor… It’s beyond my pay grade.

              Please ask your Insurance Company for a Copy of the Evidence of Coverage! It probably says that a form will be provided. Try asking your doctor to fill out another Insurance Companies form.

              The closest information I have would be Social Securities Manual above

              Here’s the section on Evidence 614

              Here’s our webpage on appeals & grievances

              Here’s some attorney’s that might be able to help you.

              Has your son worked & held a job? Are you applying for SSI or SSDI? If SSI Medi Cal is automatic!

              See above about ACA/Obamacare.

              How about buying this book from Nolo?
              

              Reply

              • Great information.

                I will try another company’s insurance forms.

                Unfortunately, this plan [my current health insurance] wouldn’t have evidence (ongoing therapies) before 2017. He had medicaid and batch blues (bcbs) prior to 2017.

                He has never had a job or wanted to drive. He attends community college and has almost completed an associates in fine arts. He doesn’t drive and has never had a physical relationship to my knowledge. I was a young mother (22) and made the decision that I would facilitate his growth and make accommodations as they arose. This may or may not have been the right decision. I am confident I made the most informed decisions with the help of TEACCH [Autism Program]; who administered his final evaluation. They provided a diagnosis along with invaluable resources. Like TEACCH, your research and advice have given me much of the same. The difference at this crossroad is the absence of youthful optimism. Your support, guidance and generosity have allowed me to objectively hope for great things. My appreciation is incredibly complex, articulating proper words is beyond reach. Your work is completely profound. I hope you understand the impact you have made in my life. Please, please please continue this work- specifically for the silent dreamers that just can’t give up.

                Thank you always.

                Reply

              • Great idea! Thank you!

                Reply

26. My daughter became disabled and unable to support herself at age 27.

    She had already been terminated from my company plan (a CA plan) at age 26.

    Might there be any possible way I can get her back on my CA Employer Coverage?

    Reply

    • Near as I can tell, the law lets coverage end at age 26. Here’s clarification in Blue Shield’s Group plan

      A Dependent child who reaches age 26 becomes ineligible on the day before his or her 26th birthday, unless the Dependent child is disabled and qualifies for continued coverage as described in the definition of Dependent.

      I don’t see a way to get her on your bosses coverage. She wasn’t disabled prior to age 26.

      How about an Individual Plan? Free Quotes

      Cal or COBRA?

      SSI?

      Medi-Cal

      SSDI

      Medicare?

      Reply

      • Doesn’t the obama care plan (Covered CA) depend on your income?

        I have a niece (>27yo) who is also low income and without a job and covered CA only allowed her to get a medi-Cal policy.

        We are hoping for fewer exclusions and more coverage choices

        Reply

        • ACA – Obama Care – Covered CA only asks for your income if you want subsidies, tax credits to pay for your premiums. If you use our quote engine, you can get quotes both with and without subsidies.

          Here’s the income chart to see what enhanced silver level you might get, Medi-Cal, subsidies, etc. Again, if you don’t want subsidies, don’t ask for them. No one can force you to take Medi-Cal.

          Here’s what I have on the benefits for Medi-Cal. I don’t get paid to do Medi-Cal. If you find something about benefits that I don’t have, please post it to help your fellow website visitors.

          All new insurance plans, must have these 10 essential benefits. ACA wanted to standardize shopping around for plans, so the only real choices are doctor lists, metal levels and insurance company service – reputation.

          Do we have a special enrollment period for your daughter to get coverage now? Otherwise we have to wait till 11.1.2017 for Open Enrollment to get a plan for 1.1.2018.

          Reply

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