Gov. DeWine recently signed Ohio’s budget bill, HB33, which included provisions amending dependent coverage under dental and vision policies issued in the state in Section 1751.14. The bill extends coverage for unmarried dependents up to age 26 under certain conditions.
To qualify for the extension of coverage, a dependent must meet the following criteria:
- Be the unmarried natural child, stepchild, or adopted child of the subscriber.
- Reside in Ohio or be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher education.
- Be ineligible for coverage under their own employer plan.
- Be ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare.
The amendment applies to fully insured dental or vision plans delivered, issued, renewed, or amended in Ohio beginning January 1, 2024. It is important to note that this amendment does not require an employer to newly offer coverage to dependent children, nor does it extend coverage to the children of a dependent (e.g., grandchildren of the subscriber). Employers are not required to contribute to the premium for the extended period of coverage.
Employers that sponsor insured plans should be aware of this law and should consult with their carrier(s) for additional information.