CHILDREN LEAVING THE NEST
The day you thought might never come has now arrived. Your children are growing up and embarking on new adventures that will take them away from home. Whether for marriage, college, or for military or mission service, there are important transitions ahead—transitions that may affect your children’s insurance benefits. Are they ready? Are you? Here are some ideas and information that might help.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
• Health plans usually reduce or limit benefits for dependents who live outside the service area. Call us (or your HMO) to find out what your medical plan will pay while your children are away at college, on a mission, etc.
• Once your dependents are no longer eligible on your health and life insurance, they may also become ineligible on your MetLife group home and auto insurance.
Checklist
If your child is still an eligible dependent…
Find health care providers in their new area
If your child is no longer an eligible dependent…
• If your dependent will be moving into an apartment, they may want to consider renter’s insurance that protects their property from damage and theft.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How long can my dependent children remain covered on my insurance?
A. Generally, we’ll continue to cover your dependents as long as they are single and younger than 26 years old. However, special exceptions apply to dependents who are handicapped and those 19 and older who work and are eligible for their own insurance. See your Benefits Handbook for details.
Q. Do my dependents have to be full-time students or living at home to be covered on my insurance?
A. No.
Q. What insurance options are available for dependents who get married or turn 26?
A. If your dependents do not have insurance available through their employment or school, etc., they may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage through Deseret Mutual. This is a provision that allows your children to continue their medical and dental coverage for up to 36 months. To be eligible, you need to enroll your dependent within 60 days of the date we mail the application to you.
Q. Why are the COBRA premiums so expensive?
A. The premiums are higher than you’re used to because your employer is no longer paying the majority of the monthly premium.
Q. What if my son (or daughter) quits working or loses his insurance?
A. You can re-enroll your dependents in your insurance as long as they are single and younger than 26. Be sure to re-enroll them within 30 days of losing their insurance. Use our Manage Your Enrollment feature.
Q. Can I add my son (or daughter) back onto the insurance if he is later divorced?
A. You can re-enroll your dependents as long as you do so within 30 days of their divorce. (We will need a court-certified copy of their divorce decree.) They can then remain on your insurance until they turn 26, remarry, or become eligible for benefits through their employer. Use our Manage Your Enrollment feature.
Q. Can I enroll my grandchildren?
A. Yes, as long as: (1) you have legal custody, or (2) your unmarried child and grandchildren are living with you in your home and are primarily dependent upon you for support and maintenance. There must be a direct lineal relationship between you and your grandchild through birth (or adoption). Use our Manage Your Enrollment feature.
Q. Can I use FSA money to cover expenses for dependents not on my insurance?
A. Perhaps, but only if they meet the IRS definition of a dependent.
This information is provided as a service to help you make informed decisions. Nothing in this information should be considered legal, financial, investment, or medical advise. For a complete description of the plans. please refer to your Benefits Handbook. As with any major life event, you should consult with qualified prefessionals of your choice who can provide you with appropriate counsel and advise.
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