Transitional Coverage and Extension of Benefits

Given the high costs of medical care for a person with CF, it is essential to maintain health insurance at all times. As people change jobs, or as children with CF pass age 18, you need to know your rights and take advantage of the programs that are available to extend coverage.

Turning 18

When a person turns 18, they may no longer be eligible for coverage under their parent's health insurance plan. Review the policy well in advance of an 18th birthday to determine how your health plan handles adult children. Full-time students (and part-time students with health-related exemptions) can generally maintain coverage at no additional cost. Others might need to extend coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

Under the terms of COBRA, all employers with 20 or more employees must offer employees the option to extend coverage under certain circumstances, including when a child turns 18. Extended coverage is generally available for 36 months, but the policyholder must pay the coverage costs. If the 18-year-old is unable to support themselves for medical reasons, it might be possible to extend coverage indefinitely under COBRA. For more information on COBRA, visit: www.dol.gov/ebsa/cobra.html.

The New York State Department of Health explains state laws and programs regarding health insurance for young adults on its website.