Don’t forget! Most young adults may remain on a parent's policy until age 26 as a dependent under Federal law. In addition, New Jersey law (P.L. 2005, c. 375, sometimes called “Chapter 375” or “DU31”) permits many young adults not otherwise qualifying as a dependent under a parent’s employer’s group health benefits plan to be covered as an “over-age” dependent until his or her 31st birthday, if certain eligibility standards are met.  Because coverage under a DU31 election is priced at a lower dependent child rate instead of a single adult rate, a DU31 election may be a more cost effective alternative to making a continuation of coverage election option under COBRA (a federal law), or the New Jersey Small Group Continuation Right (NJSGCR) law, or purchasing coverage in the individual market.  Some young adults may even choose to exercise a DU31 election as an alternative to buying into a young adult’s employer’s group health plan.

More information about coverage options for young adults, and DU31 Continuation in particular is available, or call the Department of Banking and Insurance at 609-292-7272.

If your parent is covered through the State Health Benefits Plan, refer to the Department of Treasury’s Pension & Benefits web pages.