Once made, your choices to receive benefits under the Hamilton College medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending account plans generally must remain in effect for the entire Plan Year (January 1 through December 31). However, under certain circumstances (referred to as “Status Events”), you may be able to change your selected benefits during the Plan Year if the change results in a change in eligibility and is requested within 30 days of the event. For a more detailed description of these events please refer to page 2 of the Benefits Guidebook or to the Notice of Change in Status and Request to Change Employee Benefit Plan Elections form. Please note the same “Status Events” apply to your adult children under age 26 whose coverage is currently extended under National Health Care Reform.
In compliance with Health Care Reform legislation, medical coverage for children is now available until a child reaches the age of 26. The child does not have to be a full-time student, does not have to be a tax dependent of the employee, can be unmarried or married (spouse or children of that child are not eligible) and does not have to accept an offer of their own employer-based coverage. The same employee contribution structure applies as applies for other dependents.
At age 26, an adult child may continue their coverage at 102% of full cost under the terms of COBRA for up to three years. Another option provided by New York State law is the “Age 29 – Young Adult Option”. Under New York State’s “Age 29 – Young Adult Option”, an unmarried young adult without an offer of their own employer-based coverage may enroll for coverage at full cost to age 30 (must enroll for the same plan option as parent is enrolled). If your child under age 30 has experienced a change in circumstances (or you want more details regarding eligibility) please refer to the Age 29 – Young Adult Option Enrollment Form.
Open Enrollment for children under the “Age-29 – Young Adult Option” is for a 30-day period each November beginning with the date of the active employee open enrollment period (effective date for coverage is January 1). Changes during the year must be requested within 60 days of an allowable change in status.
Please note that eligibility for dependent children under the voluntary dental and vision plans has not changed. A child may be covered up to age 19 or to age 23 if enrolled as a full-time student. A child losing dental and/or vision coverage may request continuation of coverage under the terms of COBRA.
