Who is a dependent for COBRA purposes?

[Guest LLandau]

An employee has a son who is 20 years old. This young man is not in college but is actively involved in a church/missionary work on a volunteer basis. He receives informal training for this work, but the training is not through any school, accredited or otherwise. Currently, this 20 year old son is supported by his parents.

Broad Issue: What is the criteria for a "dependent"?

Sub-Issues:

1) Is this young man still considered a dependent ?

2)Can this young man stay on his parent's health coverage until age 21?

3)Should this young man be on COBRA at this time.

[Guest Matt J]

It really depends on the Employer's definition of dependent with their Medical carrier. Most plans, that I have seen, are until age 19 or up to 23 or 25 if they are a Full Time Student. I would check with the Employer and see what the Medical carrier says.

[Sandra Pearce]

As MattJ says you first look at the definition of an eligible dependent in the plan document. In our health plan a 21 year old "dependent" child not in school full time would not be an eligible dependent for any purpose. If your plan is subject to COBRA and is notified timely that a previously eligible dependent has lost eligibility as a dependent (such as age 19 but not a full-time student) the plan should offer COBRA continuation to the previously eligible dependent. COBRA does not have to be offered when the notice to the plan of loss of eligibility is not provided within 60 days of the loss of eligibility.