A slate of popular consumer protections roll out Sept. 23 as part of federal health reform. They include the extension of dependent benefits to age 26, a huge issue for many parents anxious to keep their kids on their company coverage as long as possible. But when that benefit applies depends on where you work and what type of insurance you have: If you have individual or small-group insurance, you are probably already able to extend coverage for your children to age 26. Most health insurers decided to extend coverage earlier this summer.
If you work for a large, self-insured company, the benefit probably kicks in when the new plan year begins, which is Jan. 1 for some and April 1 for others.
If you work under a collective bargaining agreement, you'll probably have to wait until the end of the contract.
Source: Minnesota Council of Health Plans
