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Blue Cross Extends Dependent Coverage to 26

By Beacon Staff

HELENA – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana says it is voluntarily moving to cover dependents as old as 26 in advance of a federal mandate to do so.

Some insurance companies around the country, including Blue Cross, have decided to offer the coverage early on the policies it sells. Self-funded policies it manages for other companies will make their own decisions.

Under the health care reform law passed last month, starting in September young adults will be able to stay on or return to a parent’s insurance plan until age 26.

Blue Cross says it should not result in a significant increase in premiums.

Current Montana law allows children to stay on the policies until 25. The new federal law adds another year.