|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Mark Longietti |
|
House passes Longietti bill extending parents' health coverage to older children
HARRISBURG, March 25 – The state House of Representatives today unanimously passed state Rep. Mark Longietti's legislation (H.B. 838) that would extend parents' health insurance coverage to their uninsured children through age 29.
"We must find a way to provide affordable coverage to young adults, both to ensure their health and to protect the overall integrity of Pennsylvania's health-care system," said Longietti, D-Mercer. "My legislation offers a cost-effective way to make sure these young adults have access to health care."
The bill would require health insurers to give insured parents or guardians the option of having their coverage extended to include an uninsured child through age 29. The insured person would be able to exercise this option at any time during the term of the policy. Employers would not be required to contribute to any premium increase that resulted, but could agree to do so.
To be eligible the child would have to meet all of the following requirements:
· Be unmarried
· Have no dependents
· Be a resident of Pennsylvania or enrolled as a full-time student at an institution of higher education
· Have no coverage under another health insurance policy
Current Pennsylvania law does not regulate the age at which a child loses coverage under a parent's or guardian’s health insurance policy.
Longietti said his legislation is critical, as many young people are staying in school longer and pursuing advanced degrees, meaning they may be unable to obtain health insurance coverage on their own into their late 20s. In addition, many young adults are beginning their careers in jobs that do not offer benefits. This bill would give them a way to secure affordable health-care coverage.
Longietti's bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
###ac/2009/jma
l:'print'releases'HB838pass.007