Employer plan mandate on dependent coverage during college medical leaves of absence to become law

Legislation now heading to the president for his signature will require employer health plans to allow employees to continue coverage for a dependent child on a medically necessary leave of absence or who has been reduced to part-time student status due to a severe illness or injury. Insured and self-insured plans will have to give up to a year of extended coverage for a treating physician-certified medical leave of absence or change in full-time student status. The bill, named "Michelle's Law," will be effective for plan years beginning in 2010 if, as expected, the bill is enacted this year.  (Select News, 25 Sep 2008)

• Full text of HR 2851 (25 Sep 2008) (PDF)

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