2010-03-22, 11:57 AM
Kalovale Wrote:What exactly does this mean? Dependent kids in the family who can't pay for their own insurance yet can still get one? Is it free? Is it supported financially by some sort of fundings? How much is covered? Will it be taken away once said person hits 26 years old? Or will the person be forced to pay more money? What if they still can't afford to by then?
It used to be that dependent children were covered only until a certain age defined by the health care company they were receiving coverage, usually around 21. Once Obama signs this bill into law, it will be federally mandated that all companies have to insure dependent children under their parents' health care plan until they're 26. Essentially, anyone 26 or younger now is covered under their parents' plan, unless they want to buy their own plan. Also, to answer your final questions: while you won't be covered under your parents plan when you hit 26 (so yes, it will be taken away), you will be forced to buy a plan under this new bill (that's the basic point - everyone HAS to buy a plan, now). However, if you're unable to afford a plan, government subsidies are in place to help pay your premiums.
In other words, you're covered under your parents' plan until you're 26, but can purchase your own plan beforehand if you want. If you hit 26 and are still not in a place to afford a new plan, the government will help you pay for a new plan based on your income. Regardless, you will be covered, and you won't go bankrupt trying to get coverage
.