Adding Dependents on a Health Insurance Plan in Michigan: Answers to Common Questions

If you are enrolling in a new health insurance plan or are enrolling for the very first time, you are likely overwhelmed with questions, and we don’t blame you. There’s so much to understand and so many different policies to consider. Some of the questions we commonly hear pertain to which dependents can be covered under a health insurance plan in Michigan.

Clearly, policies differ depending on the insurance company you choose, the scenarios in your personal life, and whether you use a government plan or a private insurance company. 

However, following are some general, basic answers to several common questions about insurance eligibility, especially as they pertain to publicly funded programs.

Who can be added as a dependent on my health insurance plan? What is the age limit for my children to be added?

This is one way to think of it: If you can count someone as a dependent on your taxes, you can also count him or her on your health insurance plan.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, if your plan covers children, you can now add or keep your children on your health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old.

There have always been many myths about when eligibility expires, and it’s easy to see why. The rules have changed over the decades, leaving people unaware of what’s true today.

Here’s how it stands now. Currently, children under the age of 26 can be covered under their parents’ health insurance plans in Michigan even if they are:

• Married
• Not living with their parents
• Attending school or not
• Not financially dependent on their parents
• Eligible to enroll in their employer’s plan

In addition to your spouse or other dependents, you may typically include the following individuals in your plan:

• Biological children
• Stepchildren
• Adopted children (as of the date of placement)
• Foster children in your care
• Your children’s siblings or half-siblings
• Your eligible children’s children

After dependent children turn 26 years old, they can qualify for a special enrollment period that allows them to enroll in a health plan until another regular open enrollment period begins.

It’s important to note that children must have been living with you for at least six months before they are eligible to be included in your health insurance plan in Michigan. Additionally, a child can only be claimed by one household, which would pertain to a joint custody arrangement for example.

Regarding who can be included as a dependent, are there differences between government-based insurance plans and insurance through private companies?

Many policies apply across the board, but there are many differences as well, especially in regard to specific details within the policies. Explore your plan carefully to identify all the benefits you can receive.

How long can I include disabled children on my health care plan in Michigan?

Generally, disabled individuals who cannot be financially independent may be included in your health insurance plan indefinitely. Coverage will continue as long as he or she was disabled before age 19 and continues to be disabled.

As a side note, you may also wish to explore a variety of national, state, and local programs that can assist with caretakers’ financial expenses. Organizations that may help Michigan families with such things as grants for equipment include:

• Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
• The Great Lakes ADA Center
• Michigan Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers
• Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

 Can I cover my parents?

You may be able to consider your parents as dependents and therefore include them under your insurance policy if you already claim them as dependents on your taxes.

However, policies may vary in this regard. For example, some insurance companies may require that the parent or parents live with you.

Contact your insurance company directly to inquire about this possibility and understand the specific requirements. 

Can I include my grandchildren as dependents?

You can include your grandchildren as dependents if their parents (your children) are your dependents as well.

When it comes to adding dependents on a health insurance plan in Michigan, the various rules, legalities, and possibilities can be overwhelming. Michigan Planners is here to help both employees and employers understand their insurance options and benefits. Contact us for assistance in identifying the plans that are right for you or your employees.