Public Employee Press


Health and Security Plan News
Dependents covered to age 26 in July

Beginning in July, dependents of DC 37 members and retirees will be eligible for city health insurance coverage and union health benefits until they reach 26.

Before President Obama's 2010 Affordable Care Act, dependents' coverage ended at 18 unless they were in school.

Now dependents will be eligible for DC 37 Health and Security Plan supplemental benefits (prescription drug, dental and optical coverage) until the end of the month when they reach 26.

To ensure the coverage of their dependents, DC 37 members and retirees must fill out an application form and, in some instances, submit further documentation.

A copy of the birth certificate or guardianship or adoption papers must be included with the application for dependents who are not currently receiving benefits. This group includes dependents whose coverage ended at 19.

The DC 37 plan included the application in an April mailing about the extended coverage. If you need the application, call the plan's Inquiry Unit at 212-815-1234.

Send your application and documentation to DC 37 Health and Security Plan, 125 Barclay St., Room 811, New York, NY 10007, or fax it to 212-815-1649.
To terminate coverage, send the plan a "Termination Form," which also may be obtained from the Inquiry Unit.

City health plans will automatically continue covering dependents who are already enrolled until they are 26. Parents and guardians must submit an application and documentation for any dependents between the ages of 19 and 26 they wish to add.

More information is available on the city's health benefit program website at www.nyc.gov/olr.