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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Implements Reform Provision Early and Extends Coverage to Graduating Young Adults

April 22, 2010

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has made the voluntary decision to expedite a provision of the new reform law and will allow dependents currently covered under their parent's health plan to stay on the plan until the age of 26. Instead of implementing the change on September 23, 2010, BCBSIL plans to extend the coverage May 1, 2010 — in time to benefit this spring's college graduates.

"We quickly agreed that early implementation of this provision would provide a significant benefit to young adults in this economically challenging year," said Karen Atwood, president of BCBSIL. "Because we knew we would be making the change in September, we felt confident that we could move up our deadline."

Once the gap in coverage is closed, young adults currently covered under their parent's health plan will be able to stay on their parent's health plans until the age of 26, regardless of student status, marital status, or employment.

The provision does not apply to self-insured businesses, or to collectively bargained groups. However, if these groups wish to extend coverage to dependents under the age of 26 before the required implementation, we will help facilitate the change in policy.



About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

With more than 7 million members, BCBSIL, a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, is the largest health insurance company in Illinois. Started in 1936, BCBSIL is committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and its communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSIL is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.



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