Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois increases dependent age to 26

Effective for new groups issued on or after June 1, 2009, or upon renewal dates on or after June 1, 2009, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) group plan members – will have the option to cover non-military dependents to age 26 and returning military dependents to age 30. This applies to all insured groups, as well as self-insured municipalities, counties and schools. These dependents must meet specific eligibility requirements in order to be covered under the policy, described below.

If members elect to extend coverage or add dependent coverage, this change must be made during the employer group’s initial 90 day open enrollment period. Dependents not added during this 90-day enrollment period may be added later during the next open enrollment period. This is separate from the current open enrollment for employees and spouses who previously declined coverage and wish to enroll as of this open enrollment.

Eligibility Requirements
The following requirement and qualifications apply:

For Non-Military Dependents

• Cannot be married
• Must be age 26 or younger
• Do not have to be enrolled as a full-time student or tax dependent
• Do not have to be living in Illinois
• Do not have to reside with the insured

Returning Military Dependents

• Cannot be married
• Must be age 30 or younger
• Do not have to be enrolled as a full-time student or tax dependent
• Do not have to be a resident of Illinois
• Do not have to reside with the insured