Q: My son has recently been dropped from my health care because he reached the age of 22. I have heard that there might be an extension of health benefits for dependents. Has there been any decision on this? Also, are there any provisions of adding dependents after the open health benefits period, which is approaching.
A: Extending the age at which dependents may be covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits program would require a change in the law. Although such a change was proposed by the previous Office of Personnel Management director, Congress has so far has taken no action. At present, dependents can only be added after the close of an open season if a specific event occurs, such as when the enrollee marries, has a new child born of the marriage or adopts a child.
— Reg Jones
