Disabled Dependent Certification

Certification of Dependent Disability


An unmarried child who is totally and permanently disabled may be enrolled in health and dental insurance regardless of age (The disability must have existed before the child, while an eligible dependent, turned age 26 or while a full-time student.) By age 29, Medicare coverage or SSI disability will be required to maintain active coverage.

Totally and permanently disabled (physically or mentally) is defined as: claimed as a dependent on the employee’s, plan member’s, subscriber’s, policyholder’s, or retiree’s tax return; and enrolled in and receiving Medicare disability benefits or enrolled in and receiving current SSI recipient due to disability.


Eligibility


To be considered eligible for Certification of Dependent Disability, your dependent must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • The dependent must be unmarried and permanently disabled. The disability must have existed before the child, while an eligible dependent, turned age 26 or while a full-time student.
  • Totally and permanently disabled (physically or mentally) is defined as: claimed as a dependent on the employee’s, plan member’s, subscriber’s, policyholder’s, or retiree’s tax return; and enrolled in and receiving Medicare disability benefits or enrolled in and receiving current SSI recipient due to disability.
  • The Certification of Dependent Disability form must be completed and indicate that the dependent meets the federal tax guidelines, and is a qualified dependent on the employee’s most recent federal tax return.
  • Enrolled in and receiving Medicare disability benefits or enrolled in and receiving current SSI recipient due to disability. Documentation is required.


Enrollment:

You must complete the Certification of Dependent Disability form before you can enroll the dependent(s) on your insurance plan.

  • This form must be completed and returned to your Human Resources Associate.
  • A copy of the dependent’s Medicare card or current calendar year SSI Statement must be included for documentation review and approval.
  • Recertification is required on an annual basis and is valid through the upcoming calendar year.