All Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans Announce Young Americans Can Remain on Their Parents' Policy in Advance of New Federal Law

WASHINGTON, April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's 39 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies will allow hundreds of thousands of young Americans to remain covered on their parents' policy in advance of a new federal law, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) announced today.

Healthcare reform legislation signed into law last month by President Obama would make coverage available to adult children up to age 26 for plan years beginning September 23, 2010.  Recognizing that this timetable could result in many young people losing their coverage prior to this date because of their age, student status, including graduation from school, or other factors, every Blue Cross and Blue Shield company has agreed to allow covered individuals under age 26 to remain on their parents' individual health insurance policies effective June 1.  We will offer this extension of coverage to our employer accounts for their members.

"The entire Blue Cross and Blue Shield System, which provides coverage to nearly 100 million Americans in every zip code in the nation, is committed to working collaboratively with the Administration, Congress, state regulators, and all stakeholders to provide for an effective and workable implementation of the new healthcare reform law," said Scott P. Serota, BCBSA president and chief executive officer.  "By proactively making this change now, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans are working to enhance and preserve coverage for as many Americans as possible."

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for nearly 100 million members – one-in-three Americans.  For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association