Family Science and

Coverage for Over Age Dependents

Certain children over age 26 may be eligible for coverage until age 31 under Chapter 375 of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).

A State Health Benefits Program covered employee may only enroll an over age child who is Chapter 375 eligible during the Annual SHBP Open Enrollment period — held during the month of October. Coverage for the over age child would begin in January with the start of the benefit plan year.

This includes a child by blood or law who is under the age of 31; is unmarried; has no dependent(s) of his or her own; lives in New Jersey or is a full-time student at an accredited public or private college or university; and is not covered in any way under a group or individual health benefits plan, church plan, or entitled to Medicare.

The covered parent or child is responsible for the entire cost of coverage. These children are not eligible for dental or vision benefits. See the Health Benefits Coverage of Children Until Age 31 Under Chapter 375 Fact Sheet for more information.