Human Resources & EO

GIC - Dependent Health Coverage Age 19 or Over Instructions

Dependent coverage is automatically ended at the end of the month in which your dependent turns 19.  In the past only full-time students could continue to receive GIC health insurance. You can now continue to cover your dependents whether they are full-time students or not. You need to complete a Dependent Age 19 or over application to the Group Insurance Commission. If you have questions, contact the Group Insurance Commission at 617.727.2310 ext 5 (student unit). As a result of the recently enacted Affordable Health Care Act, effective March 30, 2010, employees who cover their non-IRS dependent(s) will no longer be subject to imputed income. The imputed income charge will only apply to the period of January through March 2010. Note: this change is only for non-IRS dependents. Employee who cover a married same-sex spouse are still subject to imputed income charges. In order to avoid a gap in health insurance coverage, complete Dependent Health Insurance (Age 19 or Over) Application.

You must carry family health insurance in order to add a dependent. You need to complete a Form 1 in Human Resources (if you don't currently have family coverage) and complete an IDF form in Human Resources to add your dependent. If you are enrolled in a Health Maintenance Plan you must also complete the HMO application in Human Resources. 

The Dependent (Age 19 or Over) Application with a copy of the dependent’s birth certificate is mailed to the Group Insurance Commission. 

For additional information read Dependent Age 19 or Over Question and Answers.

It is the employee's responsibility to complete the application and mail in the form with a copy of the dependent’s birth certificate directly to the Group Insurance Commission, Continued Coverage Unit, PO Box 8747, Boston, MA 02114-8747. To contact the Group Insurance Commission’s Continued Coverage Unit call 617.727.2310 and press 5).

Notification Requirements:

You must notify the GIC when your dependent:
     -  Is no longer a full-time student at an accredited school
     -  Withdraws from school
     -  Is on a medical leave of absence from school or the medical leave of absence ends
     -  Ceases to be an IRS dependent
     -  Ceases to be a Non-IRS dependent

Failure to do so may result in financial penalties.  If one of these events occurs and your dependent is eligible for continued coverage, you can apply for continued coverage by completing another "Dependent Age 19 and Over Application for Coverage", or you may apply for COBRA coverage.  The health plan or the GIC will contact the employee periodically to verify your dependent's continued eligibility.  IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE VERIFICATION REQUESTS, YOUR DEPENDENT’S COVERAGE WILL BE TERMINATED.

* For clarification of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules for dependents, contact the IRS or tax profess as they are the tax experts. Do not contact the GIC.  You can also check out the IRS website

*  The GIC can only accept original applications, not photocopies or faxed transmittals.  Keep a copy of this application for your records.

Imputed Income for Non-IRS Dependents and Same Sex Spouse

Employees who provide coverage for their Non-IRS dependents age 19 to 26 and employees who carry their same-sex spouse are subject to federal taxes on the value of their health plan’s full cost individual premium. This is known as imputed income to the insured.  See Imputed Income Table: You can additionally contact the Group Insurance Commission at 617.727.2310 (wait for a list of departments and enter #5).

Alternative Health Insurance for Dependent through Connector Authority

An alternative solution, if your child is a Massachusetts' resident, is to have your child apply for health insurance through the Massachusetts' Health Care Connector Authority:  1.877.623.6765.