Skip to main content

Employee and Retiree Service Center → Employees → Life Events → Child No Longer Dependent

Child No Longer a Dependent

When does my child become ineligible for coverage?

Your child is eligible for benefits coverage on your MCPS Employee Benefit Plan until:

  • the end of the month in which he or she turns 26 for medical and
    prescription coverage
  • the end of the month in which he or she turns 24 for dental and vision coverage
  • September 30 following his or her 23rd birthday for life insurance coverage

Please see the Employee Benefit Summary for additional details about dependent eligibility.

What action do I need to take?

If your child becomes ineligible for coverage due to age, no action is required. Coverage will automatically end at the end of the month in which your child turns 26 for medical and prescription coverage, at the end of the month in which your child turns 24 for dental and vision coverage, and on September 30 following his or her 23rd birthday for life insurance coverage.

What are my options for coverage when my child is no longer a dependent?

Your child may be eligible to continue coverage as provided under COBRA. You may continue coverage by paying the full cost of coverage plus a 2 percent administrative fee for a period legally-mandated by COBRA regulations (generally 36 months). MCPS does not share the cost of COBRA coverage. A COBRA rate chart can be found on the ERSC website. You will receive a qualifying event notice (QEN) from the MCPS third party administrator (Voya) and additional information about COBRA coverage when your child's coverage ends.