States pass laws to expand parents' ability to insure 20-somethings

Wall Street Journal reports: "As Washington wrestles with health-care reform, states have been busy passing their own laws to allow many young adults to remain longer on a parent's health insurance. In June, New York's governor signed one of the most recent measures -- a law allowing families to keep children up to age 29 on their employer-provided insurance, even if they aren't students. The adult child must not be eligible for other coverage, and he or she must work or reside in the state. More than 20 states have similar laws. In most cases, the legislation extends coverage for young adults until their mid-20s, regardless of whether they are still in school. They typically require that the person not be married and not be eligible for other insurance. Parents usually have to pay more for the coverage, though that varies by state and plan" (Mincer, 8/23).

http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org