| Affordable group benefit programs:
Health Plans, Dental Plans, Term Life Insurance, Disability Income Protection, Cafeteria Plans, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plans, Long-Term Care Insurance |
| Division of Insurance expects carriers to issue individual policies to children under 18 when requested by a responsible adult. |
| The Massachusetts Division of Insurance recently reminded all carriers that it expects them to issue individual policies to children under 18 when requested by a responsible adult, such as a parent, grandparent or guardian. This individual policy will cover a child under the age of 18 as an enrollee even if the adult is not included on the policy. |
| The definition of an eligible individual under M.G.L. Ch. 176J and 211 CMR 66.00 is “an individual who is a resident of the commonwealth.” As there are no age limits within this definition, an individual of any age would be considered to be an eligible individual and is eligible to enroll in a plan marketed to individuals/small groups with or without an adult included on the policy. |
| Understanding that a carrier cannot enter directly into a contract with a minor, the DOI expects the carrier to make appropriate arrangements for the responsible adult to sign the application form on the minor child’s behalf. |