An Overage Dependent Child is eligible for benefits to the maximum age allowed in your District’s plan, provided they are a natural, adopted or step-child who is single (i.e. unmarried and not living in a common-law relationship) and is financially dependent on you or your spouse. The Overage Dependent Child must also be either in full-time attendance at a recognized school, college or university or be considered disabled. Full time attendance at school typically means more than ten hours of classroom instruction per week or to be registered in at least 3 classes per semester.

Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) will continue coverage as follows, unless otherwise ineligible:

  • When the Dependent Child reaches the minimum age of termination unless they are a student (e.g. age 21 or depending on your District’s plan) or functionally impaired – coverage ends the end of the month of the Dependent Child’s birthday.
  • When the Dependent Child reaches each birthday after previously qualifying for student status (e.g. age 22 to 24 or depending on your District’s plan) – coverage ends the end of the month of the Dependent Child’s birthday if not in school.
  • When the Dependent Child reaches the maximum age after previously qualifying for student status (e.g. age 25 or depending on your District’s plan) – coverage ends the end of the month of the Dependent Child’s birthday.
  • If your over age Dependent Child is disabled, PBC must approve continuation of coverage once your child has reached the minimum age, for extended health and dental. To obtain approval please complete the BCPSEA Change Form and provide a copy of the approved CRA or PWD (Persons with Disability) document to your School District Benefits Administrator. The School District Benefits administrator will submit the change form and the necessary documentation to Enrollment@pac.bluecross.ca. PBC will confirm in writing back to the School District Benefits Administrator whether coverage has been approved or declined. Your School District Benefits Administrator will contact you once confirmation has been received. Please note, for a disabled Dependent Child to obtain coverage under your District’s plan, they should be considered disabled while covered as a dependent until reaching the minimum age of termination or until the end of their status as a student at a recognized educational institute. Coverage for a disabled dependent cannot be obtained, once their initial coverage has been terminated from your District’s plan.

If your child is considered an Overage Dependent the following steps will be taken:

  • The Benefits Administrator will provide you with the Overage Dependent form if the dependent child is nearing the minimum age (ie. age 21), and for ages 22 to maximum age for annual re-certification.
  • You must complete the Overage Dependent form if the child is a student as defined above, and return to the Benefits Administrator.
  • You have 31 days to return the completed form; otherwise, the Dependent Child will be removed from coverage at the end of the month of the birthday of the Dependent Child.