Policy/Memo 4

Number: Policy Memo 4
Date Issued: February 23, 1987
Date Revised: March 30, 1988
Policy File Ref: A330
Subject: If a dependent is granted a medical leave due to disability and subsequently returns to school in less than a full-time status, for what period of time is the dependent eligible for dependent student status while in less than full-time status.

Background:

Under current policy, a dependent student who is granted a medical leave due to disability continues to be eligible for coverage for a maximum of 12 calendar months following the month in which the child withdraws from school plus the time between that period and the beginning of the next regular semester.

With the exception of students granted a medical leave of absence and students who need less than a full-time course load in their last semester, all other students must maintain a full-time status to be eligible for coverage (e.g., no allowance is made for students who drop below full-time status for financial reasons).

Policy:

A dependent student granted a medical leave due to disability who subsequently returns to school in less than full-time status can maintain eligibility for coverage for a maximum of 12 calendar months following the month in which the child withdraws from school plus the time between that period and the beginning of the next regular semester. The student/enrollee must submit a written request to the carrier which includes documentation that the school granted the student a leave of absence due to medical reasons and has accepted the student for continued studies on a less than full-time basis.

Example:

Child is granted a medical leave from school in October 1986. In September, 1987, the child returns to school in less than full-time status. The child's eligibility may continue until the beginning of the next regular semester in January, 1988. If the child does not resume full-time status at that time, he/she is no longer eligible as a dependent student.