By Patti Steele
Q: I am no longer able to include my 19 year-old on my employer-paid health insurance policy. Many of his friends have no health insurance but I want him to be covered, if possible. Really expensive premiums are out of the question. Do you have any ideas?
A: One of the joys of parenting young adult children is watching them successfully assume adult roles and responsibilities. But everyone needs occasional help. One way to help your son or daughter is to point them toward affordable health insurance.
Wayne County has partnered with Blue Cross Network to help 18-30 year old residents who lack health insurance because they have "aged-out" of their families' policy or are students or are employed without access to a group policy at a reasonable rate.
Individual health insurance policies typically cost $350 per month or more. The Wayne County "Health Choice-Young Adult Program" costs $95 per month.
Eligibility requirements are simple:
- Be a resident of Wayne County
- Be between the ages of 18-30 years old
- Be a student or an employee
- Be in need of health insurance
"The "Health Choice-Young Adult Program" is perfect for those just starting out or for people who find themselves between their family's and future employer's coverage" explains policy holder and Wayne County resident, Scott Kefgen.
For more information, call 1-800-WELL NOW.
Patti Steele is a Board member for The Family Center and she is the School Health Consultant for the Macomb Intermediate School District. She has raised two grown children, one of whom uses the Health Choice-Young Adult Program. She is most grateful that this program is available in Wayne County.
20090 Morningside Drive
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Please email your questions to info@familycenterweb.org
The Family Center is a 501c3 non-profit community organization that depends on donations.
To volunteer or contribute, visit familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.
