time student dependents—To what age is my child eligible to be a full-time student dependent?
Dependents are eligible as full-time students from age 19 until the first of the month following their 25th birthday. Dependents are not able to be listed/categorized as student dependents until the age of 19. Being a student dependent requires enrollment as a full-time student (defined as 12 credits hours per semester) in an accredited school, college, or university and solely dependent upon the employee for support. The member must contact the Pennsylvania Medical Society Insurance Agency to have the dependent certified as a student (upon their 19th birthday). Following initial certification, Highmark Blue Shield conducts an annual full-time student certification process each June. The purpose is to verify that the dependent is still a full-time student. The notice is sent to the member/contract holder. If this certification is not completed and returned to Highmark Blue Shield verifying continued student status, the dependent student’s coverage is cancelled. Parents or Employers may
