Disabled Dependent Children

History

If a child who is physically or mentally incapable of self-support is covered under the Purdue benefit plan, the child may continue on your Purdue coverage beyond the normal age limit if the disability continues and the child remains unmarried.  You may be asked to provide certification of the child’s disability annually. The OnePurdue system allows for a dependent child to be coded as disabled.  In an effort to keep our data as accurate as possible, Staff Benefits maintains a spreadsheet listing employee's name, dependent name, nature of disability (permanent or temporary), and if a physician's statement is on file.  An audit is conducted during open enrollment and then again in April. 

Notes

• Child must be on employee's coverage when disabled.
• Cannot be added to coverage after the disability begins (example: not on parent’s coverage and is diagnosed with depression).
• Depression is always temporary.
• UHC makes the final decision on eligibility per their plan document for those choosing the Arnett option
• On occasion, Purdue has allowed a disabled dependent to go off of the plan and then return.  The only reason has been to allow the disabled dependent a chance to try to be independent.  This requires special approval and documentation.
• Documentation must be on file for coverage to continue.
• If a new hire adds a disabled child when enrolling, send the initial letter (may need to modify dates) and the physician's form.
• Anyone missed being sent a letter during the year is sent the Open Enrollment Letter, stating that coverage will terminate on December 31, if documentation is not provided.