STATE HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM and
SCHOOL EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM
COST OF COBRA COVERAGE vs. CHAPTER 375 COVERAGE

FOR OVER AGE DEPENDENTS WHO ARE AGE 26 THROUGH AGE 31

A dependent child covered under the SHBP or SEHBP is automatically deleted from coverage as of December 31 of the year the child turns age 26. Members and eligible dependents should carefully compare their coverage options before selecting either type of coverage over the other.

• For medical plan and prescription drug benefits, a sample comparison of rates for COBRA and Chapter 375 coverage are provided below.  Rates change annually, so be sure to compare the current rates for all plans prior to enrolling in either program.
  
  
• Depending on the parent's coverage selections, COBRA may provide separate enrollment for extended coverage under a dental plan and/or vision benefits.
  
  
• The COBRA coverage period is usually for 36 months; an eligible over age child can be covered under Chapter 375 coverage until age 31.
  

For additional information about Chapter 375 see Fact Sheet #74, Health Benefits Coverage of Children until Age 31 Adobe PDF (31K)

For additional information about COBRA see Fact Sheet #30, Continuation of Health Benefits Coverage Under COBRA Adobe PDF (39K)

COBRA and Chapter 375 rates for all plans are posted to the Health Benefits Web site.