Extended Dependent Care Coverage

The State of Connecticut recently passed legislation potentially extending dependent benefits for our members residing in Connecticut. Residents of other States may extend their dependent's coverage through the purchase
of a COBRA policy. The following is an overview of the options available to our members based on their
State of residence.

Metro North pays the entire premium for family and individual coverage under the Empire Plan. Several plans
other than the Empire Plan are available as well. However, a member who selects a plan other than the Empire
Plan will be responsible for any cost over and above the cost to the carrier of Empire. The list of health insurance providers and their costs fluctuate from year to year and are made available in late November.

A) All dependent children regardless of your State of residence are covered until age 19. Coverage is extended until age 25 if your dependent is a full time student at an accredited college or institution. You will need to provide to the Benefits Department each semester a letter from the Bursar's office which states they are a full time student. United Healthcare may also request this letter. Disabled children who meet certain criteria are covered regardless
of age.

B) If you are not a Connecticut resident: In addition to the coverage in paragraph A, you may elect to continue coverage for a dependent, regardless of whether they are a full time student by purchasing a COBRA policy through Metro North. This will provide coverage until your dependent reaches the age of 29. The COBRA covers health insurance but does not cover dental or vision. To receive dental or vision coverage your dependent must be a full time student and under the age of 25.

C) If you are a Connecticut resident: In addition to the coverage in paragraph A, you have two options. You may select the Empire Plan as your provider and purchase a COBRA policy as outlined in paragraph B. This would extend benefits for your dependents until age 29 but is costly. Your second option would be to select ConnectiCare or Healthnet as your provider in which case your dependent's coverage will be extended until they reach 26 years of age. If you are a CT resident and are interested in enrolling dependents (age 19 up to age 26, unmarried, not currently covered by their own employer's health plan, themselves residents of Connecticut) you would need to do so through ConnectiCare or HealthNet. If you are currently enrolled in the Empire Plan you would need to change insurance plans to avail yourself of this option. Dependents may not opt out of their employer’s coverage so as to seek coverage under your policy. The option transfer period is 12/1 through 12/30 each year. Any change in coverage during the option transfer period will be effective January 1st.

If you require further information contact Employee Benefits. Always double-check with Employee Benefits at 212.340.3083 to confirm the accuracy of the above information.