10/16/09: NTEU, working with Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA), received good news this week when the Speaker’s office announced that it will include language in the leadership’s compromise bill to extend the age for child dependents until 27. Earlier this month, NTEU backed the Van Hollen/Dahlkemper letter to key committee chairmen who are working with members of the House leadership to craft the compromise version of H.R. 3200 “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.”  This development is good news for NTEU in its fight to lift the age 22 cap for young adult dependents under FEHBP.   

While the legislative language will not be available for some time, NTEU is very encouraged.  Bills have been reported from three major committees in the House, and a comprehensive measure is being worked out with the House leadership.  It will be considered by the Rules Committee and then sent to the full House of Representatives for a vote.  Similar language is pending in the Senate HELP committee bill as well.  

We still have a long way to go before health care reform becomes law, and while there are other areas we need to monitor in terms of how the overall package impacts FEHBP, this is a very positive development for NTEU.  NTEU has worked to lift the age 22 cap for young dependents for some time.