Dependent Eligibility Criteria

SMU requires that all dependents enrolled in SMU Benefits Plans meet the eligibility criteria outlined below.  It is extremely important that you understand the eligibility criteria and enroll only those dependents that meet this criteria.

What Are The Dependent Eligibility Rules?

Eligible dependents include your legal spouse or qualified domestic partner, and dependent children (including dependent children of a qualified domestic partner) as follows:

  • Medical PPO Plans administered by BCBSTX: Effective January 1, 2011, eligible children under age 26 (regardless of student or marital status)
    • Coverage ends on the day prior to attainment of age 26.
  • Dental Plan administered by BCBSTX effective January 1, 2012: Unmarried, eligible children through age 18 (or through age 24 if a full time student).
    • Coverage ends on the day prior to attainment of age 19 for a dependent child (or the day prior to attainment of age 25 if enrolled as a full-time student).
  • Vision Plan administered by VSP: Unmarried, eligible children under age 25 (regardless of student status).
    • Coverage ends on the day prior to attainment of age 25 for a dependent child.
  • Physically or mentally disabled children of any age who are incapable of self-support are eligible for continued coverage.  Proof of disability is required.

"Children" are defined as your natural children, stepchildren, legally adopted children, and children under your legal guardianship.

Important: Following is important information regarding "Michelle's Law", which became a federal law effective October 2009.  This legislation enables students suffering from a serious illness or injury to take a medical leave during which they may reduce their course load to less than full-time or leave college for up to 12 months, to concentrate on their health needs - without jeopardizing the insurance they rely on to help pay for necessary medical services.  Following are several key points.  If you have a child in this situation please call the Department of Human Resources on 214-768-3311.

  • This legislation allows full-time college students to take up to 12 months medical leave.
  • It applies to students who are covered under their parent's health insurance plan.
  • "Medical leave" can mean that the student is absent from school or reduces his/her course load to part-time.
  • The date the medical leave begins is determined by the student's physician.

Loss of Dependent Eligibility: Please review the COBRA page for information regarding coverage options for dependents who no longer meet the eligibility requirements for SMU medical or dental coverage.