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:

  • Health and Wellness PPO Plans administered by BCBSTX: Unmarried, eligible children under age 19 (under age 25 if full-time student; proof that a dependent is a full-time student is required each school term).
  • Dental Plan administered by Aetna: Unmarried, eligible children under age 25 (regardless of student status).
  • Vision Plan administered by Humana/CompBenefits: Unmarried, eligible children under age 25 (regardless of student status).
  • Physically or mentally disabled children of any age who are incapable of self-support.  Proof of disability may be requested and disability has to have occurred prior to age 19 (or age 25 if a full-time student).

"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 can cut back 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.