A bill extending health insurance coverage to adult dependent children up to age 30 is on its way to the desk of Gov. Ed Rendell for his signature.

Jake Corman

Senate Bill 189, sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), was approved by the House May 12 after previously being enacted by the Senate.

Corman’s bill was similar to House Bill 838, sponsored by Rep. Mark Longietti (D-Mercer), already approved by that chamber of the General Assembly.

The bill follows the lead of 17 other states in extending age limits for parents’ group health insurance plans. In Pennsylvania, to be eligible, the child must be unmarried, have no dependents, be a state resident or be enrolled as a full-time college student and have no other health coverage.

Rendell is expected to sign the legislation.