CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Young adults to age 26 could be covered under their parents’ health insurance under a bill given preliminary approval by the House on Tuesday.
The bill expands coverage to those young adults who are unmarried, have no dependents, are New Hampshire residents or who attend college full-time.
Supporters said the bill would provide continued coverage to many who attend college part time and work part time.
Commerce Committee Chairwoman Tara Reardon said premiums are expected to increase roughly 1 percent if the bill becomes law.
Opponents said mandating the expanded coverage could mean higher costs to businesses, which already are struggling to pay for health insurance for employees. Rindge Republican John Hunt called it an “outrageous mandate.”
The 222-135 vote sent the bill the House Finance Committee for further review.
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