This may vary slightly from one state to another. In all cases an eligible dependent on a health insurance application may be your spouse or your child. Some states will recognize a domestic partner as a spouse, but this may also depend on if you are applying for individual or Small Business. The laws for domestic partner dependency on health insurance will vary by state and by the type of health insurance. For children, there may be limitations on up to what age your child can be included as a dependent on your health insurance. Most states will allow your child to remain on the policy if they are a full-time and dependent college student, even if they are not living at home. The maimum age for dependent college student children may also vary by state, the health plan type and by health insurance carrier requirements. A child may be able to remain on your coverage permanently if they meet certain disability requirements that prevent them from being self-supportive. In some cases, a dependent parent or sibling that relies on you for their welfare due to a permanent disability may also qualify as a dependent on your health insurance. For more information on the regulations that govern qualified dependents in your state, contact your State Department of Insurance or your insurance company.

With the new health care reform law you are able to add children up to age 26. The qualifications are the same as before when a child could stay on your plan if they were a full time student.

Source: http://new.easytoinsureme.com/