Definition of Dependents  

Note: PacifiCare changed its name to UHC of California and will do business as (dba) UnitedHealthcare of California, effective May 2011. (See the March 25, 2011 announcement.)

Dependent is any spouse or unmarried child (including a step-child or adopted child) of eligible employees.  Dependent children are covered to age 19, or through age 24 if a full-time student, unmarried and a dependent of the employee.

PacifiCare’s Medical and Hospital Group Subscriber agreement defines eligible dependents as:

1. The natural born or legally adopted children of the subscriber or of the subscriber's spouse (i.e. stepchildren)
2. Children for whom the subscriber or the subscriber's spouse has been appointed a legal guardian by a court; and
3. Children for whom the subscriber or the subscriber's spouse is required to provide health coverage pursuant to a qualified medical support order.  The following requirements must be met to ensure eligibility.
   1. The subscriber through whom the dependent is eligible must be enrolled in the health plan.
   2. The dependent's primary residence is within the service area, except as provided below for student dependents.
   3. The dependent must select a PROVIDER located within a 30-mile radius of the dependent's primary residence or primary workplace.