Paterson wants family health coverage changed

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Governor Paterson wants to extend private family health insurance coverage to dependents up to age 29.

The proposal he will introduce Wednesday in his State of the State message would apply to families who have coverage through employers. Although New York doesn't require companies to cover dependents, it's common for employer-paid programs to extend to children through at least age 18 -- and 22 if they're attending college.

If Paterson's plan passes the Legislature, family coverage would extend to children until they are 29 -- regardless of whether they attend college.

The legislation would not cost the state or employers offering private insurance any extra money, because families would pay for it like a COBRA benefit, but at a significantly reduced price under a group policy.

COBRA is a program that allows a departing employee to remain under the employer's health plan by paying the full premium cost.