State RegulationsMA specificDifficulty 2/5
A Massachusetts family carrying dependent coverage completes the adoption of a child. How does Massachusetts law treat the adopted child under the family's accident and health contract?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why D is correct
Massachusetts law places adopted children on equal footing with natural children for dependent health coverage. Under M.G.L. c. 175, § 47C and M.G.L. c. 176B, § 4C, an adopted child is covered on the same terms as a natural child would be, so the family's coverage protects the child without underwriting and without treating the adoption as a new, conditional risk. The parity between adopted and natural children is the point the statute makes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A) Conditioning coverage on the entry of the final decree would deny the parity Massachusetts law gives adopted children; the coverage follows the same terms as for a natural child.
- B) Insurability screening is not permitted for the adopted child; Massachusetts law entitles the child to the same coverage a natural child would receive.
- C) No six-month waiting period attaches to adoption coverage; the adopted child is covered like a natural child under the Massachusetts provisions.
Memory hook
Adopted equals natural in the statute — same coverage, same terms, no extra hoops.