What you need to know NOW!

1. Effective with your health plan renewal on or after 10/01/2010, "eligible" dependants will be covered up to age 26 regardless of student status.   If your company's plan renews prior to 10/01/2010, your dependent up to age 19 to 25 will still be required to provide a "Student Certification" to remain covered by the plan.  This does not apply to dental plans and only takes effect with your plan's renewal.  Early indications are that "eligible" means they do not have other employer coverage available to them.  This will change in 2014 to cover all dependants up to age 26 even if they have employer coverage.  
2. Effective with your health plan renewal on or after 10/01/2010, there will no longer be lifetime limits on plan benefits.  This applies only to medical plans.
3. Effective with your health plan renewal on or after 10/01/2010, medical plans can no longer impose pre-existing conditions on dependent children under the age of 19.  If your company has a Maryland Small or Large Group Plan this does not apply to you.
4. From 2010 to 2013, if you employ fewer than 25 full-time employees, average annual wages less than $50,000 and you contribute at least 50% of their medical premium, you are eligible for a tax credit of up to 35% of the employer contribution.  Non-profits who meet the previous criteria will qualify for tax credits up to 25%.  If you employ fewer than 10 full-time employees and contribute at least 50% of their medical premiums and their average annual wage is less than $25,000, you may be eligible for a 100% tax credit in 2010 through 2013.