What is required for a handicapped child to continue coverage under an individual health policy beyond the age limit?

For a handicapped child to continue coverage under an individual health policy beyond the age limit, proof of incapacity and dependency is necessary. This requirement is in place to ensure that the child is genuinely unable to live independently due to a physical or mental condition. Insurers typically require documentation or evidence that demonstrates the child's condition, as well as their dependency on parental support. This helps maintain the integrity of the insurance program and assures that continuation of benefits is warranted based on the child's ongoing needs.

The other options, while potentially relevant in other contexts, do not fulfill the specific criteria required for extending health coverage for a handicapped child. Parental consent may be a good practice but does not serve as a formal requirement. Documentation of income, although it may be relevant in assessing needs for financial assistance or other programs, is not specifically needed for the extension of health coverage. Additionally, a new health application is not a requirement for continuing coverage in this scenario, as the focus is on the child's condition rather than a fresh application process.