Guidelines - 5.1 Family Members Defined

REDEEM HealthShare limits membership to members of the same 
nuclear family. Nuclear families include only husband, wife, and 
children, but may include grandchildren in the circumstances 
described in 5.1.5 Grandchildren.

Children 18 and over must meet the membership requirements by 
signing an application form.

5.1.1. Spouse

Spouse means a legally married person. Marriage is defined as 
being between one biologically born man and one biologically 
born woman.

5.1.2. Adult Children (Age 18 and over)

• Your single children from age 18 to 25 may be on your 
membership if they are living at home (which includes while 
away at school full-time).

• A disabled child may remain on your membership after turning 
26 if you provide more than 50% financial support and claim 
your child as a dependent on your federal tax return. You must 
apply for your child to remain on your membership. Contact 
Member Care before the date your child turns 26. Otherwise, 
REDEEM HealthShare will automatically remove the child 
from your membership at the end of the month in which he 
or she turns 26. If you apply after the child is removed from 
membership, the child’s membership will start on the Member 
Start Date assigned to the new application date. 

5.1.3. Newborn

To add a newborn to your membership, at least one parent 
must be a member at the time of birth, and you must submit the 
application titled, To Add-on Family Members. Adding a newborn 
might increase your monthly share amount.

If you apply: 

• Within 30 days of birth, Member Care will add your child to your 
membership retroactively to the birth date. 

• After 30 days of birth, your child’s membership will start on the 
date of application. 

See section 3.9 Limited Sharing 3.10.1 Maternity and Newborns for 
details on sharing Needs for your newborn.

5.1.4. Adoption

REDEEM HealthShare considers your adopted children the same as 
biological children. See section 3.7 Pre-existing Conditions and 
3.8.1 Adoption for additional details on sharing Needs for Adoption.

5.1.5. Grandchildren

You may include your grandchildren as part of your membership if 
your grandchildren meet all the following criteria:

• You have legal custody, or your grandchildren are the children 
of a minor.

• They live permanently with you at your residence.

• They meet the eligibility Guidelines for children.

• They have no other agency, person, or group responsible for 
their medical bills. 

5.1.6. Guardianships

REDEEM HealthShare allows for guardian memberships. As the 
guardian, you must be 18 years old or older to manage the 
membership on behalf of a minor.