PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 9, 2008
Michelle's Law - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from terminating coverage of a dependent child due to a medically necessary leave of absence from, or any other change in enrollment at, a postsecondary education institution that commences while such child is suffering from a serious illness or injury and that causes such child to lose student status for purposes of coverage under the plan, before the earlier of: (1) one year after the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence; or (2) the date on which such coverage would otherwise terminate under the terms of the plan. Requires written certification by the child's treating physician. Directs group health plans to include notice of the terms of this Act with any notice regarding a requirement for certification of student status for coverage under the plan.
Provides that coverage under this Act continues in the manner in which the participant or beneficiary is covered under the plan changes so long as the change of coverage continues to provide coverage of beneficiaries as dependent children.
Applies such requirement to coverage offered in the individual market.
People & committees
Rep. Hodes, Paul W. [D-NH-2] · D–NH
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 110-381.
Became Public Law No: 110-381.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Cleared for White House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S9459)
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S9459)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H7541-7543)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H7541-7543)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2851.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7541-7546)
Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 522.
Committee on Ways and Means discharged.
Committee on Ways and Means discharged.
Committee on Education and Labor discharged.
Committee on Education and Labor discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 110-806, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 110-806, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Mar 23, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.2851 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.2851 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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