State lawmakers announced a new law Friday making it easier for individuals under 25 years old to receive health insurance.

The law, which was passed April 1, enables, but does not require, insurance companies to offer coverage to dependant children up to age 25.

Until this point, dependants could be on their parents' policy up to 19 years old if they didn't attend college, and up to 23 years old if they did. Once the person reached that age, extending coverage under COBRA in Nassau County cost between $943 and $1,559 a month.

State Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) said the new law should have required insurance companies to extend their policies.

"A few have and, we're hoping because of today's news, we'll get a few more to opt into it," Hannon said.