Enrollment & Continuation
The deadline for enrolling in health and dental plans is 60 calendar days from date of hire or eligibility. Enrollment in vision and life insurance is automatic for all eligible employees. Currently, there is no exclusion for pre-existing conditions. An open enrollment period for health and dental plans is usually scheduled each year.
Continuation of Benefit Plans
If you or your dependents can no longer participate in a benefit plan due to a loss in eligibility, you may continue your health, dental and/or vision plan coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Effective January 1, 1998, the requirements of HIPAA change enrollment policies to allow for "special enrollment" and "late enrollment" periods.
Special Enrollment
Allows the employee to enroll upon request, if a Declaration of Health Coverage form (HB-12A) is not already on file.
- Loss of other coverage.
- Non-enrolled employees acquiring a dependent or enrolled employee's non-enrolled spouse can enroll for self and all eligible dependents.
- Court-ordered coverage.
Late Enrollment
Upon request, the employee and eligible dependents can enroll after a 90-day waiting period.