Change in Employment and Qualifying Life Events

[prakranga]

Hello,
Me, my wife and our 2 year old daughter currently have medical insurance coverage through my wife's employer.

She will be leaving her job in January 2010 and so I would want to get coverage for all three of us under my company's plan.

Is this alllowed under a qualifying event (QLE)? I do not want to get coverage now under my insurance plan's open enrollment period which runs from Oct. 16th to Nov. 16th and pay the extra 3 months premiums.

Thanks for your feedback.

[ecmst12]

Yes, your wife losing her other coverage is a qualifying event.

[cbg]

Under virtually all plans, this would be a qualifying life event. Check with your HR, but I can almost guarantee that it will be.

You will, however, have a maximum of 30 days to make the change. They will need a letter from your wife's employer or insurer specifying the exact date on which her coverage ended.

[lkc15507]

Agree. However, "virtually" is the key word. Self-funded, non-Erisa plan. Such as a charitable entity or government (muni, county, fed, etc.). That could get you. Example: A muni gvmt in my area is opted out of HIPAA. They DO NOT accept cretible coverage nor is loss of coverage a QE. Rare Beast. But they do exixt. ASK QUESTIONS! Best. lkc15507