30 Second Insurance Tips©

Tip 194- Double Check Your Waiting Period

Employer sponsored group health plans typically require that a period of time must pass between the date of hire and the date coverage becomes effective; i.e., “the waiting period.”

Under one provision of The ACA, waiting periods cannot exceed 90 days. Compliance is required on the Plan anniversary date beginning on or after January 1, 2014.

I covered this topic over a year ago, but I bring it up again because so many groups had their first renewal in 2014 delayed until right now, on December 1st.

So, if you had a non-compliant waiting period – for example, 1st of the month following 90 days – it will be shortened to 1st of the month following 60 days. Your insurance company will automatically make that change, which applies to employees hired on or after December 1.

Now would be a good time to double check and make sure your employee’s handbooks are up to date, and everyone knows the importance of timely enrollments.