Understand what your employer is responsible for in your plan before signing up.
Health insurance laws in your state are designed to protect you and make sure you have access to insurance. However, because of this regulation, there are certain responsibilities that your employer must accept if it chooses to offer a group health insurance plan. Before you enroll in your employer's plan, you should know about some of the common things to look for in group health insurance.
Non-Discrimination
Employers are not allowed to discriminate against you when offering health insurance. Discrimination is typically defined as an offer of health insurance benefits based on your health status, age or some other factor that would be predictive of your use of health insurance benefits. The employer must make all rules for the administration of the plan equal for all employees.
Family Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act allows you to leave work for a serious illness or to take care of a severely ill family member and keep your health insurance benefits. These benefits must be the same benefits you had while you were working. In states where your employer must contribute to your health insurance, it is typical for the employer to be compelled to continue paying for his share of your health insurance benefits.
Open Enrollment
Your employer must offer you an open enrollment period after you are hired if you qualify for group health insurance. In addition to this, some states mandate an additional open enrollment at specified times throughout the year or when certain life events happen (like if you have a child or get married).
Employer Contribution
Some states, when your employer offers you health insurance, require that the employer must also contribute to your health insurance premiums. An employer may, for example, be required to pay at least 50 percent of your health insurance premiums. This would be applicable for all employees that qualify for group health insurance under the employer's health plan.
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