Question
What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? What is the name of your state? Georgia
I am planning to become pregnant within the next year and a half and have no idea how to begin getting our insurance in order. Our situation is that my husband works for a large private company. I work for the federal government on a project that will end September 2006. We each maintain separate health insurance policies.
I hope to be pregnant as early as June 2006. What should we do about health insurance with my job ending when it does? Mine is much less expensive than his, but do I need to change over to his now (or during open enrollment), or will my job ending by its own terms allow me to become covered by his insurance even if I am pregnant? What about it I become pregnant shortly after leaving my job?
I will likely work part time after this job is over. Please let me know where to start and what might be the best course of action. Thanks.
Answer
Under HIPAA, pregnancy cannot be considered a pre-existing condition when moving from one employer-sponsored group policy to another employer-sponsored group policy.
When your job ends you will have 30 days from the end of the coverage to move over to your husband's insurance. As long as you are enrolled in the plan within that 30 day window you should be accepted and any pregnancy will be covered, even if you are already pregnant at the time.
Answer
Thanks for your response. Is it possible that his plan will preclude me from enrolling during that window (ie - not open enrollment) or is there a law the protects me from that as well?
Answer
Thanks for your response. Is it possible that his plan will preclude me from enrolling during that window (ie - not open enrollment) or is there a law the protects me from that as well?
Since your job is temporary, No. The loss of your insurance due to loss of a job should be considered a qualifying event.
However, you can feel free to contact the carrier and ask.... you could always enroll on his plan 1/1/06 if need be.
It's nice that you're planning ahead and actually thinking about the insurance coverage.
Kudos to you - for using your noggin and also, best of luck with the baby! Enjoy being a mom! It has tons of rewards!!!!!!!
Answer
Is it possible that his plan will preclude me from enrolling during that window (ie - not open enrollment) or is there a law the protects me from that as well?
Before I respond to that, let me ask you a question. When your husband's share of the premium is deducted from his paycheck does it come out pre-tax, or post-tax? If post-tax, does he have the option of having it taken pre-tax?
The likelihood is that it won't make any difference, but the answer to that question will determine whether there is ANY chance at all.