I am currently a full-time employee. I informed my employer of my intent to enroll in college in January. I will be taking on difficult courses so my work hours will be shorter than when I worked full-time. My employer has not informed me yet if I can still qualify for my current health benefits. What will happen to my health benefits if my work hours are below those that are required for full-time employees?
If your policy covers health benefits for full-time employees only, and you no longer qualify, your employer is required to provide you with COBRA. COBRA is essentially a requirement that your employer has to continue to offer you your current health insurance, but you have to pay for it. Payment is usually made directly to your employer. Discuss your situation with your employer. Employers are required to provide their employees all information about COBRA’s health benefits. Since you will become a student come January, you might want to sign up for health insurance programs that are offered through your school. One example is United Healthcare. Their health benefits cover various student injuries and illnesses. Visit the United Healthcare website to know more of the health benefits they offer. You can check if your school is participating in its insurance programs from its database. If you are in college, the American College Student Association or ACSA is also an option for you. You can sign up and be a member of ACSA to make use of its member benefits. ACSA offers health benefits through its student health insurance programs. A membership fee is required to join ACSA. Answer by admin — May 22, 2009 @ 11:32 am No CommentsNo comments yet. Leave a comment |
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You’ll need to talk with your employer. The criteria for health insurance coverage is usually at the discretion of the employer, except in the case of union contracts and the like. Employers can cover part-time employees to any degree that they decide, but usually they set a minimum number of hours per week and may offer modified benefits. You can also check your employee handbook.
