I received a job offer today and in the offer letter it mentions that I can elect the group medical coverage. However it states that all insurance has a 90 day waiting period for new hires to be eligible to participate. Is this negotiable or would the employer be locked into the 90-day requirement as part of their contract with the insurance provider? I really need the coverage immediately.
Answer by Moderator - October 16, 2009 @ 10:02am No CommentsNo comments yet. Leave a comment |
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The only way that this could be altered is if the employer modifies the enrollment terms with the insurance provider. This can only be done at open enrollment, which is the annual renewal of the group health insurance plan. The waiting period is decided by the employer during this period of time, or at first enrollment, and must then be adhered to and applied to all employees – without exception. You can consider a short-term health insurance policy if you need coverage prior to your group eligibility date. Short-term health plans will not cover pre-existing medical conditions. But, in all likelihood, your new group coverage will also impose a waiting period on any pre-existing medical conditions unless you have had prior health insurance coverage.
