This year, the Federal Open Enrollment period for group health insurance runs Nov 15-Dec 15 for a January 1, 2019 effective date.
Why is this important? Because during this period, all group health insurance plans must waive their normal participation requirements to qualify for coverage.
How does that help my business? By eliminating the required participation, you can qualify to get a small group health insurance plan for just a few or as little as one employee without having to enroll the normal 60% – 75% of eligible employees.
What’s the catch? There are none, except that if there is a sole enrolling employee, that employee can not be the owner or the owner’s spouse.
Is this a one-time open enrollment period? NO. The FOE period as it is known is for new or renewing groups who either enroll or renew during this period each year.
When can we enroll during the FOE period? All applications must be received and submitted between Nov 15th and Dec 15th for a Jan 1st effective date.
If you have previously been denied coverage or do not meet the normal participation requirements, now is the one time per year where you might qualify for group health insurance. Call or email us today to discuss your options.