How to Be Prepared
Various circumstances may arise that could cause someone to leave their group health plan, including retiring, being diagnosed with a disability, or a reduction of hours to less than 30 per week. Regardless, Americans enrolled in a group health plan or thinking about enrolling should be aware of what health insurance options they have—in case something happens and they need to leave it.
Consider these factors:
- The different plans available
- What they cover
- What the costs will be
It’s important to be prepared in case you want or have to choose a different plan. If you’re unable to afford the potential costs, ask us if you qualify for financial assistance.
How to Leave a Group Health Plan
Some employees may be able to leave their group health plan at any time, while others have to wait for their Open Enrollment period to leave and enroll in a new plan. Employees that work less than 30 hours a week but are still offered health insurance through a group plan may find other options that are more affordable or suitable for them through the Marketplace. In this case, they should be able to leave their plan at any time of the year and enroll in a new plan.
For those that are retiring or have a disability and are otherwise leaving the group health plan, terminating the employment should be sufficient to end the plan. Either way, employers should have insight in regards to possible implications of leaving their plan.