Monique Y. Mudama wrote:
On 2005-02-24, Nan penned:
On 24 Feb 2005 06:00:05 -0800, "Katz" wrote:


I would encourage you to DEFINITELY get company insurance. Again,
you have no idea. Ours just went up, as it does every year, & I
think mine is $80/month also, on a plan w/100% coverage. Why in the
world do you have to wait til Nov. to sign up? How long a wait
period does your company have? I never heard of more than a 3-month
wait. I think no wait is more common. Mine is no wait.

Some companies require that you sign up for insurance when you are
first hired. If you don't you have to wait for an open enrollment
period.

Nan

I always thought this was a legal issue. At both my company and my
husband's, benefits can only be changed during the enrollment period,
or if there's a change in your family situation (marriage, new
dependent, or someone changes jobs).

I worked in the insurance industry in one shape or form for years. Was even
a licensed agent at one point, although I never "sold" insurance. For group
benefits, they can indeed only change the plan provisions during open
enrollment. But an insurer gives you 30 days to opt for the group plan and
if you pass it up you are then subject to evidence of insurability rules.
You may add or change dependent status at any time within 30 days of the
qualifying event (birth, marriage, loss of a job).

I have an individual policy I took out when I lost my job but due to the
$500 deductible and the lack of Rx drug coverage I'll only use it if I wind
up in the hospital.

Jill