Health Insurance Premiums - Hardship withdrawal?

[Guest Michael Anderson]

We have a 401(k) participant who is off work due to health problems. He has not terminated - just on leave for an undetermined amount of time. He would like to take a hardship withdrawal for his health premiums - can he do that? (The plan does allow hardships) Could that be considered a medical expense? If so, for how many months premiums could he take for (he does not have a lot of money in the plan)? The plan also allows loans, which I know need to be taken first, but if he cannot afford to make the payments, it would put him in default and he would be no better off then he is now. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!