AD&D, HIPAA and Status Changes

[Guest Diana Daffner]

Is AD&D subject to IRS status change and HIPAA rules? If I am not currently enrolled, but have a child, can I now (within 30 days) enroll myself and my dependents for coverage? And if so, does coverage for everyone begin as of the date of my child's birth? What if I had a child on Nov. 1, and on Nov. 2 another child had a dismemberment accident that would qualify under the plan. When I call to enroll everyone on, say, Nov. 5th, would I be permitted to enroll that child and would she be covered for the accident sustained between the time of eligibility (birth of child) and actual enrollment?

[Mary C]

It would depend on how your AD&D plan is written. We've written ours to allow changes due to change in family status such as birth of a child, but I've seen plans written where changes are allowed only at annual enrollment. If changes due to a status change are allowed, they are usually effective the date of the event so the accident the day after the birth would be covered. The special enrollment period in HIPAA applies only to medical plans.

[Guest Diana Daffner]

Thanks. Does your AD&D plan allow a previously non-enrolled employee to enroll herself and other dependents due to a status change (e.g., birth of child)? Do you permit dropping coverage due to a status change, and is it subject to being covered under a spouse's plan? How is the 125 rule of consistency applied?