1VAC55-20-370: Effective date of coverage

A. Newly eligible employees. Newly eligible employees (new hires) have up to 30 calendar days to enroll in a health plan or flexible spending account offered by the state. The 30-day countdown period begins on the first day of employment and ends 30 calendar days later. If the enrollment action is received within the 30-calendar-day time frame, coverage will be effective the first of the month coinciding with or following the date of employment. There is no discretion allowed in this area. Coverage will always be effective in this manner. In no case will coverage begin before the eligible employee's first day of employment.

B. Qualifying mid-year events. Employees who experience a qualifying mid-year event have 60 calendar days to make a consistent election change. The 60-day countdown period begins on the day of the event. Normally changes will be effective the first of the month following receipt of the enrollment action.

C. Terminations required by the plan. Employees can only provide coverage for family members who meet the health plans' eligibility definition.