insurance

We moved here from out of state so until we could get on our feet my husband and I applied for medi-cal. Now that he's working he now makes too much money for us to continue, but open enrollment for his health insurance through his work isn't until March. We have two young boys that just can't be without insurance. Is loss of one insurance plan considered a reason for his insurance to add us prior to open enrollment?

Check with his HR department. Some insurance plans have the option to add or dis-enroll family members due to a 'change of status' which may occur during times other than open enrollment. The loss of your insurance may qualify as a 'change in status'. If HR doesn't know, ask for a complete copy of the plan, not just a list of available benefits, if it is applicable, it should be there.

Good luck.

Generally your loss of coverage would qualify you to become eligible in a spouses plan outside of the open enrollment period. If you have school age children, United Healthcare offers "kids only" health insurance plans that provide children's coverage for sickness and accidents. Their plans are written through school districts and many private K12 schools throughout the US. Their health plan is designed to be affordable, at just $98 every 2 months. Check out www.k12studentinsurance.com to see if your child's school district (or private school) is participating. Click on the "Plans & Pricing" tab, enter the district name or private school name and the state in the search box and review the plans.

Most insurance policies have an open enrollment period and a qualifying event clause. Usually losing your insurance is a qualifying event.(Meaning you can sign up even though it isn't an open enrollment period). Read through his insurance booklet carefully.