HIPAA and satus change - new baby???

Meg · May 2003

I had a manager ask me a question today and I think I know the answer but wanted to get your thoughts. He is in the process of finalizing his SPD for an HMO and was informed by the account manager that " individuals have 60 days to notify us of a new baby either by birth or adoption." We have traditionally allowed employees 30 days to notify us of any status change. We inquired as to why the HMO was telling us 60 days, and was in turn told that it was a HIPAA regulation.
Now, I have read a lot about HIPAA and don't remember anything about a qualifying event/ status change needing to be different for a birth or adoptions. Has anyone else heard of such a thing?
Thanks for your help!

LindaS · May 2003

60 days is news to me - I was always under the assumption that it was 30.

Rockie · May 2003

Meg: HIPAA doesn't have anything to do with setting changes in notification of status, etc. This is set by your insurer. I have never heard of an employee being given 60 days to put a newborn on a plan. I think perhaps they may be thinking about the 60 day elimination period for COBRA?

thomas · May 2003

Meg, I'm not aware of a HIPAA 60 waiting period. Our insurance carrier, however, has a 30-day enrollment period from the date of eligibility and from the date of involuntary loss of other coverage. It also has a 60-day enrollment period from the date of birth or adoption.

LFernandes · May 2003

Under HIPPA it's only 30 days for a special enrollment. Your plan may have designated something different.

LFernandes

HIPAA and satus change - new baby???

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