Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage

I was just hired and told I’m not eligible for health benefits right away. New employees have to satisfy a waiting period. Is that allowed?

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Yes, employers can require a waiting period before new employees are eligible to enroll in a group health plan. These waiting periods are not allowed to be longer than 90 days. If you are concerned that your employer requires a waiting period longer than 90 days, you can contact the US Department of Labor at 1-866-444-3272.

While we have made every effort to provide accurate information in these FAQs, people should contact the health insurance Marketplace or Medicaid agency in their state for guidance on their specific circumstances.

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The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news, KFF is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.