Benefits Bulletin: HIPAA Special Enrollment Rights
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), certain employer-sponsored health plans must provide special enrollment opportunities outside of the plan’s normal enrollment periods. Unlike the mid-year election change rules under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA’s enrollment opportunities – referred to as special enrollment rights – are mandated. Consequently, employers that sponsor applicable health plans must ensure that these special enrollment rights are provided and properly administered.
