Waiting Period

The time that must pass before coverage can become effective for an employee or dependent who is otherwise eligible for coverage under a job-based health plan.

The Affordable Care Act pushed employer-sponsored health insurance plans to end pre-existing condition waiting periods.

• Grandfathered plans would be an exception.

♦ Employers can still have waiting periods of up to three months before they offer health insurance to new full-time employees.

• Full-time being anyone working more than 30 hours per week.

Once coverage starts there cannot be a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.