I found this info on the web...
"Check with your benefits department to find out their requirements for adding your child to your insurance coverage. Be sure you understand the rules. If there is any doubt on your part, ask them again. Write up a memo of your discussion and review it with the benefits department to be sure you understand everything completely. Get any necessary documents in advance of your trip. See if they will accept a fax from China in the unlikely event you are delayed. If this sounds nit-picking, it is. However, it is too easy to misunderstand and suddenly end up with no coverage at all. You might also have someone in the benefits department who is simply misinformed about the law, so it is useful to be prepared.
The Federal law states that in most instances your child is covered from the moment you receive her. My benefits department was totally unaware of both the federal law and a 13 year old Illinois law that prohibited discrimination against adopted children in health coverage. They tried to refuse coverage. I had to give them copies of both laws before they would believe me. The Illinois law is Public Act 82-626. The Federal law is United States Public Law 103-66 (the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, pages 107 stat. 374 through 107 stat. 375). Most other states have similar laws. The reference librarian can help you find them. (Yes, state and federal statutes are in your local library.) If your benefits department gives you any lip, contact Adoptive Families of America (link soon) for more information. Also, contact your state insurance department. They just LOVE handling this one. " - Marie L. Bartlett-Sloan
The Federal law states that in most instances your child is covered from the moment you receive her. My benefits department was totally unaware of both the federal law and a 13 year old Illinois law that prohibited discrimination against adopted children in health coverage. They tried to refuse coverage. I had to give them copies of both laws before they would believe me. The Illinois law is Public Act 82-626. The Federal law is United States Public Law 103-66 (the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, pages 107 stat. 374 through 107 stat. 375). Most other states have similar laws. The reference librarian can help you find them. (Yes, state and federal statutes are in your local library.) If your benefits department gives you any lip, contact Adoptive Families of America (link soon) for more information. Also, contact your state insurance department. They just LOVE handling this one. " - Marie L. Bartlett-Sloan
-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
2 comments:
Our company insurance representative was very aware of the laws and were reassuring that our new daughter will be covered immediately. Sorry you had problems....
Alyson
LID 01/27/06
I wanted to add that sometimes, they add the coverage with no problem, but disclose that it does not cover pre existing conditions for XX months. This is also against the law. And you have to check your endorsement and have it removed right away. I'll try to find some more info, and post it on the group.
Evelyn
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