Eligibility Date

You are eligible to participate in MCHCP’s plans on the first of the month following your date of employment. This is called your “eligibility date;” it is the earliest date that coverage can begin. Your employment date starts the 31 day eligibility period when you may apply for coverage for yourself and/or your dependents. After the eligibility period has expired, you and/or your dependents are considered late entrants.

Example:

If you start employment in a qualifying position on June 15, your eligibility date is July 1. Your eligibility period is June 15 through July 15.

If you were employed by another state agency, were provided coverage under another medical plan and transferred to an agency covered under MCHCP, your eligibility date is the date of your transfer. Your eligible dependents covered by the other medical plan are able to participate as of your eligibility date. There is no break in coverage provided you complete and submit a Change/Cancellation (M-2) form within 31 days.

Example:

Your employment with the Department of Conservation terminated on June 15 and you transferred to the Department of Economic Development on June 20. Your eligibility date is June 20, and coverage is continuous.

If your employment is terminated (not transferred between State agencies) and you are hired as a new State employee before your participation in the Plan has terminated, or you are hired in the following month, your coverage is continuous provided you submit a completed Change/Cancellation (M-2) form within 31 days.* If your coverage is continuous, you cannot increase your level of coverage or change plans. However, you may request coverage to begin the first of the month following your employment. Note: If you elect not to have continuous coverage, claims are not paid for the time your coverage was not in force.

Examples:

You are enrolled in one of the MCHCP’s plans with subscriber/family coverage and your employment terminates with the Department of Economic Development on June 15. You began employment with the Department of Agriculture on June 25. Your coverage is continuous under the Plan with subscriber/family coverage. Coverage under Economic Development continues through June 30 and begins under the Department of Agriculture on July 1.

Your employment with the Department of Economic Development terminates on June 15, and you began employment with the Department of Agriculture on July 15. Coverage under the Department of Economic Development continues through June 30 and coverage under the Department of Agriculture is effective July 1. Your coverage under the same MCHCP plan with subscriber/family coverage is continuous.

You may elect coverage effective August 1. Your coverage under the Department of Economic Development continues through June 30, and coverage under the Department of Agriculture is effective August 1. You must select a plan and indicate level of coverage since coverage is not continuous.

* Forms can be faxed to MCHCP's toll free fax line at 866.346.8785.