Rhode Island now requires group health plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2023, to establish a new special enrollment period for pregnant individuals to enroll mid-year. The special enrollment period extends throughout the pregnancy. Coverage must be effective as of the first month the pregnant individual applies for coverage. It appears the event would apply to any individual eligible under the group health plan who becomes pregnant, including the employee, spouse, domestic partner or child.
Importantly, pregnancy is not a recognized qualifying event under Section 125. Therefore, if an employee adds coverage mid-year under this event, any associated contributions will likely need to be deducted on a post-tax basis.
RI Gen. Laws § 27-18.6-3.1 »