Pregnancy as a Qualifying Event

The DC Council has adopted an ordinance that creates a new qualifying event for an insured to enroll in coverage mid-year based upon pregnancy. The enrollment period extends to 30 days following the date of pregnancy confirmation, as certified by a healthcare professional. It appears that the event would extend to any individual eligible under the group health plan who becomes pregnant including the employee, domestic partner, spouse or child. After review by Mayor Bowser and the US Congress, the law was effective October 20, 2020.

Importantly, pregnancy is not a recognized qualifying event under Section 125. Thus, if an employee adds coverage mid-year under this event, any associated employee contributions will likely need to be deducted on a post-tax basis.

D.C. Law 23-135. Pregnancy as a Qualifying Event Act of 2020 »