I’m 58 years old and live in Connecticut. Does my employer (a big corporation) have to offer me health insurance if I cut down to 24 hours a week?
Patricia
Dear Patricia,
No, they do not. In fact, they do not have to offer you health insurance when you work 40 hours. The “employer mandate” part of health reform — the rule that says companies with more than 50 employees have to offer health insurance — has not taken effect. There is talk that it may be postponed indefinitely.
In the meantime, your employer’s own rules dictate what is offered and to whom. If you become a part-timer and therefore not qualified for their health plan, you should be offered COBRA. Your COBRA plan may cost more than a plan from the exchange, especially if you get a government subsidy to help pay your premiums. (If you earn less than $45,960 for a household of one person, you would qualify for premium help.) You can compare your options at Access Health CT.
Good luck!