Question 73

All eligible employees who apply must be offered the health insurance plan.

When a small employer health insurance plan is offered, it is required to be available to all eligible employees who apply, ensuring that no eligible employee is excluded from the opportunity to obtain insurance coverage.

A) To all eligible employees who apply

This option is correct because it aligns with the legal requirement that small employer health insurance plans must be made accessible to all eligible employees who express interest in obtaining coverage. This ensures fairness and compliance with regulations.

B) To all eligible employees after a 12-month waiting period

This option is incorrect because while waiting periods may be permitted in certain contexts, the requirement to offer the plan must be immediate upon application. A 12-month waiting period would unjustly delay access to coverage for eligible employees.

C) Only to employees who provide evidence of insurability

This option is incorrect as it imposes an additional requirement that may exclude eligible employees who cannot provide evidence of insurability. Health insurance plans for small employers must be made available to all eligible employees without such preconditions.

D) Only to employees under age 65

This option is incorrect since it discriminates against older employees by limiting the availability of the health insurance plan based on age. All eligible employees, regardless of age, must have the opportunity to apply for coverage.

Conclusion

Option A is definitively the correct choice because it adheres to the legal requirements for small employer health insurance plans, ensuring that all eligible employees have the opportunity to apply for and receive coverage. The other options either impose unjust restrictions or do not meet the requirement for equitable access to health insurance.