Originally Posted by frambuesas

I don't know that it's not legal - it might be a state-by-state thing? I'm not sure. But it seems legit from everything I've read about NC regulations!

I can definitely get on if my husband loses his insurance but I can't just change to my employer's plan because his insurance becomes less beneficial to me for whatever reason. Basically if I have insurance with him, it doesn't matter if I would prefer to have my employer's insurance, I have to wait until the window opens again.

As long as there's no gap between insurance plans, you are right, there are no pre-existing condition restrictions. However, given that the window only opens for thirty days once a year, it's a little bit of a risk should my husband's plan become unreasonable etc. The two plan idea doesn't seem so bad when my employer's plan is $26/month cost to me. I've got to reflect on this of course, and I appreciate your thoughts on having two plans - it's given me more to consider.

Originally Posted by Duncan Roberts

Qualifying events are federal law. They fall under HIPAA. You're right, you can't just pick up your plan because you want to but there are several events that can allow you to make changes at any time. Along losing coverage completely a reduction in current coverage is also a reason you can make changes. Also the gap in coverage allowed is 64 days and it only allows you to credit coverage so its possible to still have an exclusion period.