Section 2 AAC 39.960 - Election to waive coverage(a) An eligible state employee who elects to waive coverage under the medical, dental, or vision benefit plan must signify election to waive each benefit in a format provided by the plan administrator. Except as provided in this section, an employee electing to waive coverage must elect waiver for each component of the group health benefit plan coverage being waived and do so each benefit year during the annual open enrollment period as set forth in 2 AAC 39.990. A waiver of coverage made during an annual open enrollment period is effective on the first day of the benefit year immediately following the open enrollment.(b) An eligible state employee may elect to waive coverage during the 30-day period after the eligible state employee initially becomes eligible for coverage and before the date on which coverage becomes effective under the group health benefit plan. Such waiver shall be effective as of the 31st consecutive day after the eligible state employee begins employment in a position eligible for coverage.(c) An eligible state employee who changes positions from a position in a bargaining unit exempted from coverage under 2 AAC 39.900 to a position covered by the group health benefit plan may elect to waive coverage within 30 days of the effective date of the change. Such waiver shall be effective on the first day of the month following the change of position. If the change of position occurs on the first day of a month, the waiver shall be effective on such first day of the month.(d) During the term of a benefit year, an eligible state employee may elect to (1) waive coverage previously elected for the benefit year; or(2) enroll in coverage that was previously waived for the benefit year pursuant to (b) or (c) of this section. An election under this subsection must be based upon qualified changes in status or other applicable event allowed by 26 C.F.R. 1.125-4 and that are set forth by the plan administrator in the plan document governing the applicable coverage. Elections under this subsection may be made on behalf of the eligible state employee, a spouse and dependents consistent with the change in status or other applicable event; provided that the spouse and dependents may not be covered under any component of the group health benefit plan if the eligible state employee is not also covered. An election shall be made no later than 30 days after the date of the change in status or other applicable event, unless federal law requires a lengthier election period, and shall be effective as of the date of the change in status or other applicable event. Elections shall be subject to reasonable administrative procedures as determined by the plan administrator.Eff. 1/1/2017, Register 220, January 2017Authority:AS 39.30.090
AS 39.30.091