Plan participation requirements: Mandatory vs. non-mandatory plans

Group benefit plans can be either mandatory or non-mandatory. Plans can also have a combination of mandatory and non-mandatory benefits. You can find participation requirements for non-mandatory benefits in your group benefits contract.

For mandatory plans:

• All employees must enroll (100% participation).

• Employees and dependents must enroll within 12 months of their coverage eligibility date.

• Employees or dependents enrolled after 12 months are treated as Late Applicants.

For non-mandatory plans:

• Not all employees need to enroll (but usually need at least 75% participation).

• Employees have the option to opt out of the plan within 31 days of their coverage eligibility date.

• Employees or dependents who enroll after 31 days are treated as Late Applicants.