Under the terms of the DHP, clergy and lay employees who have medical benefits through approved sources will be allowed to waive medical coverage under the DHP (“opt out”) and choose to maintain their medical benefits through the approved source. Examples of approved sources include coverage through a spouse’s or partner’s employment, medical benefits through a government-sponsored program such as Medicaid or TRICARE, or coverage from a previous employer. The list of approved sources is subject to change based on the federal healthcare reform law.
An employee may elect to waive coverage at the initial point of employment, during annual enrollment, or at the time of any significant life event. The employee will need to reaffirm the election to waive coverage on an annual basis, as determined by the Medical Trust.