For how long must an employee be insured to be eligible for continuation under a Group Health Insurance Policy after termination?

In North Carolina, under the continuation provisions for group health insurance policies, an employee who has been covered by the employer's group health insurance plan must have been insured for at least three months immediately preceding their termination in order to be eligible for continuation of coverage. This rule is in place to ensure that employees have a sufficient period of prior coverage that justifies allowing them to continue their insurance after leaving employment.

The significance of this three-month period is to help prevent gaps in health coverage, offering stability for employees who may be transitioning to new employment or navigating other changes in their lives. This framework is designed to protect employees' access to necessary health care and is consistent with federal laws that govern certain aspects of health insurance coverage continuity. The other options exceed this minimum required duration, which is not in alignment with the requirements set forth for continuation of coverage.