What is the maximum exclusion period for a late enrollee under a group health policy?

The maximum exclusion period for a late enrollee under a group health policy is indeed 18 months. This provision is part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regulations, which were established to ensure that health insurance coverage is more accessible and to prevent discrimination against individuals who delay enrollment in a health plan.

When an individual joins a group health plan after an initial enrollment period, they may be considered a late enrollee. As a result, the insurer can impose a waiting period during which coverage for certain pre-existing conditions may not be effective. This waiting period is limited to a maximum of 18 months, ensuring that while there is some flexibility for insurers, there is still protection for late enrollees against excessive exclusion periods that could leave them without necessary coverage for extended periods.

The limitation to 18 months helps strike a balance between protecting insurance providers from adverse selection while also providing fair access to health coverage for individuals who may delay their enrollment for various reasons.