Health

A newly elected Member of Congress or newly hired designated congressional staff has 30 days to enroll in a DC Health Link plan starting on the later of date of hire or the date their eligibility for DC Health Link is entered by the administrative office to the DC Health Link system (usually 1-3 days after hire).  The coverage will be effective on the 1st day of the month following the date of hire.  For example, if a Member of Congress or designated congressional staff is hired or entered on April 17, the individual will have until May 16 to enroll. If that person enrolls on May 15, the coverage will be effective retroactively to May 1. 

This 30-day rule applies for new hires at any time.  For example, if an employee is hired during open season, that person will still have 30 days from the date of hire to enroll, even if open season ends before the 30-day enrollment period ends.