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Conversion is an important feature in employer-sponsored life insurance plans that can allow an employee to maintain coverage after experiencing a loss of eligibility by converting group coverage to an individual policy. Critically, though, the responsibility to adequately inform the employee about the conversion option falls upon the employer rather than the insurer. This duty is underscored in a recent decision by a U.S. District Court, Erwood v. Life Insurance Company of North America (Erwood).

***Please note, some of the information in this article may be outdated. It is being left in place for continuity reasons. ****

Domestic partner coverage under a group health plan can be a complex issue for employers, particularly in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide (Obergefell v. Hodges). California law continues to require domestic partner coverage of some employer-sponsored plans, while others are faced with the decision. But important considerations exist for all employers with respect to domestic partner coverage.

I have a friend that got a notice from her work about the new health care law, but I have not gotten one from my employer.  Should I ask about it?  What does the notice say, and will it help me get health insurance?  Right now I do not have any health insurance, it is not offered at work, but I know that I am supposed to get some in 2014.  Will my boss start providing it, is that what this notice is about?