Legislation

Arizona Senate bill 1614

Effective July 20, 2011, this bill establishes a 90-day waiting period for health/welfare benefits and a 182-day waiting period for ASRS participation.

Arizona House bill 2002

Effective Sept. 12, 2013, this budget bill eliminates the requirement that university employees wait 90 days for health/welfare benefits.

Autism coverage

Arizona law prohibits some group health plans from denying coverage, imposing dollar limits, or charging higher deductible/copays based solely on the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. It also requires plans to cover the cost of behavior therapy up to $50,000 per year for a child up to age 19 and $25,000 per year of a child ages 9 to 16.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

Under federal law, group health plans are prohibited from adjusting premiums or contribution amounts for a group on the basis of genetic information. A health plan is also prohibited from requiring an individual or his or her family member to undergo a genetic test, although the plan may request that a voluntary test be taken for research purposes.

HEART Act

In accordance with the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008, qualified military reservists who participate in a flexible spending account program may withdraw FSA funds - and avoid the use-it-or-lose-it rules - when they are called to active duty for 180 days or more or for an indefinite period. The withdrawal must be made during a period beginning on the day the reservist is called to active duty and ending on the last day of the coverage period of the FSA plan that occurs during the period of active duty.