Your HRA eligibility date determines when you can participate in your employer's ICHRA, while your insurance coverage start date determines when your health plan becomes active. These dates are not always the same.
What is my HRA eligibility date?
Your eligibility date is the first day you may participate in your employer's ICHRA.
Your employer determines this date based on its benefit plan.
Common eligibility rules include:
First day of employment
First day of the month following hire
Completion of a waiting period
You cannot receive reimbursements before your eligibility date.
What is my insurance coverage start date?
Your coverage start date is the date your individual health insurance becomes active.
In most cases:
Coverage begins on the first day of the month after you enroll.
Insurance carriers determine coverage effective dates.
Take Command does not determine your insurance carrier's effective date.
How does enrollment work?
Become eligible for your employer's ICHRA.
Access your Member Portal.
Select an eligible individual health insurance plan.
Complete enrollment.
Submit any required proof of coverage.
Coverage begins on your carrier's effective date.
Can my coverage start later than my eligibility date?
Yes. Coverage may begin later if:
You delay selecting a plan.
You miss your carrier's enrollment deadline.
Additional documentation is required.
When does this article not apply?
This article does not apply if:
You have not yet reached your eligibility date.
You never enroll in eligible individual health insurance.
Eligibility alone does not activate insurance coverage.
Key takeaway
Your employer determines your ICHRA eligibility date, while your insurance carrier determines your coverage start date. Enrolling promptly helps your coverage begin as early as possible.