U.S. Department of Labor
Health Benefits Advisor
Glossary
A period of time that must pass before health insurance coverage provided by an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) becomes effective.
If a group health plan provides coverage to you through an HMO with an affiliation period, the affiliation period cannot be longer than two months (three months for a late enrollee) from your enrollment date. During the affiliation period, the plan cannot charge you premiums, and the HMO is not required to provide benefits.
The affiliation period must run concurrently with any waiting period for coverage under the plan.
