My husband is HIV+. He has worked for the same company for over 5 years, and they know about his HIV status. The company is small, 15 - 20 employees, and independently owned and operated. The company has been paying a set dollar amount for health insurance, and the employee makes up the rest. The owner of the co. told my husband that the company is going to start cutting corners. They are no longer paying overtime, but they're raising salaries. In July, when the health insurance is renewed, the co. will no longer pay any toward employees health insurance. The employee will be expected to pay the entire amount. I'm concerned about the effect this could have on my husband's health insurance. The majority of employees have told my husband that they will not be able to afford the entire amount and will have to drop the insurance all together. Only one or two people will stay on the plan. Could this effect my husband's insurance? Thank you for your attention.

Yes, if the group gets too small, the policy may be cancelled. He should find out from his employer and/or employer's broker what is the minimum number of participants required to maintain the group. If the group plan terminates, under the Health Insurance Portibility and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA), he has a one time window of opportunity to purchase an individual policy from any insurance company in the individual market. He will need a copy of the termination notice (certificate of creditable coverage showing he's had more than 18 months of continuous coverage) and apply within 63 days from the end of the group policy. Unfortunately, this law doesn't restrict the premium prices, but it is guaranteed issue even with a pre-existing condition. For more information on HIPAA:

www.dol.gov/dol/pwba