My company has just been bought out by a much larger one, and I have just found out that our insurance will change to a new provider starting Oct 1, 1999. I have disclosed my HIV status to my old company and they have been great about accommodating me. I saw that the new company offers life insurance too. My questions are...can I sign up for the life insurance since it is now being offered, even though I have disclosed to the old company? Also, since the new company offers group insurance do I have to disclose to them that I have a disability or will it just convey, or are these questions I need to ask of my old HR person? Also, how can I make sure that I'm not let go in the merger due to my disability? I don't want to get screwed somehow with this merger. I just had an excellent job review.

Typically in an acquisition, everyone who was covered under the seller's plan obtains coverage under the buyer's plan without having to provide medical evidence of good health. This means you should be able to sign up for life insurance, long term disability coverage and health care coverage without evidence and there shouldn't be any pre-existing condition limitations provided that you have worked for the seller for a period of time equal to or greater than any waiting period or pre-existing condition exclusion period under the buyer's plans. And if you have been covered under a health plan for at least 12 months without a break of greater than 63 days, HIPAA prevents the medical plan from applying a pre-existing condition clause to you. Usually when there is an acquisition, there are employee meetings in which all of these issues are addressed. If your company doesn't hold these, I suggest you discuss your concerns with your Benefits Department to determine what will happen with your benefits.

Lynn Franzoi