What do most group health insurance plans require regarding eligibility?

Most group health insurance plans require proof of ongoing employment to ensure that eligible members are actively working in a position for which the group health insurance is provided. This requirement helps to maintain the integrity of the group plan, as it is designed to cover those who are part of that specific employment group. When employees leave the company or terminate their employment, their eligibility for the group health insurance typically ends.

This eligibility criterion is important because it connects the insurance coverage to the employment relationship, which is the basis for many employer-sponsored benefits. In addition, proof of ongoing employment can serve as a method of verifying that the individual meets the conditions set by the employer and the insurance provider.

The other options, while relevant to health insurance in different contexts, do not serve as primary eligibility requirements for most group health insurance plans. Participation in wellness programs might be encouraged but isn't a standard requirement. Residence in one specific state could apply in some cases but is not a universal eligibility condition. Payment of a deductible is part of the financial responsibilities of the insured, rather than a criterion for eligibility.