Under a typical group health policy, which member is most likely to be eligible for immediate coverage?

• A. Full-time employee
• B. Temporary employee
• C. Seasonal worker
• D. Independent contractor

Answer: (A)

In a typical group health policy, eligibility is built around being a regular, ongoing employee who fits the employer’s standard benefits criteria. A full-time employee is the one who most clearly meets those criteria, so coverage can begin immediately when they are hired, assuming there’s no or already satisfied waiting period.

Temporary workers, seasonal workers, and independent contractors aren’t regular employees under many group plans, so they’re often excluded from immediate coverage or covered only under separate arrangements. Their status doesn’t align with the standard master policy’s eligibility rules, which is why they’re not as likely to have immediate coverage.