What is the required written notice period to group members when an employer intends to cancel a group health plan?

• A. 15 days
• B. 30 days
• C. 45 days
• D. 60 days

Answer: (C)

When an employer plans to cancel a group health plan, there is a requirement to give group members advance written notice. The period specified is forty-five days. This timeframe gives employees enough time to explore and secure alternative coverage and to understand any options for continuation under COBRA or state continuation rules, so there’s no gap in coverage.

Shorter notice, like fifteen or thirty days, would not provide sufficient time for employees to arrange new coverage, while sixty days is longer than the specified requirement in this context. The forty-five-day notice balances the need for timely information with a reasonable transition period.