What is creditable health insurance coverage?

Most health coverage is creditable coverage, such as coverage under a group health plan (including COBRA continuation coverage), HMO, individual health insurance policy, Medicaid or Medicare.

Creditable coverage does not include coverage consisting solely of excepted benefits, such as coverage solely for limited-scope dental or vision benefits.

Days in a waiting period during which you have no other coverage are not creditable coverage under the plan, nor are these days taken into account when determining a significant break in coverage (generally a break of 63 days or more).  This 63-day break period may be extended under state law if your coverage is insured through an insurance company or offered through an HMO.  Check with your State Insurance Commissioner's Office to see whether a longer break period applies to you.