The State Bar of Texas, Austin. (Photo: ALM)

Enrollment in individual health insurance through the State Bar of Texas has increased significantly since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, with many of the lawyers who bought the insurance reporting that they needed to because they lost their job.

That's perhaps unsurprising news, as firms of all sizes around the country have been laying off associates and staff as they cope with the economic downturn stemming from the coronavirus.

According to information from the State Bar, medical enrollment in the Texas Bar Private Insurance Exchange increased by 17% in the period from March 1 to April 21, compared with the same period last year. A total of 46 individuals enrolled in the bar's health plans for the first time during that seven-week period, compared with 38 people during that same period of time in 2019.

The individuals who enrolled during the period, which is outside the normal open enrollment period, cited loss of employment to qualify for special enrollment. Trey Apffel, executive director of the State Bar, said the increase in enrollment is directly linked to the COVID-19 crisis.

"What we have is lawyers falling into that category of qualifying for that opportunity because they are losing heir jobs. It's probably a situation that is going to continue, at least for a short period of time. We hope it doesn't, but it probably will," Apffel said.

He said he is thankful the State Bar can provide the benefit to members.

The medical insurance is available to members of the State Bar, their spouses, employees of members, paralegals and law students. Nonlawyer staff laid off by a Texas lawyer are not eligible for the insurance, a state bar spokesman said, but the Texas Bar Private Insurance Exchange would help that individual apply for COBRA benefits or assist them with enrolling in an individual plan elsewhere.

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