Portability

An employee’s ability or right to retain certain benefits when switching employers. Benefits such as certain pension plans and health insurance have portability. Most 401(k) plans have portability of benefits, as well as health savings accounts (HSAs).

Portability is a U.S. employee's right to keep or maintain certain benefits when switching employers or when leaving the workforce (retiring). The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) provides rights and protections for participants in group health plans. HIPAA states that employer health insurance plans may not be able to exclude coverage for preexisting conditions; provides opportunities to enroll in a group health plan if either coverage is lost or certain life events occur; prohibits discrimination against employees and their dependent family members based on health factors; and assures that certain people will have access to, and can renew, individual health insurance policies.