Generally, you can only change your benefit elections during the annual benefits enrollment period. However, you may be able to change your benefit elections during the plan year if you experience a qualified life event.
Examples of Qualified Life Events
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of an eligible child
- Death of your spouse or covered child
- Change in your spouse’s work status that affects your eligibility for coverage
- Change in your work status that affects your eligibility for coverage
- Change in residence that affects your eligibility for coverage
- Change in your child’s eligibility for coverage
- A Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO)
You must submit documentation as proof of life event to Human Resources within 30 days. The IRS allows changes to be made within 60 days for those eligible for Medicaid or CHIP under HIPAA Special Enrollment Rights.
If you fail to do so you will need to wait until the next annual enrollment period. Please note each qualified event is handled separately.
Example: You make experience a childbirth and work status change at different times during the year which will qualified for two separate changes.
When Does Coverage End?
Coverage will end on the last day of the month following termination / resignation date.