You should always elect benefits during Open Enrollment to ensure you get the coverage you need. However, once you make your elections, you are unable to change your elections until the next Open Enrollment period without a Qualifying Life Event.
Making changes due to a Qualifying Life Event has very strict time frames. Many changes must be made within 30-days of the date of the event. Late applications cannot be accepted.
Those life events that allow you to make your benefit elections in the middle of the plan year commonly include:
- Marriage (within 60-days of the date of the event)
- Divorce (within 30-days of the date of the event)
- Birth or Adoption of a child (within 60-days of the date of the event)
NOTE: Do not wait for a birth certificate or a SSN to enroll your newborn child in benefits! Late enrollment applications will not be allowed.
- Death of Spouse or Dependent (call Office of Group Insurance)
- Change in coverage under other employer’s plan (within 30-days of the date of the event)
- Spouse loss of coverage, etc. (within 30-days of the date of the event)
If you believe you have experienced a Qualifying Life Event, review the Qualifying Life Event Summary PDF, check with your HR, or you may contact the Office of Group Insurance with questions.
Qualifying Life Event Guide: SOI Qualifying Life Event PDF