In most instances, you can make changes to your benefits only during annual enrollment. However, if you have a qualified change in status, you may be eligible to make changes to some of your benefits within 31 days. Examples of qualified changes in status include:
- You get married, divorced or legally separated
- You add a new child through birth or adoption
- Your dependent’s employment status changes
- Your dependent no longer meets the definition of an eligible dependent (for example, your child turns 26)
- Your spouse or child dies
- Your dependent loses coverage elsewhere
- You switch employment status
Depending on the plan, other life events also may allow you to make a change. Changes you make to your benefits must be consistent with your change in status. For example, if you add a new child, you can add that child to your medical plan but you can’t add your spouse. You must make your changes in the enrollment system within 31 days of your qualifying change date or you cannot make changes until the next annual enrollment period.
If you’re enrolling a dependent, you must submit dependent documentation before your dependent’s coverage will be approved. Acceptable forms of dependent documentation are:
- For a spouse:
- Federal Tax Return (Form 1040) within last two years OR
- Government issued marriage certificate AND proof of join ownership within last 6 months if married more than 12 months OR
- Government issued marriage certificate (if married in last 12 months)
- For a child:
- Government issued birth certificate
- For a domestic partner:
- Affidavit of Domestic Partnership/Certificate of Domestic Partner Registration AND Proof of Joint Ownership within last 6 months