After Open Enrollment, you can only change your benefit choices if you have a qualifying life event. Some examples of qualifying events include, but are not limited to: Qualified life events include:
- You marry or divorce.
- You or your spouse give birth or adopt a child.
- Your spouse has a change in employment status, causing gain or loss of coverage for you or your dependents.
- You lose your current coverage under a different plan.
- Your spouse or a dependent dies.
- Your dependent child is no longer eligible or is newly eligible.
Qualified life event changes will be effective on the date of notification of the qualified life event, except for the birth or adoption of a child, which will be effective on the date of the event.
- Your dependent is eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIP). Once it is determined that you or your dependents are eligible for premium assistance under Medicaid or CHIP, your employer’s health plan is required to permit you and your dependents to enroll in the plan—as long as you and your dependents are eligible, but not already enrolled in the employer’s plan. This is called a “special enrollment” opportunity, and you must request coverage within 60 days of being determined eligible for premium assistance.
You must let Human Resources know about the life event within 31 days and provide proof of the event. If you add Waev coverage, it will start on the first of the month after the event. If you cancel coverage, it will end at the end of the month after the event.
According to IRS rules, you need to report the life event and request a change in
your benefits within 31 days. If you miss this time frame, Open Enrollment will be
your next chance to make changes to your benefits.