Annual Enrollment provides a golden opportunity each year in the fall. You can add and delete coverage for yourself, and for any eligible dependents, without worry about restrictions. Now that Annual Enrollment is over, what changes can you make mid-year without waiting for the next Annual Enrollment period?
Once you have made your benefit choices as a new hire or during Annual Enrollment, they are fixed for the entire plan year. You can make election changes ONLY when they are on account of and consistent with a "Qualified" change-of-status as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code.
The vast majority of change-status-events are simple and easy to manage. To make consistent election changes in case of birth, marriage, death, divorce, etc., simply complete a Benefit Election Form and return it to your department representative within 60 days after the date of the event, and enclose documentation of the event (such as proof of marriage). Most changes are made prospectively from the date that Human Resources receives a properly completed and signed Benefit Election Form. Exceptions are made for birth or adoption to comply with the special enrollment rights defined under the health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Click here to learn more about mid-year election changes