Qualify Events for Changing Benefits

Because your premiums for medical, dental and vision are deducted from your salary on a pre-tax basis, the IRS has established strict rules regarding the operation of your plans. The choices made by you during the annual open enrollment period must remain in effect for the entire plan year (January 1 - December 31). Exceptions are permitted under IRS rules when a member has a qualifying event. If you have an event, you are required to notify Human Resources Benefits office within 31 days and complete the appropriate forms. Some examples of qualifying events include:

• Change in marital status
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of a covered dependent
• Loss of eligibility status by a covered dependent
• Change in employment status that affects eligibility for coverage
• Losing or gaining healthcare coverage eligibility under Medicare or Medicaid
• Change in residence to a location outside of a healthcare plan's service area