Employees are only permitted to make changes to coverage during the Open Enrollment period each year. However, there are some changes in status that permit limited changes outside of the annual Open Enrollment period. Examples of qualifying changes include:
• Birth of a child
• Death of a dependent
• Dependent loss of eligibility
• Marriage or divorce
• Dependent child loss of SCHIP coverage
• Involuntary loss of other coverage, such as if coverage under a spouse ceases
• Gaining eligibility for Medicare (for Retirees)
• Changes in other coverage which has a different plan year.
Employees have 60 days from date of the qualifying change in status to submit an enrollment form making changes to benefits. Any change submitted more than 60 days after the qualifying change in status cannot be accepted. You must wait until the next Open Enrollment period to make a change.