Life events
Life Events & Benefit Changes
Certain life changes may allow you to update your benefits outside of open enrollment.
If you experience a qualifying life event, it is important to take action quickly.
You typically have 30 days from the date of your life event to make benefit changes.
What qualifies
What Counts as a Life Event?
A qualifying life event is a major change that may affect your benefit eligibility or coverage needs.
Family Changes
- Marriage
- Divorce or legal separation
- Birth of a child
- Adoption or placement for adoption
Coverage Changes
- Loss of other health coverage
- Gain of other health coverage
- Spouse or dependent coverage change
- Change in dependent eligibility
Documentation may be required to approve your benefit change.
What to do next
What to Do After a Life Event
Follow these steps to make sure your benefit changes are submitted correctly and on time.
Step 1
Start Your Change
Log into your benefits system and begin your life event update as soon as possible.
Step 2
Submit Documentation
Upload any required documents that support your life event.
Step 3
Confirm Your Elections
Review your updated benefit choices and submit before the deadline.
Deadlines
Important Deadlines
30-Day Window
You typically have 30 days from the date of your qualifying life event to request a benefit change.
After the Deadline
If you miss the deadline, you may need to wait until the next open enrollment period to make changes.
Do not wait. Start your life event change as soon as possible.
How coverage may change
How Your Benefits May Change
Your life event may allow you to add, remove, or update certain benefit elections.
Adding a Dependent
- Your coverage level may change
- Your payroll deductions may change
- Documentation may be required
Losing Other Coverage
- You may be able to enroll mid-year
- You may need proof of coverage loss
- Your new coverage effective date may vary
Marriage or Divorce
- You may be able to add or remove a spouse
- You may need to update dependents
- You may need to review beneficiary information
Dependent Eligibility Change
- A dependent may become newly eligible
- A dependent may lose eligibility
- Documentation may be needed
Documents
What Documents Might Be Needed?
Documentation requirements depend on the type of life event. Common examples include:
Family Event Documents
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Birth certificate
- Adoption paperwork
Coverage Event Documents
- Proof of loss of coverage
- Proof of new coverage
- Dependent eligibility documentation
- Employer or carrier notice
Upload documentation as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Common questions
Common Life Event Questions
Can I make changes anytime?
No. Outside of open enrollment, you usually need a qualifying life event to make benefit changes.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
You may not be able to make changes until the next open enrollment period.
When does coverage start?
Effective dates depend on the type of life event and when your change is approved.
Do I need proof?
In many cases, yes. Documentation may be required before your change can be approved.
