Big Days and Qualifying Events

When it comes to big days with your benefits programs, none are as important as your open enrollment period. This is your one chance throughout the year to make changes to your plan. However, did you know that there are a few qualifying events that will allow you to make changes on other dates?

Check out our ‘big days’ list to see what big days can impact your benefits plan:

Big Days:

1. A Birthday – with the ever changing dependent age laws, this can be important for yourself or your dependents. Depending on your group’s renewal date, they may be subject to the federal law expanding dependent age coverage to 26, Ohio law expanding dependent age coverage to 28, or still remain in your old plan’s outlined dependent age coverage guidelines.
2. A Marriage – the addition of a spouse is a big change in many ways, and it is important to notify your Human Resources department. You must let HR know within 31 days in order to change coverage. Also, you will want to let them know if this means a change of name.
3. A Divorce – if your marital status changes, you can also change your benefits. Make sure to notify your HR department immediately and submit records to submit your request to change your plan based on this qualifying event.
4. A Birth/Adoption of a Child – notify your HR department within 31 days of your addition, and the addition to your family allows for you to make changes to your benefits plan.
5. A Move – it is important to let your HR department know when your address has changed. If you were to need a new ID card, it can only be sent to the address your carrier has on file!