Life Events
What is Considered a Qualifying Life Event?
Life Event changes that occur outside of Open Enrollment that can alter your benefit needs. Certain Qualifying Life Events make you eligible to change your benefits before the next annual Open Enrollment. You have 30 days from the date of a Qualifying Life Event to make changes to your benefits. Eligibility documents are required whenever a dependent is added to coverage or removed. Refer to your Healthcare Benefits Guide for additional details regarding Qualifying Life Events.
My qualifying life event is a marriage, domestic partnership, divorce or legal separation, my next step is:
- Action is required within 30 days of the event date
- Enroll or drop coverage online at the Benefit Enrollment System
- Remember to update your Beneficiary(ies) Designation
- Provide the Benefits Office with the required documents within 30 days from the event date
- Notify medical providers - if new ID cards are necessary
- Retain Benefit Summary from the online enrollment system for future reference
- Notify my HR Payroll Officer if there is a:
- Change in Name
- Change to Social Security Card
- Change to Address
- Change to W4 Reporting
- Change to Direct Deposit
I have recently become a parent/grandparent due to birth of a child or grandchild, adoption, addition of stepchild or legal ward, my next step is:
- Action is required within 30 days of the event date
- Enroll or drop coverage online at the Benefit Enrollment System
- Remember to updates your Beneficiary(ies) Designation
- Provide the Benefits Office with the required documents within 30 days from the event date
- Notify medical providers - if new ID cards are necessary
- Retain Benefit Summary from the online enrollment system for future reference
- Notify my HR/Payroll Officer if there is a:
I have a change request to my coverage level due to the death of an eligible dependent, loss or gain of other group coverage, medical support court order, eligibility or ineligibility to Medicaid/Medicare/CHIP coverage, my next step is:
- Action is required within 30 days of the event date
- Enroll or drop coverage online at the Benefit Enrollment System
- Remember to updates your Beneficiary(ies) Designation
- In the case of death, determine if there is a life insurance benefit available with your Benefits Office
- Provide the Benefits Office with the required documents within 30 days from the event date
- Notify medical providers - if new ID cards are necessary
- Retain Benefits Summary from the online enrollment system for future reference
- Notify my HR Payroll Officer if there is a:
- Change to Name
- Change to Address
- Change to direct deposit
- Change to W4 Reporting
Qualifying Life Events FAQ
Which of my children can be enrolled in the Healthcare Plan and/or Life Insurance Coverage?
Your children up to age 26, even if:
- They don't live with you
- Are not a full time student
- They are married
- They are financially independent
- They have access to other health coverage through their own employer
Coverage options for children over age 26?
- OPTION: Disabled Dependent Coverage. The Cooperative allows coverage for a disabled dependent who reaches the limiting age of 26, to continue if the dependent:
- Is and continues to be incapable of self-sustaining employment by reason of intellectual/developmental disability, mental or physical handicap;
- Is and continues to be primarily dependent upon the employee for support and maintenance; and
- The disability began before reaching the limiting age.
- OPTION: Dependents Employer. Loss of coverage through the Franklin County Cooperative group plan may provide opportunity to enroll into dependents employer group plan.
- OPTION: COBRA. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires continuation of health care coverage to be offered for up to 36 months for a dependent who loses coverage due to a loss of eligibility.
- OPTION: Healthcare Marketplace/Individual Policy. The Marketplace offers "one-stop shopping" to find and compare private health insurance options. For more information about the Marketplace, go to HealthCare.gov. Multiple insurance carriers offer Individual policies, including but not limited to United Healthcare, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Aetna, Humana, and Anthem. There is typically some type of medical underwriting involved, but this can be a less expensive alternative.
How soon must I notify my Agency/Benefits Department of a Life Event Change?
You have 30-days from the date of the Qualifying Life Event to notify the Benefits Office. A Benefits Representative will be happy to assist you.
How do I change my Beneficiary(ies) on my Life Insurance Program?
You can make changes to your life insurance beneficiary(ies), by logging onto the online enrollment system at the Benefit Enrollment System and selecting "Change My Benefits", then "Basic Info". If you experience trouble processing the request, please contact the Benefits Office. A Benefits Representative will be happy to assist you.
What happens if I miss the 30-day enrollment window?
You have a 30-day window to enroll in Benefits. If you miss your 30-day window you and your eligible dependents will not be able to enroll or change your benefit election until the next Open Enrollment period.
What happens if I lose employment?
Continuation of Healthcare Coverage: COBRA coverage under the Franklin County Cooperative Health Improvement Program, (the "Cooperative") includes medical, prescription drug, dental, vision and behavioral health. All eligible employees can elect COBRA coverage for a period of up to 18 months and dependents for up to 36 months. Contact the Benefits Office for current plan year COBRA rates.