Mendocino County, CA
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Changes Outside of the Open Enrollment Period
Generally, when you enroll in benefits as a new employee, you cannot make any mid-year changes until the next annual Open Enrollment period that occurs each fall. However, if you experience a qualifying event you can make mid-year changes.
What is a qualifying event?
A qualifying event is a special circumstance that allows you to make changes to your health care plan without waiting for the Open Enrollment period. Examples include:
- Birth of a child
- Loss of other health care benefits
- Enrolling in other health care benefits
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Legal adoption
- Death of a covered family member
Are there time restrictions to making changes?
Yes. You only have a period of 31 days after the date of the qualifying event to complete the appropriate forms and provide verification to your Health Benefits Specialist.
What if I miss the deadline?
According to IRS guidelines, if you miss the 31-day deadline to make changes, you will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period.
Who do I talk to about changes?
Contact the Health Benefits team at (707)234-6604