Kelly will complete an out-of-cycle procedure update and revise all printed employee benefits guides to ensure clarity and consistency in the definition of a qualifying life event.

The Issue: The current wording “change in employment status of employee, spouse, or dependent child” does not reflect the intended meaning and has not been interpreted this way in past practice.

The Solution: The revised language will clearly define the qualifying life event as a loss of other coverage due to a change in employment status of the employee, spouse, or dependent child.  As noted by Kelly below, the impact on benefit eligibility should also explicitly include the date of loss of employer-sponsored benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.)

This update will align the benefits' guidance with the original intent and provide clearer direction for administration and improved understanding for employees. 

SP 1-2165, Employee Benefits and Responsibilities, will be updated to address both the clarification of qualifying life events and the process for completing benefit changes.

In-depth Information:

The procedure will be revised to clarify that a qualifying life event includes a loss of other coverage due to a change in employment status of the employee, spouse, or dependent child.  In addition, the procedure will be updated to reflect that all benefit enrollment and qualifying life event changes must be completed in Benefit place within 31 days of the qualifying event. 

Please note we no longer use Form 500, Enrollment Application and Change Form.  This form has been removed from L drive. 

Kelly will get these updates to the procedure, and we will advise once the procedure is finalized and approved.

If any of your members have any questions or have trouble accessing the system, please ask them to immediately contact Kelly for assistance.   

Kelly Moran

(W) 1 803-952-7547