Life and Family Status Changes
Family or life status changes frequently require you to change your benefits to accommodate your new situation. Following IRS regulations, you can make changes consistent with your status change within 31 days of the date the status change occurred.
- In most circumstances, you cannot change the TYPE of coverage (e.g. your plan) but you may modify the LEVEL of your coverage (e.g. add a child following a birth or adoption).
- Changes must be made within 31 days of the status change. If you miss the 31 day period, you will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment to change your benefits.
- Changes should be made using HR Connection's Life Changes module
- Supporting documentation - such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or proof of new coverage - may be required to verify a status changes.
Accepted family or life status changes:
Marital/Domestic Partnership Status Changes
- marriage/registration of domestic partnership
- death of spouse/domestic partner
- divorce/termination of domestic partnership
Number of Covered Dependents Changes
- birth or adoption of a child
- child becomes incapable of self-support due to total disability
- death of dependent child
- dependent becomes ineligible for coverage
Spouse/Domestic Partner Gains Coverage from Another Source
Spouse/Domestic Partner Loses Coverage from Another Source
Significant Change in Cost of Plan
Significant Change in Coverage of Plan
- new or improved plan is offered
- significant reduction in overall coverage of current plan
Significant Change in Work or Residence Location (if current plan does not provide coverage in the area)
- move out of Western PA
- accept a position on an international campus (e.g. - Qatar, Australia, etc.)
