Adding a new dependent, whether through childbirth or adoption, can be exciting, but it can also raise questions if you’re not sure what to do. See below for information on the changes you can make to your benefits so you can ensure your new addition, and family, are covered.
If you have a newly eligible dependent, you can make certain changes to your benefits, including adding your new child and other eligible dependents to your coverage.
You have 31 days after the event to make certain benefit changes. A benefit change because of the natural birth of your child is effective the date of the event. A benefit change because of adoption is effective the date that the legal adoption is final or the date the child is placed for legal adoption. If you do not meet this deadline, you must wait until annual enrollment to make changes.
If you are making changes within 31 days of the event, review the benefits listed below to see the changes you can make or changes that will occur as a result of this life event.
Benefit |
Changes Allowed |
---|---|
Medical and Dental Plans |
|
Benefit |
Changes Allowed |
---|---|
Health Care Flexible Spending Account |
Start or increase contributions |
Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account |
Note: Certain restrictions apply to availability of funds
|
Benefit |
Changes Allowed |
---|---|
Basic Life |
Change beneficiary at any time |
Basic AD&D |
Change beneficiary at any time |
Basic Long-Term Disability |
None |
Employee Optional Life (after-tax benefit) |
|
Spouse Optional Life (after-tax benefit) |
Note: The amount of coverage for spouse cannot exceed 50% of employee's combined basic life and optional life coverage amount |
Child(ren) Optional Life (after-tax benefit) |
|
Optional AD&D |
|
Optional Long-Term Disability (after-tax benefit) |
|