Adding a Dependent
Other than the annual open enrollment period, the only time you can make changes to most of your benefits elections is due to a qualifying life event. If you experience a life event, you must make changes to your benefits elections no later than 30 days from the life event effective date. Team members must provide the necessary documentation (long-form birth certificate for child, marriage license, divorce decree, adoption papers, etc.).
Overview of Qualifying Life Events
New Hires
Action To Be Taken
- You must enroll for benefits using the enroll now button within 30 days of your date of hire to ensure timely enrollment.
- Coverage begins for most benefits on the first day of the month following your 30th day of employment.
If You Don't Take Action
- You cannot enroll yourself or your dependents in any AHS medical, dental or vision benefits until the next Open Enrollment period.
- You will not be able to contribute to a Flexible Spending Account for the current calendar year.
Benefit Hints
- Take this time to designate a beneficiary for your 403(b) and life insurance benefits.
Getting Married
Action To Be Taken
- You must enroll your new spouse within 30 days from the date of marriage if you want to add him/her to your medical, dental or vision plans as of the date of marriage.
If You Don't Take Action
- You cannot enroll your spouse in any AHS medical, dental or vision benefits until the next Open Enrollment period.
Benefit Hints
- You may want to change your 403(b) beneficiary to be your new spouse.
Having/Adopting a Child
Action To Be Taken
- You must enroll your new dependent within 30 days of the date of birth/adoption if you want to add him/her to your medical, dental or vision coverage.
If You Don't Take Action
- You cannot enroll your new baby/child in any AHS medical, dental or vision benefits until the next Open Enrollment period.
Benefit Hints
- You may want to consider contributing to a Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account.
Getting a Divorce
Action To Be Taken
- You must delete your spouse from your coverage within 30 days of the date of divorce.
- Your spouse is covered through the date when the divorce becomes final.
If You Don't Take Action
- You will keep paying the bill for your ex-spouse even though he or she is not eligible for coverage.
- Your next chance to remove your spouse from coverage will the next Open Enrollment.
Steps to Enroll After Your Life Event
Follow the instructions in the Qualified Change in Family Status Quick Guide linked below to update your benefit elections.