What consitutes a status change?

[stephen]

When making my cafeteria election for 2001 we did not know we would be having our third child this year (born 9/11/01, I'm happy to say there was some good news for that day).

Needless to say there are substantial medical expenses we did not consider when making the cafeteria election for 2001.

My wife, who was working part time, is no longer working.

Do either of these events allow us to change the cafeteria election for the remainder of 2001 (so we can get reimbursed for the out of pocket expenses related to the birth of our child)?

[Mary C]

Congratulations on your new baby. However, whether you can change your election depends on your plan. While the regulations do recognize the birth of a child as an event to allow a change in your election, you have to keep in mind that the plan does not necessarily have to allow changes. But if changes are allowed, the regulations list the permitted events. Bottom line is read your summary plan description or contact your benefits department to see what is allowed.

[stephen]

Thank You.

It looks like our plan does allow it.