Qualifying Event Questions

[Guest ClearSky]

I'm confused about the time periods for qualifying events. For example, let's say I had child born a week ago. Would I be able to add the child to my health insurance or must I wait until mid year for the change? I believe you can only change your election at the middle of the year, but if adding a dependent would change your election, is that allowed?

[J Simmons]

I'm confused about the time periods for qualifying events. For example, let's say I had child born a week ago. Would I be able to add the child to my health insurance or must I wait until mid year for the change? I believe you can only change your election at the middle of the year, but if adding a dependent would change your election, is that allowed?

Hi, ClearSky. Generally, the only time that a change in elected benefits under a cafeteria plan may take effect is the first day of the next plan year. By 'mid-year', what is meant is any time during the year, not the end of the 6th month/beginning of the 7th month of the plan year (although that is the true middle of the plan year), which does not allow for changes in election in the absence of a qualifying change in family status. So 'mid-year' means for this purpose any time other than when the plan year begins, and you can add your child.

Contact your HR as soon as possible, but you should have at least 30 days in which to retroactively add your new child to coverage.

BTW, congratulations on the new baby!