Qualifying Events

KEHP is a federally regulated, Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, which enables you to pay your health, dental, and vision insurance premiums and your Flexible Spending Account contributions with pre-tax dollars. Under Cafeteria Plan rules, there are only three times you can change or cancel your benefit elections during the plan year:

During the enrollment period when you first become eligible for benefits (see New Employee Deadlines);

• During the annual Open Enrollment period; or
• If you experience a life event, referred to as a Qualifying Event.

What is a Qualifying Event?

A Qualifying Event is a life-changing event or a change in status such as: • Marriage

• Having or adopting a child

Divorce

Loss of other group health insurance

Court order requiring coverage

Spouse has a different Open Enrollment period

Other less common qualifying events may apply. If you are unsure whether you have experienced a qualifying event that will allow you to change your insurance benefits, contact your Insurance Coordinator or Human Resource Generalist for additional information.

What You Need to Know About Qualifying Events

Qualifying events can be complicated, and at times, difficult to understand. There are restrictions on the types of changes you can make due to federal qualifying event rules. For instance, a change in a life event or status may not entitle you to change the amount you contribute to a Flexible Spending Account. For that reason, it is very important that you be aware of the following rules and contact your Insurance Coordinator or Human Resource Generalist as quickly as possible after experiencing a qualifying event:

1. Any change in your plan option or coverage level must be consistent with the qualifying event you have experienced. For example, you cannot request to remove a dependent from your plan due to birth or adoption.
2. Qualifying Events have strict deadlines. Qualifying events require that you complete the Employee Benefits Enrollment Change Form and submit it to your Insurance Coordinator or Human Resource Generalist within 30 calendar days of the event date, in most cases.
2. Qualifying Events have strict deadlines. Qualifying events require that you complete the Employee Benefits Enrollment Change Form and submit it to your Insurance Coordinator or Human Resource Generalist within 30 calendar days of the event date, in most cases.
3. All qualifying events (except death) require supporting documentation. The supporting documentation required for a Qualifying Event will depend on the type of Qualifying Event. Supporting documentation must be submitted together with the Employee Benefits Enrollment Change Form.
4. If you do not sign and date the required Employee Benefits Enrollment Change Form within the deadline, you will not be permitted to make the requested change until the next Open Enrollment period.

Contact your Insurance Coordinator or Human Resource Generalist for questions, assistance, and additional information about Qualifying Events.

Qualifying Events and Other Insurance Benefits

In general, a qualifying event that permits a change in health insurance will also permit a change in dental and vision insurance. Likewise, a qualifying event that permits a change in health insurance will, in most instances, permit a change in life insurance including making a change to or adding optional insurance coverage.