New employees generally have a pre-defined enrollment period for most plans.
Most employers hold an annual Open Enrollment period, during which employees may enroll, make changes, or cancel participation in any of the available benefits. This period provides employees the opportunity to consider their needs and the available benefit options to make the best possible choices for the coming benefit plan year.
Employees have 31 days from the occurrence of the event. This means that employees must complete and return the required benefits change forms and supporting documentation within this time period.
There are nine types of life events:
- Adoption of child
- Birth of a child
- Death of a dependent
- Dependent loss of eligibility
- Divorce or legal separation
- Legal guardianship of a child
- Marriage
- Spouse gains coverage at place of employment
- Spouse loses coverage at place of employment