A qualifying event is a change in life circumstances that allows you to alter an existing healthcare plan or sign up for a new one outside of the open enrollment period.  Without a qualifying event, you would need to wait until the next open enrollment period to make any changes.

Common examples of qualifying events include birth/adoption of a child, death of spouse, change in marital status, loss of coverage due to loss of employment or aging out of your parents healthcare plan at age 26. 

When you experience a qualifying event, a special enrollment period of 30 days is triggered and you can request changes.  Proof of the qualifying event, along with the healthcare enrollment change form, must be received by the Benefits Department within 30 days of the qualifying event date, no exceptions.  Contact the Benefits Department for additional information.

Healthcare Enrollment/Change Form