April 13, 2007

Updating HR benefits

Although MGHers can change their Human Resources (HR) benefits once a year during the fall open enrollment period, there may be other times in life that require a change. These events, known as "qualified changes of status," include marriage or divorce; the addition of a dependent through birth, adoption or change in custody; the death of a spouse or dependent; a change in eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare or other group coverage; a change for the MGH employee or his or her spouse from benefits-eligible to benefits-ineligible status or vice versa; relocating out of an HMO service area; a spouse's employment termination; or a change in full-time student status of a dependent age 19 to 21.

It is important for MGH employees to update their benefits within 30 days following any such qualifying event. For example, if an employee gives birth on April 30, she must add her baby to her health insurance by May 30 for the child to be covered. Even if she already has family coverage, her baby is not automatically added. Her new coverage and any premium increases would take effect immediately, retroactive to April 30.

MGHers can use eBenefits on PeopleSoft to make most HR benefits changes within 30 days of a qualifying event. However, employees must call the HR Benefits Office to make changes within 30 days of an adoption, divorce, death of a spouse or dependent, addition of a same-sex spouse/domestic partner, or a move outside of their HMO's service area. Documentation is required.

For more information, contact the Benefits Office at ibenefits@partners.org or call (617) 726-8133.