Q&A: Changes/QSC's

ASSIGNMENT CHANGES

Q: If my assignment changes mid-year, can I make changes to my insurance elections?

A: If your new assignment causes your out-of-pocket cost to change, yes, you have 31 days from the date of the change (the QSC) to submit an enrollment change form and make a logical change to your plan elections.  "Logical" means it makes sense with the change you're experiencing.  For example, if you're losing hours and your out-of-pocket cost is increasing, you can change to a less-expensive plan.  A reduction in hours would not allow you to elect a more expensive plan.

Q: If my assignment changes mid-year, when will the corresponding change in benefits take effect?

A: Benefit changes take effect the first of the month following the QSC date.  For example, if your assignment changes March 21st, any benefit changes will take effect April 1st.

Q: My assignment changed last month but I didn't see any change in my payroll deduction for insurance.  Is something wrong?

A: No.  4J collects insurance premiums at the END of the coverage month, so if you experience a change in hours mid-March, your benefits won't change until April 1st (see Q&A above) and you won't actually PAY for April's new level of coverage until the April 30th paycheck.  If your SECOND check following an assignment change doesn't reflect the price change you were expecting, then you should call the Employee Benefits Manager at (541) 790-7675.

LIFE CHANGES

Q: I'm getting married soon.  How do I go about adding my spouse and their children to my insurance?

A: Once the marriage* has actually occurred, you have 31 days to submit an Enrollment Change Form to 4J Human Resources indicating your desire to add your new spouse and/or any children they may have to your insurance plans. 

*NOTE: The marriage must be recognized by the state of Oregon; therefore same-sex partners who get married outside the state would not be considered legal spouses under OEBB's regulations. 

Q: How do I add a new baby to my insurance?

A: If you or your spouse/partner have a baby, adopt a child or if a child is placed with you in anticipation of adoption, these are all valid QSC events to add a dependent to your insurance coverage.  Simply submit the Enrollment Change Form to 4J Human Resources indicating your desire to add your new dependent within 31 days of the QSC event date.  Don't forget about the option to enroll in child life coverage as well (if you didn't have any eligible children prior to this event).  Coverage is guaranteed when initially eligible, but if you choose not to enroll, proof of good health will be required to enroll during a future Open Enrollment period. 

Q: Do I need to provide proof of my qualifying event, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc?

A: No, you do not need to provide proof.  Your signature attesting to the event and the date it occurred is a legally binding document and falsification would be considered insurance fraud, a federal crime the carrier would have the right to investigate and prosecute if discovered.