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Changing Medical/Dental Enrollment
for Faculty, Staff & Librarians

Special Open Enrollment - Birth of a Child

Options Actions
If you previously waived medical coverage:
  • You must enroll yourself in medical to add your new child to medical and/or dental.
  • You may enroll your spouse/QDP in medical and/or dental provided you enroll the new child.

Within 60 days of the birth, even if adding your new child does not increase the premium:

If you are currently enrolled in medical and dental coverage, you can:
  • Enroll your new child in medical and/or dental.
  • Enroll your spouse in medical and/or dental provided you enroll the new child.
  • Change your medical and/or dental plan provided you enroll your child.
  • Waive medical for yourself, and medical and/or dental for your eligible dependents, provided that they have other comprehensive group coverage.
Coverage Begins
  • New Child: Coverage begins on the date of birth.
  • Spouse: Coverage begins on the first day of the month the birth occurs.
  • Plan Change: New plan coverage begins the first day of the month the birth occurs.

More information:

Flexible Spending Account

Dependent Care Assistance Program

Adding a Child to Medical/Dental Insurance

Disclaimer: This "qualifying life event series" highlights benefit options arising from a change in family status. It does not substitute for official plan documents. If there is a conflict between the information on this site and an official plan document, the official plan document will govern. Plan availability and eligibility may change depending on your employment status and/or actions of the Washington State Health Care Authority.

Changing Enrollment—
Qualifying Life Events