UNDERSTAND

It's important that your healthcare coverage meets the changing demands in your life. There are two times when the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) allows you (the subscriber) to make changes to your medical and/or dental insurance coverage for yourself, a spouse or qualified domestic partner (QDP), and your dependents. They are as follows:

1. Annual Open Enrollment - You are allowed to change your medical and dental insurance coverage for any reason during the fall, one-month, open enrollment period. During open enrollment you may also enroll or change your participation in a medical flexible spending account (FSA) and/or a dependent care assistance (DCAP) account. Annual Open Enrollment generally runs for about one month every fall, with changes effective the following January 1. Learn more.

Note: When adding or removing a dependent from insurance coverage during annual open enrollment, you must submit valid documentation that verifies your dependent's status.

2. Special Open Enrollment - Outside of the Annual Open Enrollment, you can change your medical and dental enrollment (i.e. add, waive, or change your plan elections) if you experience a "Qualifying Life Event." Approved qualifying life events are listed in the navigation to the right. Each qualifying life event web page explains the options available to you, what actions you can or must take, and when your coverage is effective. If you have questions, please contact the Benefits Office as soon as possible.

Note: When adding or removing a dependent from insurance coverage during special open enrollment, you must submit valid documentation that verifies your dependent's status.

Special Open Enrollment Conditions

• Any health care coverage change during a Special Open Enrollment must be directly related to the qualifying life event that created your special open enrollment period.
• You must complete and submit the required forms and supporting documentation (if applicable) to the Benefits Office within 60 days of the date of the qualifying life event.
  • Health plan coverage will begin the first of the month following the later of the event date or the date the form is received.
• If multiple events are involved, contact the Benefits Office for assistance.
• Dental insurance coverage cannot be waived.
• You may enroll in, change, or cancel a flexible spending account (FSA) or a dependent care assistance (DCAP) account, only as it impacts the remainder of the year.

Disclaimer: The Qualifying Life Event(s) shown above 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.

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