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Athens, OH 45701
Human Resources

Guidance for Life Event Coverage Changes

Life Events Overview

Life events are personal or employment changes that may affect your benefits eligibility. These include: 

  • Birth, adoption, or legal custody
  • Marriage or domestic partnership
  • Divorce or partnership termination
  • Death of employee or dependent
  • Gain or loss of other coverage (employee or covered dependent)
  • Employment type or location changes (employee or covered dependent)
  • New hire, rehire, or return from leave
  • Dependent reaches age 26 

Timely reporting ensures accurate coverage and rate adjustments. 

Required Documentation

Life Event
Enrollment Certification Required?
Dependent Certification Required?
Accepted Documents
Deadline
Birth, Adoption, or Legal Custody

Yes

Yes

Crib card or hospital record, Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate, Legal Custody Papers, Tax Return with child’s ssn  

31 days

Marriage

Yes

Yes

Marriage Certificate

31 days 

Divorce

Yes

Yes

Divorce Decree

31 days 

Death of Dependent

No

No

Verbal Notification

Immediate

Dependent Gains Coverage

Yes

No

Proof of Other Coverage

31 days 

Dependent Loses Coverage

Yes

Yes

Proof of Coverage Loss

31 days 

Employee Gains Coverage

Yes

No

Proof of Other Coverage

31 days 

Employee Loses Coverage

Yes

Yes

Proof of Coverage Loss

31 days 

New Hire, Rehire, or Return from Leave

No

Yes

Standard Dependent Documents

31 days 

Domestic Partnership Start

Yes

Yes

Domestic Partner Affidavit

31 days 

Domestic Partnership End

Yes

Yes

Statement of Termination

31 days 

Dependent Reaches age 26

No

No

N/A

31 days 

Upload required documentation to . 

Coverage & Rate Changes

Coverage changes are effective the date of the event once documentation is received. This may involve a credit or retroactive charge, depending on the payroll schedule. Timely submission is encouraged. 

Rate Adjustments: 

  • Typically follow coverage start date
  • Exception: Child turning 26 → Rate adjusts first of the following month

Plan Eligibility by Event

Life Event
Eligible Plans
Changes Allowed
Marriage Medical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Life, FSA, Supplemental Life, STDAdd or drop dependents, increase or decrease coverage
DivorceMedical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Life, FSA, Supplemental Life, STDAdd or drop dependents, adjust coverage
Birth or AdoptionMedical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Life, FSA, Supplemental Life, STDAdd dependents or increase coverage
Dependent Gains CoverageMedical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Life, FSA, Supplemental Life, STDDrop or decrease coverage 
Dependent Loses CoverageMedical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Life, FSA, Supplemental Life, STDAdd or increase coverage 
New Hire or Rehire Medical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Life, FSA, Supplemental Life, STDAdd coverage and dependents
Death of DependentMedical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Life, FSA, Supplemental Life, STDDrop dependent, adjust FSA 
Child Turns 26Medical, Dental, Vision, Dependent Life, FSADrop dependent, adjust rate

Explore the Benefits Guides to review your available plan options.

How to Change

Benefit elections must be completed online through My Personal Information (MPI) in the Benefits Self Service section. This tool allows you to review your current benefit choices and make updates as needed. 

Follow these steps to make changes to your benefits:

  1. Contact University Human Resources' Employee Service Center (ESC) at 740-593-1636 or benefits@ohio.edu to initiate a change in your benefits due to a qualifying life event.
  2. Human Resources will activate your ability to make enrollment changes in MPI: Benefits Self Service.
  3. Log in to My Personal Information (MPI): and click My Personal Information.
    • You will need your OHIO ID and password to access MPI. This is the same ID and password you use for your Ohio email. You must have the set up.
  4. Select the Benefits Self Service option.
  5. To update benefit elections and dependents, follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the MPI: Benefits Self Service User Guide.
  6. Print or save your confirmation statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the documentation deadline?

You may lose the opportunity to adjust coverage until the next open enrollment. 

Can I change my Supplemental Life coverage after a divorce?

Yes, up to $200,000 without Evidence of Insurability. 

How do I remove a dependent who gained other coverage?

Submit proof of other coverage within 31 days of the event. 

How can I reach my benefits provider directly?

Visit our Provider Contact page for a complete list of providers and their contact details.

What type of documentation do I need to add a new dependent?
Dependent RelationshipDocumentation
Child, stepchild, or domestic partner childBirth certificate
Adopted child or domestic partner adopted childAdoption certificate
Legal dependent or domestic partner legal dependentLegal custodial paperwork
SpouseMarriage certificate
Domestic PartnerDomestic Partner Affidavit

Contact Human Resources

For help with documentation, coverage questions, or system access: