CHANGES TO BENEFITS

Can I change my benefits at any time during the year?

Once your benefits become effective for the Plan Year, federal tax laws state that you will have to wait until the next annual enrollment to enroll or make changes, unless you have a qualified “change in status” or life event. For more information, review the Making Changes to Your Benefits During the Year section in any of the Benefits Enrollment guides on this Web site under the Flexible Benefits link.

If I do have a change in status, such as a marriage or birth of a child, how do I make changes to my benefits?

You may request a change to your benefits during the year as long as the change is consistent with the qualified life event. To change your benefit elections or add or remove family members, you must do the following:

1. Enroll: Within 90 days of the date of your life event by going to the Web enrollment system at www.buckhrsolutions.com/countyla and selecting the Life Event link, or calling the telephone enrollment system at (888) 822-0487 and select “To make changes to your benefits” option from the Main Menu. Make sure you confirm your enrollment at the end of the process.

2. Submit: Proof of dependent status documents such as a marriage certificate to add your spouse or birth certificate to add your child within 90 days of your life event. Write your employee number on each document and mail to: County of Los Angeles Benefits Plan Administrator, PO Box 67128, Los Angeles, CA 90067, or fax to: (310) 788-8775.

Note: Your enrollment is not complete until the plan administrator has received and approved all necessary proof documents, and processed your request.

When can I make changes to my benefits, add or remove family members if I missed the 90 day deadline?

Annual enrollment is your only opportunity to make changes to your benefits if you miss the 90 day deadline. Annual enrollment is during the month of October. The benefits you elect at that time will go into effect for the next Plan Year (January 1 through December 31).

Do I have to wait until Annual Enrollment to add or remove my domestic partner from my medical or dental plan?

You may add a domestic partner and your domestic partner’s children to your medical and/or dental coverage, or remove them from coverage, at any time during the year under similar rules as described in the Making Changes to Your Benefits During the Year section of the enrollment guide.