Change Your Benefits
Employees may make changes to certain benefits when they experience a qualifying life event, such as those listed in the table below. The benefits changes must be requested and made within 60 days of the event. Changes will take effect the first of the month following your request and documentation submission. However, enrollments for the birth or adoption of a child are retroactive to the date of birth or adoption.
Double Contribution employees (where both spouses are County or HCPS employees), who need to enroll or make changes to their benefits, please contact the Benefits Division for assistance.
60 Day Time Limit
For qualifying events the time period to make benefit changes is 60 days. Please note that benefit changes will take effect the first of the month following receipt of all paperwork. However, enrollments for the birth or adoption of a child are retroactive to the date of birth or adoption.
If the 60 days has passed, employees must wait until the next Open Enrollment period or experience another qualifying event to make a change. Any changes made must be consistent with the qualifying event experienced.
How to Make a Qualifying Event Change
- Use the table to verify that your event qualifies for a mid-year change. If it does not, you will need to wait until the next Open Enrollment period.
- Complete the Qualifying Event Form and gather any required documentation.
- Be sure to click “Submit” to send your request to the Benefits Team for review.
- Please consider how the timing of submitting your paperwork will impact the date your change is effective.
Qualifying Events and Their Requirements
There are many other life events that may allow you to make a benefits change. This table is not an exhaustive list. For more information on these and other Qualifying Events, please call HR Benefits Division at 804-501-7371 with questions.
| Type of Qualifying Event | Change (s) Permitted | Effective Date of Change(s) | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth or adoption of a child | Add new dependent to existing coverage, new enrollment(s), and changes to FSA | Date of birth or adoption | Copy of birth letter, birth certificate, or copy of adoption agreement |
| Marriage | Add or drop coverage or a dependent for health, dental, and FSA | First of the month following the receipt of paperwork | Copy of the marriage certificate |
| Divorce | Drop former spouse from coverage | End of the month in which divorce is final | Copy of final divorce decree |
| Death | Drop deceased dependent from coverage | End of the month in which dependent dies | Death Certificate or documentation of date of death |
| Change in employee’s or spouse’s eligibility for employment or eligibility for benefits | Varies, but generally can add or drop dependents and/or add or drop benefits | First of the month following the receipt of paperwork | Document from employer stating that a change in eligibility or employment has occurred |
Update your Information
With many qualifying events, you may want to change your personal information, which you can update through HRMS. You might also want to update your VRS Beneficiary and your Deferred Compensation Beneficiary (Empower).
Rates
- 2026 Healthcare Rates for Full-time and Permanent Part-time Employees (employees working 20-29 hours per week)
- 2026 Health Rates for Double Contribution
- 2026 Dental Rates
