Making Changes during the Year

You can change benefits only during the annual open enrollment period unless you have a Qualifying Status Change (QSC) event. To see the complete list of QSC events, documentation requirements and allowable changes, read the QSC event matrix.

If you have a QSC event and want to change your benefit elections:

1. Make the change online at the People First website within 31 days of the event. If your specific QSC event is not listed, call the People First Service Center at (866) 663-4735 (TTY 866-221-0268) or complete all forms authorizing the change. The People First Service Center must receive the required enrollment forms within 31 days of the QSC event. If the forms arrive after 31 days, your requested benefit change(s) will be denied and you will only be able to make changes during the next open enrollment period. You should make your elections within 31 days, unless otherwise noted, even if you do not yet have the supporting documentation.
2. Provide the supporting documentation to People First (e.g., marriage license, birth certificate, divorce decree, etc.) within 31 days of making the change.

If you enroll yourself or your eligible dependents during the year because of a QSC event, coverage begins on the first day of the month after the month in which the state deducts (or People First receives) a full month’s premium. Coverage always begins on the first day of a month and continues for the rest of the calendar year, as long as you pay premiums on time and you and your dependents remain eligible.

If you go on leave or off the payroll

You must pay your share of the premium by personal check, cashier’s check or money order to continue coverage. You may be required to pay the full premium cost—your share and the state’s share, depending on the reason you are not working. Call People First for more information.

If you do not want to continue your insurance coverage while on leave or off the payroll, call People First within 31 days of your leave date to cancel. This ensures you can enroll in coverage if you return to work. If you do not cancel and are later cancelled because you did not pay your premiums, you will only be allowed to enroll during the next open enrollment.