Dependent Changes

Dependent Changes


Dependent changes can be a joy or a sorrow, and UVA is committed to helping you navigate the implications of these changes. Making changes to your benefits package is usually reserved for Open Enrollment, but dependent changes qualify for changes during the plan year.

You have 60 days to submit a Qualified Life Event. 

Dependent changes include:

  • Adding a child (or children) from birth or adoption
  • Dropping a child so they can enroll on your spouse’s plan
  • Losing eligibility after a dependent turns a certain age
  • Death of a dependent

Dependent changes allow you to enroll yourself, your new child, and eligible dependents not already on your policy, specifically:

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent FSA
  • Group supplemental life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance

Any coverage changes must be consistent with the dependent change. (For example, if adding a dependent, you may change your Employee Only coverage to Employee Plus Spouse or Family, but you may not switch from Health Savings to UVA PPO.) Please review the Coordination of Benefits prior to adding newborn, as plan provisions may determine which parents plan is primary.

What You Need to Know and Do:

  1. Adding a newborn?

    You have 60 days to submit a Qualified Life Event in Workday to enroll your newborn in health benefits.

    Do not delay enrollment of your newborn to wait for a social security number or official birth certificate; please use the proof of birth letter from the hospital for initial enrollment. You can add the other information into Workday later when you receive it. Reach out to askHR if you have questions or need assistance.

  2. You may change your tax withholding due to adding or removing a dependent.

    - Navigate to Workday>My Pay App>Withholding Elections

    - Click on the Update button and make your changes

     

  1. Workday Enrollment

    Within 60 days of the qualifying event, submit request to add or drop dependent(s) in Workday. If you had previously waived medical, dental, or vision benefits and are now requesting enrollment, contact askhr@virginia.edu for assistance. 

    1. Navigate to Workday>Benefits & Pay Hub>Change Benefits

    2. Upload the required documentation

    3. Submit/Open/Let's get Started. Click manage under each plan you wish to add a dependent to, confirm & continue, then on the second page, add new or existing dependent.

    4. Before submitting the event, ensure the dependent names are listed as covered on desired plans. SUBMIT the request. 

When Will Changes Take Effect?

Health plan changes for newborns or newly adopted children are effective on the date of birth or adoption if an enrollment application and documentation is received within 60 days. Your premium change is effective on the first of the month.

The addition of other dependents is effective the first of the month after the date of birth or adoption if an enrollment application and documentation is received within 60 days.

If you submit an application >60 days after the date of birth or adoption, you must wait until the next open enrollment to submit the request and documentation. The change will be effective the first of following year.

Dental, Vision, Health FSA, and Dependent Care FSA changes for newborns or new adopted children are effective the first of the month following receipt of the application and documentation at UVA HR if you received within 60 days of the qualified life event.

COBRA

Continue health care coverage for your child beyond the maximum age by purchasing COBRA through Chard Snyder (888.878.6175) for up to 36 months. If your dependent is eligible for COBRA, they will receive a letter from Chard Snyder.

Learn More About COBRA

Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

As a result of adding or removing a dependent, you may be able to make changes to your life and AD&D benefits, based on your current retirement plan:

Learn More About Life Insurance

Beneficiary Designation

As a result of adding or removing dependents, you may make changes to beneficiary designations for retirement or life insurance.

  • Navigate to Workday>Benefits & Pay Hub>Change Beneficiaries
  • Add, edit, or delete beneficiaries
  • Reach out to your investment plan vendors directly for changes to your retirement plan:

Mission Square
877.327.5261

Fidelity
800.343.0860

TIAA
800.842.2252

Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Daycare Reimbursement Account

As a result of adding or removing dependents, you may make changes to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Dependent Daycare Reimbursement Account which are consistent with the qualified life event (increase for adding dependents, and decrease for removal of dependents but not less than amount already contributed). Make the request to change your FSA within 60 days of the event. Changes become effective the first day of the following month after you make the request and documentation has been received.

Learn More About FSAs