Update Coverage
Life is filled with memorable moments, and your benefits are designed to support you through it all. Whether celebrating a new chapter or navigating a sudden change, having the right support makes all the difference.
Some big life events are considered qualifying life events and allow you to make changes to your benefits outside of Annual Enrollment.
Making changes to your benefits
When big moments happen — such as getting married, welcoming a child, or experiencing a change in coverage — you may be eligible to adjust your benefits. You can change your benefits when you experience a qualifying life event (QLE), but you must make updates within 30 or 60 days of your QLE, depending on the event.
If you update your coverage and submit all required documents by the deadline, your updated coverage will start on the day of the life event.
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Dependent verification
When you add dependents to your benefits, you must provide required documents proving their eligibility within 30 days of making your elections.
If you don’t submit verification documents on time, your dependents won’t be added to your coverage. Your next opportunity to add them to your benefits would be Annual Enrollment unless you experience another qualifying life event.
Marriage
Getting married is an exciting moment in life. Before you add your spouse to your coverage, there are a few things you should consider.
Review your health and welfare benefits coverage to determine which plan is the right fit for your new family. You can add your spouse/domestic partner to your coverage or end your Company coverage if you are moving to your spouse’s policy. Some key considerations as you decide:
- Cost vs. Coverage: Balance premium rates with the level of care.
- Network: Ensure your preferred health care providers are in-network.
- Your Unique Needs: Evaluate coverages for specialized treatments or medications you may need.
Don’t forget to harmonize your financial plans as you blend your lives. From boosting your HSA contributions to re-evaluating your 401(k) goals, here’s how to secure a prosperous future together.
- Maximize your accounts: If you are enrolled in the HSA Core or HSA Value medical plan and add your spouse, you can increase your HSA contribution up to the IRS family limits. See the Health Savings Account page in the Benefits eGuide for more information.
- Evaluate your savings strategy: Discuss your long-term strategy with your spouse. Are you setting enough aside in your 401(k) to reach your goals? Retirement may seem like a long time away, but remember, making small contributions each paycheck can yield a substantial savings balance over time.
Review your beneficiary designations on your Life and AD&D Insurance, 401(k), HSA (if you’re enrolled in the HSA Core or HSA Value medical plan), and other financial investments and policies to make sure your assets are allocated to the right person.
New Child
Welcoming a child into your family is a joyful and life-changing experience. There are several key factors to consider as you prepare for this exciting new journey.
You may qualify for up to 12 weeks of unpaid Family Medical Leave (FMLA). This leave runs concurrently with any type of paid leave.
Apply for FMLA and Short-Term Disability (STD) before your baby arrives by contacting The Hartford at 888-437-8671 to submit your leave request and complete the required steps. The process is simple: you apply for FMLA and STD, your eligibility is assessed by The Hartford, and you’re notified once a decision is made. You may also qualify for state-provided leave. Contact your state agency for eligibility and details.
Don't forget to inform your manager and Human Resources of your upcoming leave.
Check out our Navigating Life’s Moments — New Baby page where you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how having a baby impacts your benefits.
As your family grows, be sure to review your coverage.
- Medical: Add your new bundle of joy to your medical plan.
- Life Insurance: To ensure your family is protected, you may need to increase your Life & AD&D Insurance coverage or add Child Life Insurance.
- Legal needs: Do you need a will or other legal documents to protect your family? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help with legal consultations.
View Navigating Life’s Moments — New Baby page for more information.
Raising children can be expensive, but don’t worry — we can help you keep dollars in your pocket.
- Dependent Care FSA: The DCFSA account allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible child care expenses.
- Find child care: The EAP can help with finding licensed child care providers as well as backup care options.
View Navigating Life’s Moments — New Baby page for more information.
Job Change
If you or your spouse lose a job, start a new opportunity, or change jobs, consider the following.
Review your health and welfare benefits coverage. You can add your spouse/domestic partner to your coverage, or you can end your Company coverage if you are moving to your spouse’s policy. Some key considerations as you decide:
- Cost vs. coverage: Balance premium rates with the level of care.
- Network: Ensure your preferred health care providers are in-network.
- Your unique needs: Evaluate coverages for specialized treatments or medications you may need.
View the Navigating Life’s Moments — Job Loss page where you’ll find a step-by-step guide on what you need to know if you or your spouse/domestic partner loses or changes their job.
If your spouse/domestic partner loses their job it can be a stressful, emotional experience. All employees and their household members can receive six free, confidential in-person or virtual counseling sessions per person, per event, per year from the Employee Assistance Program. Licensed counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you need additional care and are enrolled in an LSC Medical Plan, additional counseling may be available to you, including low-cost virtual sessions with a Virtual Behavioral Specialist.
View Navigating Life’s Moments — Job Loss page for more information.
Divorce
The end of a marriage can be one of the most stressful times in life. Your benefits provide several resources to get you through the process.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees and their household members with free, confidential assistance, including:
- Legal services: EAP representatives can help you locate an attorney for a free consultation and discounted legal representation.
- Mental health: Licensed counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You and members of your household can receive up to six free in-person or virtual counseling sessions per issue, per year through the EAP. If you need additional care and are enrolled in an LSC Medical Plan, additional counseling may be available, including low cost sessions with a Virtual Behavioral Specialist.
Review your health and welfare benefits coverage to determine which plan is the right fit for you and your dependent(s), if applicable, given the change. You can enroll or change your coverage depending on your circumstances.
Review your beneficiary designations on your Life and AD&D Insurance, 401(k), HSA (if you’re enrolled in the HSA Core or HSA Value medical plan), and other financial investments and policies to make sure your assets are allocated to the right person.
Consider seeking legal counsel before designating a minor as a beneficiary due to limitations on payouts of Life and AD&D Insurance policies to minors.
Loss of Spouse or Child
If an unthinkable loss happens, know that we’re here to help. Stay in close contact with your manager and use the tools and resources available to you.
You and your household members can receive 24/7 in-the-moment phone support and up to six free in-person or virtual counseling sessions per person per issue per year through the Employee Assistance Program.
If you need additional care and are enrolled in an LSC Medical Plan, counseling may be available to you, including low-cost virtual sessions with a Virtual Behavioral Specialist.
View the Navigating Life’s Moments — Loss of a Loved One page where you’ll find a step-by-step journey that gathers the benefits that can help, right now and in the weeks to come after losing a dependent.
If your covered dependent passes, report the death by calling the LSC Benefits Center at 888-681-2241 from Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT.
View Navigating Life’s Moments — Loss of a Loved One page for more information.
Contact the LSC Benefits Center for assistance with removing your loved one from your health and welfare coverage or enrolling in coverage for yourself and dependent(s) if you lose coverage. Call the LSC Benefits Center at 888-681-2241 from Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT.
View Navigating Life’s Moments — Loss of a Loved One page for more information.
Review your beneficiary designations on your Life and AD&D Insurance, 401(k), HSA (if you’re enrolled in the HSA Core or HSA Value medical plan), and other financial investments and policies to make sure your assets are allocated to the right person.
View Navigating Life’s Moments — Loss of a Loved One page for more information.
Updating your benefits is easy!
- Review the Benefits eGuide.
- Use the tools and resources to choose the best option for you and your family.
- When you’re ready, update your benefits online or by calling the LSC Benefits Center, and don’t forget to upload documentation proving your life event!
- Make sure to verify any dependents you add to your coverage within 30 days from the date you submit your elections by uploading the required documentation.
Stay connected to your benefits
The Company shares important updates and resources in ways that fit your lifestyle, whether through email or occasional text messages. You can update your communication preferences anytime to make sure you’re getting the information that matters most to you and your family.