When someone enrolls in health coverage through their employer, they are generally making that selection for the full plan year under federal rules. They may only make changes during their employer’s annual open enrollment period. However, federal rules provide specific scenarios when an employee can make mid-year plan changes. To make any mid-year changes, the employee must experience a qualifying mid-year election change event recognized by federal rules and allowed by their employer. Some examples of these qualifying events include:

  • Marriage, divorce, or legal separation
  • Change in number of dependents (for example, childbirth or adoption)
  • Involuntary loss of coverage under another plan
  • Change in employment status

For any questions regarding mid-year plan changes, including dropping coverage through your employer, it’s important to speak to your employer.[1]

If you have questions and would like to speak with someone from the Health Connector, please email connector.policy@mass.gov

For more information, please see:

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[1] See Tax Treatment of Cafeteria Plans on IRS.gov: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-regs/td8921.pdf