Q:        What is open enrollment?

A:         Open enrollment is a time period where eligible employees can make changes to their insurance plans, such as adding and/or removing spouses and dependent children without the need of a qualifying event.

Q:        What is a qualifying event?

A:         A qualifying event is an event that modifies standard enrollment requirements, allowing an employee to enroll in insurance coverage or change the status of his or her enrollment.

Coverage will be effective the first of the month following a qualifying event when request for application/change is received by Crawford County prior to the 63rd day following the qualifying event. The exception to this would be a status change as a result of birth of a child, adoption or discharge from military. In these instances, the effective date is the date of the event.

Qualifying events include: becoming eligible for Medicare or other government sponsored health care plans, the loss of eligibility of insurance, the birth or adoption of a child, marriage, & death. In cases involving divorce, a divorce decree from the court will be required before a spouse can be removed.

Dependent children are covered to age 23, student or not. A dependent may remain covered as long as they meet the definition of "dependent." Grandchildren may be covered in certain cases to age 23. Contact the fiscal office for more information.

Q:        When is the open enrollment period for Crawford County?

A:         Open enrollment for Crawford County is at the end of each year.  All changes must be turned in and received by the insurance provider by December 31^st of each year.  The changes will be effective January 1 2010 Deductions will begin with the January 4, 2010 check. IMPORTANT: Due to IRS Section 125 Regulations, you may not elect to drop your coverage during the plan year once you start!

Q:        How do I make changes for open enrollment?

A:         Fill out and turn in change forms for each change required for each insurance plan, for example, dental and health. 

Q:        Who can I contact if I have any questions?

A:         You can contact the Group Plan Administrator at Crawford County at 620-724-6117.