Notify your Human Resources department of your divorce or separation. You must submit the required documents within 31 days of your divorce or legal separation because this event will affect your spouse’s continued eligibility for benefits.
Medical, Dental, and Spouse Life Coverage
When you become legally separated or divorced, your ex-spouse’s eligibility to be continued as a dependent under your medical and/or flexible benefits coverage may change.
Cancel Coverage
You will need to cancel medical and flexible benefits coverage for your ex-spouse within 31 days:
- Flexible Benefits l coverage ends on the last day of the month in which the separation becomes legal or your divorce is final.
- Medical coverage ends on the last day of the month that includes the end date of the pay period in which the separation becomes legal, or your divorce is final.
If you do not cancel your ex-spouse from coverage within 31 days of your divorce, the contribution rate will continue to be deducted from your pay; however, your ex-spouse will not be covered. To cancel coverage, contact the GaBreeze Benefits Call Center at 1-877-342-7339 or SHBP’s Member Services at 1-800-610-1863.
COBRA Continuation Coverage
Your ex-spouse may continue group medical, dental, or vision coverage under state and federal continuation provisions, commonly referred to as COBRA. Generally, group coverage may be continued until your ex-spouse is covered under another group insurance plan that does not contain an exclusion or limitation for pre-existing health conditions.
Spouse Life Coverage
When you are divorced, spouse life insurance coverage cannot be continued on your ex-spouse, nor can he/she continue coverage under COBRA continuation. You will need to cancel spouse life coverage within 31 days. Your request for enrollment or a change in any other coverage under the Flexible Benefits Program must be completed online at www.gabreeze.ga.gov or by contacting the GaBreeze Benefits Call Center at 1-877-342-7339 within 31 days of a qualifying event (unless another time period is specified).
Spending Accounts
Divorce is considered a significant change in family status and qualifies for a change in election in a health care or dependent care flexible spending account. You must make your election changes no later than 31 days after the date of your divorce or legal separation.
Change Beneficiary Designation
Due to the divorce, you may wish to change the beneficiary designation for:
Retirement plan and life insurance
Contact the GaBreeze Benefits Call Center at 1-877-342-7339 or online at www.gabreeze.ga.gov .
A qualifying life event (QLE) allows you to add or delete a coverage level (e.g., You Only to You + Family, or You + Family to You Only coverage). Certain QLEs allow you to change your plan options. It is the employee’s responsibility to submit required documents within the time allowed (31 days). You are encouraged to contact GaBreeze as soon as possible. If you fail to submit required documents within the time allowed, you will not be able to make changes until the next Open Enrollment.
Outstanding Wages Beneficiary Election Form
Update your Outstanding Wages Beneficiary Election Form and submit it to your agency Human Resources office.
Other life events affecting your benefits:
