Understanding Benefit Election Changes

What to Do When You Welcome a New Child

Life does not always line up neatly with annual enrollment—and that is why “special enrollment events” exist. Members’ Insurance Trust (MIT) allows you to update certain benefit elections outside the annual enrollment window when major life changes occur. One of the most important (and time‑sensitive) of these special enrollment events is adding a new dependent child.

Below is a simple guide to help you understand when you can make changes and what steps to take—especially if you are welcoming a new baby or adopting a child.

🌟 What Counts as a Special Enrollment Event?

MIT allows benefit changes when specific life events affect your eligibility or your dependent’s eligibility for coverage. These include:

• A change in marital status
• A change in the number of dependent children
• A change in employment status or work schedule for you or a dependent
• A dependent child becoming ineligible due to age or student status
• A change in residence for you or a dependent

When any of these events occur, you have 31 days to request the corresponding change to your MIT benefits. (MITinfo@scmedical.org)

👶 Adding a New Dependent Child: Your 90‑Day Window

One of the most common special enrollment events is the addition of a new child—whether through:

• Birth
• Adoption
• Placement for adoption

In these cases, MIT gives you a 90‑day window to enroll your new dependent in medical or dental coverage. (MITinfo@scmedical.org)

Why This Matters

Even if you already have family coverage, your new child is not automatically added. You must actively enroll them within the 90‑day timeframe to ensure they receive coverage.

What If You Previously Declined Coverage?

You may also enroll yourself or your dependents outside annual enrollment if:

• You previously declined MIT medical or dental coverage because you had other group coverage, and
• You or your dependent lose eligibility for that other coverage, or
• You get married

In these situations, you must request enrollment within 31 days of the event.

📝 Key Takeaway

If you welcome a new child, do not wait—you have 90 days to add them to your MIT benefits. This applies whether you are giving birth, adopting, or receiving a child through placement for adoption. Missing this window could delay or limit your child’s access to important medical and dental coverage.

Even if you already have family coverage, your new child is not automatically added. You must actively enroll them within the 90‑day timeframe to ensure they receive coverage.