The UNM-sponsored group health plans have a pre-tax status and are, therefore, governed by IRS regulations. Once you in enroll in coverage for medical, dental, vision, or a Flexible Spending Account, you cannot make changes* to these plans outside of the annual Open Enrollment period, unless you experience a Qualifying Change in Status Event (also knowns as a Qualifying Life Event).
Changes to your coverage must be made within 60 calendar days of the Qualifying Change in Status Event by submitting your Enrollment Change Form(s) to UNM’s Benefits & Employee Wellness Department via (choose one):
See “Important Note” below.
Qualifying Change in Status Events include but are not limited to the following. Keep in mind that the change in benefits you are seeking must match the event that occurred. A change in one type of event may not allow for a change in other benefit elections. For example, if you have a child, you may not use that event to also discontinue dental coverage for a spouse.
Use the Qualifying Change In Status Event: Required Support Documentation guide to help identify documents you may have that demonstrate the event you have experienced from the list above.
It is critical that you submit your Enrollment Change Form(s) within 60-calendar days of your Qualifying Change in Status Event, even if you are still waiting for your supporting documentation of the event (i.e. birth certificate/proof of birth, proof of loss/gain of other coverage from the other insurance entity, marriage certificate etc.).
Do not wait for your documentation or you risk missing your 60-calendar day deadline.
For assistance, go to the HR Contact List for direct links to your designated HR Technician
You may also call 505.277.6947 or email hrbenefits@unm.edu.
If you are adding a dependent, you must add your dependent within 60 calendar days from date of the Qualifying Event and you will be required to provide proof documents within 31 days of your enrollment request (reference “Important Note” above). Please note that it is your responsibility to be sure that all the dependents you enroll and continue to cover are eligible for benefits in accordance with the terms and conditions of the plan.
Provide copies of proof documents to Benefits & Employee Wellness via upload to the Secure Document Submission upload portal or fax to 505-277-2278. You may also submit documentation to the UNM HR Service Center, located at 1700 Lomas Blvd NE, Suite 1400.
See the Proof Documents Submission Requirements information sheet for a summary of what is required for those that are newly benefits eligible versus those who qualify for a change in status.
It is your responsibility to dis-enroll your dependent within 60 calendar days of a qualifying event (see “Important Note” above). Otherwise, you may be liable for any claims incurred by the ineligible dependent. In most cases, a dependent may be eligible to continue insurance coverage through the provisions of COBRA. Keep in mind that a dependent loses eligibility to participate in UNM sponsored plans if any of the following qualifying events occur:
To dis-enroll your dependent, you must submit election changes via the Enrollment/Change Form and provide supporting documentation.
If you need language assistance, please know that UNM is compliant with the Affordable Care Act and its provision regarding Nondiscrimination and Language Assistance.
