Adulting: When Life Throws You a Qualifying Life Event for Benefits

09 Sep 2024

Remember that time you swore you'd become a fully realized adult by 25? Yeah, me neither. Turns out, "adulting" is less about perfectly pressed pantsuits and more about navigating the bureaucratic labyrinth of, well, life. And sometimes, life throws you a curveball – a big, messy, paperwork-inducing curveball known as a "Qualifying Life Event."

Okay, I know what you're thinking: "Qualifying Life Event" sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, right? But before you click away to find pictures of Harry Styles in a dress (no judgment, we've all been there), hear me out. These events, as boring as they sound, are actually pretty important. They're like secret passwords that unlock a whole new level of adulting – the level where you get to make changes to your health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits outside of the usual open enrollment period.

We're talking marriage (and its messier cousin, divorce), having a baby (the human kind, not the furry kind, sorry pet parents), moving to a new zip code, losing health coverage, and even the big stuff like a death in the family. Yeah, not exactly the highlight reel, but knowing how to navigate these events can save you a whole lot of stress (and potentially a whole lot of money) in the long run.

Think of it this way: you wouldn't show up to a first date in sweatpants and yesterday's mascara, would you? (Okay, maybe you would, but you get the point). Similarly, you don't want to waltz into the world of Qualifying Life Events without at least a basic understanding of what you're dealing with.

So, buckle up, buttercup. We're about to dive deep into the wonderful world of Qualifying Life Events. Because being an adult may not be glamorous, but hey, at least we can try to do it right.

Let's break down some common Qualifying Life Events:

Marriage: Ah, love! You found someone who can tolerate your shoe collection and actually laughs at your jokes. Congrats! But before you can ride off into the sunset (or just binge-watch Netflix together, whatever floats your boat), remember that you have a limited window to add your new spouse to your health insurance and other benefits.

Having a Baby: Whether you're welcoming a tiny human or expanding your brood, a new baby is a joyous occasion (and also an excuse to buy those adorable tiny socks, let's be real). But amidst the sleepless nights and diaper explosions, carve out some time to add your newest family member to your benefits plan.

Moving: So you're finally moving out of your parents' basement/that shoebox apartment you've been calling home? Go you! But before you pack your bags and blast Beyoncé's "Independent Women Part I," check if your new location affects your health insurance or other benefits.

Losing Health Coverage: Whether it's due to a job loss, a change in family status, or something else entirely, losing your health insurance can be scary. The good news is, a Qualifying Life Event allows you to enroll in a new plan outside of open enrollment.

Death of a Family Member: It's the event no one wants to talk about, but sadly, it's a part of life. If you've lost a loved one, you may need to update your benefits and make sure you and your family are taken care of.

Remember, this is just a brief overview. The specific rules and deadlines for Qualifying Life Events can vary depending on your employer, your insurance provider, and where you live. So do your research, read the fine print (I know, I know, but it's important!), and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Because being an adult may not always be pretty, but with a little knowledge and a lot of coffee, we can totally rock this whole "life" thing.