When you enroll in benefits, you typically must stay enrolled for the entire plan year. This means that you cannot make changes to your benefits mid-year unless you have a qualifying life event, as defined by the IRS. Some examples of qualifying life events are below.
LAPRA cannot process a future event, meaning you need to wait until the event happens first, then you have 31 days to request the change.
31-Day Deadline
When you have a qualifying life event, you generally have 31 days from the date of the event to make your changes. If you miss this 31-day window, your next opportunity to make changes is during Annual Enrollment, which is the month of May. Any changes made during Annual Enrollment are effective July 1.
Documentation Required for Life Events
Proof of the qualifying event, such as birth/adoption certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or letter verifying the change, is required. You must submit the supporting documentation for the qualifying event within 60 days of the effective date of coverage.