What are my rights if I made a typo on my insurance enrollment and accidentally opted out of medical coverage for my wife and kids?

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What are my rights if I made a typo on my insurance enrollment and accidentally opted out of medical coverage for my wife and kids?

I know that once the calendar year starts, my employer cannot legally add my family back on the coverage without a qualifying event. However, there are 2 factors 2 that I feel makes my case a little different. For one, the enrollment year in question has not started yet. And for another, my company has closed their annual enrollment but has not submitted the enrollment package to the underwriter yet (I called the actual insurance provider to confirm this). Legally, can my company update my paperwork and correct this typo before they submit it to insurance and before 01/01 of next year?

Asked on December 10, 2013 under Insurance Law, Utah

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

Generally speaking, no, you can not make changes to the paperwork after the open enrollment period has ended and with out a qualifying event.  So that you know, coverage and open enrollment is always for the next calendar year so in that respect your case is not really different from anyone else's. I would go speak with human resources and plead your case.  If it does not work then speak with them about COBRA for your family or other options until next year. Good luck.


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