6 6 OVERVIEW I CHANGES AND QUALIFYING EVENTS WHEN COVERAGE BEGINS AND ENDS Your coverage under the benefits plans will end if you no longer meet the eligibility requirements, your contributions are discontinued or the Group Insurance Policy is terminated. QUALIFYING EVENTS • Eligible employees may enroll or make changes to their benefits elections during the annual open enrollment period . As with most benefits, once you elect an option you are bound to that choice for the entire plan year unless you experience a “Qualifying Event” . These may include, but are not limited to : • Changes in employment status • Changes in legal marital status • Changes in number of dependents • Taking an unpaid leave of absence • Dependent satisfies or ceases to satisfy eligibility requirement • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave . • A COBRA - qualifying event • Entitlement to Medicare or Medicaid • A change in the place of residence of the employee, resulting in the current carrier not being available BENEFITS GUIDE O V E RV I E W O F B E N E F I T S