How do I enroll or request to add a new dependent due to a life event?

A life event allows you to enroll in coverage or add a newly acquired dependent for coverage when:

• A new dependent spouse is acquired through marriage: or
• A new dependent newborn is acquired through birth: or
• A new dependent is acquired through adoption or legal custody.

When acquiring a new dependent, you can choose health, dental and/or vision coverage. You can choose the coverage for yourself or also add the newly acquired dependent. The request to enroll due to a life event must be submitted within 30 days of a new dependent’s acquire date.

An enrollment change application, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted for processing. Make sure the application is signed and dated by you and your agency benefits coordinator. When enrolling due to a life event, you must also submit page 3 of the application packet (the special qualifying event form, at the bottom). The form can be found here:https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/partnersforhealth/documents/2023_forms/1043_2023.pdf. 

The effective dates of medical coverage must be as follows:

• Marriage – 1st day of the month after Benefits Administration receives all necessary documents
• Birth – date of birth if enrollment and documentation is received within 30 days of the birth.  An application with required documentation* that is received by the ABC or BA 31 to 60 days after the birth will result in an effective date of the first day of the following month.
• Adoption/Legal Custody – date of adoption or legal custody if enrollment and documentation is received within 30 days of the event.  An application with required documentation* that is received by the ABC or BA 31 to 60 days after the adoption, or placement for adoption will result in an effective date of the first day of the following month.

Documentation required includes:

• Marriage – copy of marriage certificate
• Birth – copy of birth certificate/hospital certificate of birth for newborn (this can be the mother’s copy of the birth certificate)
• Adoption/Legal Custody – copy of adoption/legal guardianship documents