Mid Year Changes
31 Days

Change paperwork (forms AND documentation) must be submitted to GISD Benefits within 31 days of the event.

MAKE CHANGES TO THESE BENEFITS ANY TIME

These post-tax deducted benefits can be cancelled the first of any following month:

  • Accident
  • Critical Illness
  • Disability
  • iLock
  • TX Life
  • Voluntary Group Life

Dependents can be dropped from these benefits due to death/divorce:

  • Accident
  • Critical Illness
  • iLock
  • TX Life
  • Voluntary Group Life

Life insurance can be added due to birth/adoption, marriage, divorce

  • TX Life
  • Voluntary Group Life

Health Savings Account (HSA) will allow you to enroll, change contribution amount or cancel the first of any following month.

Use this form to make any of the above changes: GISD-Enrollment-Change-Form

District Group Life/Voluntary Group Life, beneficiary can be changed at any time.
Log in here to make changes.
(For TX Life, contact TX Life directly)

CHANGE RULES APPLY TO THESE BENEFITS
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Hospital Indemnity
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s)

Expand a Qualified Event below for forms and documentation requirements.

RULES
  • Change event must meet IRS Section 125 and/or TRS-ActiveCare mid-year change qualifications.
  • Change paperwork (forms AND documentation) must be submitted to GISD Benefits within 31 days of the event.
NOTES
  • It generally takes 10-14 business days from the date paperwork is processed by GISD Benefits for eligibility to update. Employees will receive a confirmation email when paperwork is processed.
  • If an enrollment event is processed with a retroactive effective date, any premium or premium variance owed will be deducted from the next following paycheck.
  • A spouse’s open enrollment election will allow an employee to cancel coverage mid-year for self and family members who obtain new coverage. It will not however allow an employee to enroll mid-year for self and family members who lose coverage. Mid-year enrollments are allowed due to an involuntary loss of coverage and that is considered a voluntary loss of coverage.

QUALIFIED EVENTS

Following are the most common mid-year change events.

To ADD benefits and/or participants

Choose an event for details:

Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on date of newborn’s birth
Who Can Enroll
  • Employee can add newborn to current benefits (before receiving SSN).
  • TRS Active-Care will also allow:
    • Employee to enroll in medical coverage and/or add other eligible family members to medical coverage – with additional premium payment
    • Employee to change ActiveCare plans IF adding dependents causes a change in coverage tier, such as from employee-only to employee-children or from employee-spouse to employee-family
Effective Date of Coverage
  • Coverage is effective the newborn’s birth date.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation – one of the following:
    • Copy of Birth Certificate OR
    • Copy of Verification of Birth Facts Sheet from hospital – similar to info on Birth Certificate (Not discharge sheet.)
  2. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date the child is placed with the employee or the date the adoption is final
Who Can Enroll
  • Employee can add adopted child to current benefits.
  • TRS Active-Care will also allow:
    • Employee to add eligible spouse to medical coverage in addition to adopted child – with additional premium payment
    • Employee to change ActiveCare plans IF adding dependents causes change in coverage tier, such as from employee-only to employee-children or from employee-spouse to employee-family
Effective Date of Coverage
  • Coverage is effective the date the child was placed with the employee’s family or the date the adoption was finalized.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation – one of the following:
    • Copy of court documents placing the child with the employee’s family OR
    • Copy of the final adoption decree
  2. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date of marriage
Who Can Enroll
  • Employee can add spouse/step-children to current benefits.
  • TRS Active-Care will also allow:
    • Employee to enroll in medical coverage and/or add other eligible family members to medical coverage – with additional premium payment
    • Employee to change ActiveCare plans IF adding dependents causes a change in coverage tier, such as from employee-only to employee-children or from employee-spouse to employee-family
Effective Date of Coverage
  • Coverage is effective the first of the month following the date of marriage
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation – one of the following:
    • Copy of Marriage Certificate OR
    • Copy of Certificate of Common Law Marriage
  2. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date eligibility for other group benefits ends as a result of the loss of employment
 Who Can Enroll
  • Employee can enroll self and/or eligible family members in benefits that are ending.
  • TRS-ActiveCare will also allow employee to change ActiveCare plans IF adding dependents causes a change in coverage tier, such as from employee-only to employee-children or from employee-spouse to employee-family.
Effective Date of Coverage
  • Coverage is effective the first of the month following the date other benefits end.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation – one of the following:
    • Copy of COBRA paperwork including COBRA enrollment form OR
    • Any combination of employer/insurance company paperwork proving loss of eligibility for other group coverage which includes ALL of the following information:
      1. Why coverage is ending
      2. The date benefits end
      3. Which benefits are ending
      4. Who was covered
  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date benefits end as a result of the loss of eligibility for other group coverage
Who Can Enroll
  • Employee can enroll self to replace benefits that are ending OR
  • Employee can add spouse to replace benefits that are ending
  • TRS-ActiveCare will also allow employee to change ActiveCare plans IF adding spouse causes a change in coverage tier, such as from employee-only to employee-spouse or from employee-children to employee-family
Effective Date of Coverage
  • Coverage is effective the first of the month following the date benefits end.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation – one of the following:
    • Copy of COBRA paperwork including COBRA enrollment form OR
    • Any combination of employer/insurance company paperwork proving loss of eligibility for other group coverage which includes ALL of the following information:
      1. Why coverage is ending
      2. The date benefits end
      3. Which benefits are ending
      4. Who was covered
  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window (may be extended to 60 days based on when Medicaid/CHIPS makes their determination) begins on the date benefits end as a result of the loss of eligibility for coverage
Who Can Enroll
  • Employee can enroll self and/or eligible family members in benefits that are ending.
  • TRS-ActiveCare will also allow employee to change ActiveCare plans IF adding dependents causes a change in coverage tier, such as from employee-only to employee-children or from employee-spouse to employee-family
Effective Date of Coverage
  • Coverage is effective the first of the month following the date benefits end.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

Copy of Medicaid/CHIPS documents proving loss of eligibility for coverage. (Loss of coverage resulting from failure to provide timely documentation to Medicaid/CHIPS does not qualify as an enrollment event.)

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date benefits end as a result of the loss of eligibility for other group coverage
Who Can Enroll
  • Employee can enroll self and/or eligible children in benefits that are ending.
  • TRS-ActiveCare will also allow employee to change ActiveCare plans IF adding dependents causes a change in coverage tier, such as from employee-only to employee-children
Effective Date of Coverage
  • Coverage is effective the first of the month following the date benefits end.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation – one of the following:
    • Copy of COBRA paperwork including COBRA enrollment form OR
    • A copy of the pertinent first and last pages of the divorce decree (parties to the divorce and effective date/judge signature) PLUS any combination of employer/insurance company paperwork which includes ALL of the following information:
      • The date benefits end
      • Which benefits are ending
      • Who was covered
  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date eligibility for other group benefits ends as a result of spouse’s death
Who Can Enroll
  • Employee can enroll self and/or eligible family members in benefits that are ending.
  • TRS-ActiveCare will also allow employee to change ActiveCare plans IF adding dependents causes a change in coverage tier, such as from employee-only to employee-children.
Effective Date of Coverage
  • Coverage is effective the first of the month following the date benefits end.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation – one of the following:
    • Copy of COBRA paperwork including COBRA enrollment form OR
    • Any combination of employer/insurance company paperwork proving loss of eligibility for other group coverage which includes ALL of the following information:
      • Why coverage is ending
      • The date benefits end
      • Which benefits are ending
      • Who was covered
  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.

To CANCEL benefits and/or participants

Choose an event for details:

Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date new coverage is effective
What Can Be Cancelled
  • Employee can cancel benefits for self and family members who obtained new coverage.
Effective Date of Cancellation
  • Coverage is cancelled the first of the month following the date paperwork is received by GISD Benefits. Actual cancellation date will depend upon whether paperwork is received before or after the mid-year change event.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

Any combination of employer/insurance company paperwork which includes ALL of the following information:

• The date new coverage is effective

• Who gained coverage

• Benefits gained

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date new coverage is effective
What Can Be Cancelled
  • Employee can cancel benefits for self and family members who obtained new coverage.
Effective Date of Cancellation
  • Coverage is cancelled the first of the month following the date paperwork is received by GISD Benefits. Actual cancellation date will depend upon whether paperwork is received before or after the mid-year change event.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

Any combination of employer/insurance company paperwork which includes ALL of the following information:

 • The date new coverage is effective

 • Who gained coverage

•  Benefits gained

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date new coverage is effective
What Can Be Cancelled
  • Employee can cancel benefits for self and children who obtained coverage through new spouse.
Effective Date of Cancellation
  • Coverage is cancelled the first of the month following the date paperwork is received by GISD Benefits. Actual cancellation date will depend upon whether paperwork is received before or after the mid-year change event.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

Any combination of employer/insurance company paperwork which includes ALL of the following information:

• The date new coverage is effective

• Who gained coverage

• Benefits gained

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date of the divorce
Who Can Be Cancelled
  • Employee can cancel coverage for newly ineligible dependents such as ex-spouse and step-children.
  • Employee can also cancel coverage for children if decree indicates other parent will assume responsibility for their benefits coverage.
Effective Date of Cancellation
  • Coverage is cancelled the first of the month following the date the divorce becomes effective causing the dependent to be ineligible for coverage.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

A copy of the pertinent pages of the final divorce decree:

• First pages indicating parties to the divorce

• Final pages with effective date/judicial signature

• Pages indicting party responsible for maintaining benefits for the children – if that is changing

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date new coverage is effective
What Can Be Cancelled
  • Employee can cancel benefits for self and family members who obtained new coverage.
Effective Date of Cancellation
  • Coverage is cancelled the first of the month following the date paperwork is received by GISD Benefits. Actual cancellation date will depend upon whether paperwork is received before or after the mid-year change event.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

Any combination of insurance company paperwork which includes ALL of the following information:

• The date new coverage is effective

• Who gained coverage

• Benefits gained

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date Medicare coverage is effective
What Can Be Cancelled
  • Employee can cancel benefits for self or spouse who obtained Medicare coverage.
Effective Date of Cancellation
  • Coverage is cancelled the first of the month following the date paperwork is received by GISD Benefits. Actual cancellation date will depend upon whether paperwork is received before or after the mid-year change event.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

Copy of Medicare card

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date Medicaid/CHIPS coverage is effective
What Can Be Cancelled
  • Employee can cancel coverage for self and/or family members who obtained Medicaid/CHIPS coverage.
Effective Date of Cancellation
  • Coverage is cancelled the first of the month following the date paperwork is received by GISD Benefits. Actual cancellation date will depend upon whether paperwork is received before or after the mid-year change event.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

Copy of Medicaid/CHIPS paperwork indicating who obtained coverage and the effective date.

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits in which you are enrolling/cancelling:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.
Election Window
  • 31-day election window begins on the date of death.
What Can Be Cancelled
  • Employee can cancel benefits for deceased family member.
Effective Date of Cancellation
  • Coverage for a deceased dependent ends on the date of death.
Required Paperwork
  1. Documentation

Copy of the certified death certificate

  1. Forms – Complete one or both forms depending on the benefits to be cancelled:
Submit Paperwork
  • Submit mid-year change paperwork to the Garland ISD Benefits Department within the 31-day enrollment window. Paperwork scanned/emailed will receive an email confirmation of receipt.
    • Scan & email: benefits@garlandisd.net
    • School Mail: Benefits, Box 108
    • Fax: 972-485-4931
    • Drop Off: Harris Hill Building, 501 South Jupiter Road
    • US Postal Mail: Garland ISD, 501 S Jupiter Rd, Garland TX 75042, Attn: Benefits Dept.