When Coverage Begins

For the complete list of qualifying status change (QSC) events that trigger a gain or loss of eligibility, as well as coverage effective dates, see the QSC Matrix.

When Coverage Ends

If you or your dependent experience a QSC event that causes a loss of eligibility, coverage in State Group Insurance plans ends as follows:

When your employment is terminated. Active employees pay premiums one month in advance, so coverage ends on the last day of the month following the month you terminated employment. For example, if your last day of work is April 23, your coverage ends May 31.
On the last day of the month in which you do not make the required premium payment for coverage, including the months when you are on leave without pay, suspension or layoff status. Payment is due the tenth of the month before the month of coverage. For example, payment for July coverage is due June 10.
On the last day of your 12-month health insurance coverage period if you are an OPS/variable-hour employee and you did not meet the eligibility requirements (see the Eligibility section). In other words, life and supplemental insurance plans ends the same time as health insurance, regardless of the number of months enrolled.
On the last day of the month in which you remarry, if you have coverage as a surviving spouse of an employee or retiree.
If your spouse is enrolled as your covered dependent, your spouse’s coverage ends on the last day of the month in which:
- Your coverage is terminated.
- You and your spouse divorce. (You are required to notify People First within 60 days of the divorce.)
- Your spouse dies.
- Your dependent children’s coverage ends:
  - On the last day of the month in which your coverage is terminated.
  - The end of the calendar year in which your dependent turns age 26 (or 30 for over-age health coverage).
  - On the last day of the month your dependent no longer meets the definition of an eligible dependent. (For example, if you divorce, you may no longer cover your stepchildren.)
When your dependents no longer meet eligibility requirements, their coverage ends the last day of the month they become ineligible, unless otherwise noted above. If your dependents become ineligible for coverage, go to the People First website to remove them from your plans or call the People First Service Center at 866-663-4735 within 60 days of the ineligibility. Service Center hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time (5 p.m. Central time). Send required documentation to People First. If you fail to provide the required documentation, you risk paying for more coverage than you need.