Becoming a parent

When your family expands as a result of a birth, adoption, or legal guardianship, you have the opportunity to elect/change benefits, provided the event is reported within 60 days.

Supporting documentation (e.g., a birth certificate, letter of intent or adoption/legal guardianship decree, or court order granting custody) is required, and can be submitted through Benefits Connect.

While coverage is effective from the date of birth (when reported within 60 days) coverage dates vary for adoptions and legal guardianships; for more information, call the Board of Pensions at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711) to speak with a representative.

If the life event is not reported within 60 days of the birth, adoption, or legal guardianship, you must wait until the next annual enrollment (generally in the fall) to make changes in benefits coverage.

See Reporting life events for more information.

Adoption Assistance

The Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions provides Adoption Assistance Grants to eligible Medical Plan members to help pay for a portion of adoption-related expenses.