Health

A qualifying life event (QLE) is a term defined by OPM to describe events deemed acceptable by the IRS that may allow participants in cafeteria plans (including premium conversion) to change their participation election for premium conversion outside of an open season.

With two exceptions, the rules for changing FEHB enrollment outside of Open Season do not change. Most of the time, people make changes to their FEHB enrollment on account of and consistent with a qualifying life event. The opportunities for you to enroll or change enrollment described in 5 CFR Part 890, and described in the FEHB Employee Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809)will continue to be allowed under premium conversion except:

• you may not cancel your enrollment at any time
• you may not change from Self and Family to Self Only at any time.

You will still be allowed to make these changes to your enrollment if the change is on account of and consistent with a qualifying life event.

The IRS has additional events that will allow you to change your participation (election) in premium conversion. Read on for more information.