You may enroll in medical, dental, and voluntary life insurances during the first 30 days following your employment (or upon becoming eligible for benefits, if later).
Your insurance takes effect:
- Full-time faculty: First day of the month after your full-time employment begins.
- Part-time faculty: The September 1 immediately following determination of eligibility.
- Staff: First day of month after your hire date or after becoming eligible for benefits.
Important: depending on when you complete your enrollment, insurance coverage may take effect retroactively.
When to Start Using Your Medical Insurance and/or Dental Insurance ID Card
You will receive medical insurance ID cards from Tufts Health Plan approximately three–four weeks after you have completed the enrollment process. As a result, although your coverage will be effective the first of the month, you might not receive your cards until later. If possible, contact Tufts Health Plan member services before scheduling your first appointment. If you need health care services before you receive your insurance ID card, you and your doctor may contact Tufts Health Plan for proof of coverage. In an emergency, seek treatment immediately.
You will receive dental insurance ID cards from Delta Dental approximately three–four weeks after you have completed the enrollment process. As a result, although your coverage will be effective the first of the month, you might not receive your cards until later. If possible, contact Delta Dental member services before scheduling your first appointment. If you need dental care services before you receive your dental insurance ID card, you and your dentist may contact Delta Dental member services for proof of coverage.
When adding a spouse and/or dependent(s) to your dental insurance, you will not automatically receive a new ID card. You must request an ID card for your newly enrolled spouse and/or dependent(s) by contacting Delta Dental directly or downloading their app.
Changing Your Coverage (Medical or Dental)
Except during your initial 30-day enrollment period or during annual open enrollment, federal regulations prohibit you from enrolling in, canceling, or changing your participation in the plan unless you experience a qualifying life event. The deadline for making these changes is 30 days from the date of the event.
Ending Coverage
Generally, insurance coverage for you and your covered family members ends at the end of the month when your employment (or eligibility) ends. Any person whose coverage ends is eligible to continue that coverage for a period of time via COBRA.
