Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or changes to your household can impact your health and insurance benefits. To help ensure your coverage remains accurate and up-to-date, it is important to notify Kern County Health & Wellness of any qualifying life events within the required time frames. Taking action promptly can help prevent gaps in coverage, avoid unexpected expenses and ensure your loved ones receive the benefits they are eligible for. Please review the reminders below to stay informed and protect your benefits. Kern County Health & Wellness Open Enrollment for the 2027 plan year will take place from Oct. 5 through Nov. 6, 2026. During this period, eligible members can evaluate medical, dental, vision and voluntary benefit options to ensure their coverage continues to meet their healthcare and financial needs. Taking the time to evaluate your options now can help ensure you have the coverage and protection you need throughout 2027. Any changes made during Open Enrollment will become effective on Jan. 1, 2027. Purpose of Open Enrollment Open Enrollment allows members to: ● Enroll in health coverage for the first time. ● Change medical or dental plans. ● Add or remove eligible dependents. ● Review plan costs and upcoming benefit changes. ● Update beneficiary and personal information. ● Select flexible spending or health savings account options, when applicable. Outside of the enrollment window, changes are only permitted following a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or loss of other coverage. Employees and retirees are encouraged to carefully compare premiums, deductibles, provider networks and out-of-pocket costs before selecting a plan. Marriage If you would like to add your spouse to your health plan, you must submit the required enrollment forms within 30 days of the marriage date. Requests received after this deadline may not be eligible for coverage until the next Open Enrollment period. Divorce If you have recently divorced, your former spouse and any stepchildren must be removed from your health plan within 30 days of the divorce. You will be responsible for any claims incurred by ineligible dependents who remain enrolled after they lose eligibility. Newborn children You have 60 days from your child’s date of birth to enroll him or her in your Kern County health coverage. Please be aware that no claims will be paid until your newborn has been added to your Kern County health plan. Prompt enrollment helps ensure your child maintains uninterrupted coverage. Life insurance beneficiaries Life changes can affect your beneficiary choices. Take a moment to review your beneficiary designation(s) and make any necessary updates to ensure your benefits are distributed according to your wishes. Address changes Have you moved recently? Be sure to update your address with your Payroll or Personnel Department. Keeping your contact information current helps ensure you receive important health plan notices. Your Kern County Health & Wellness team is here to support you. If you have questions about your coverage, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call our team at 661-868‑3182 for assistance. You can also visit our website at www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com for additional information. 2027 Plan Year Benefits Open Enrollment October 5, 2026–November 6, 2026 Important benefits reminders
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