Marriage or Divorce

If you are changing your marital status, there are many benefits-related actions to consider. As with other family status changes, you have 31 days from the date of your marriage/divorce to make changes to your benefits coverage.

Benefits Actions for Marriage

Here are some benefits actions to consider if you are getting married:

Medical, Dental & Vision

You can add your spouse and any other new dependents to your medical, dental and/or vision plans. You can also cancel your Emory coverage to enroll on your spouse's plans.

Retirement Savings Plans

You may wish to enroll in or increase your contributions to your 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, 403(b) Roth or 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Go to Self-Service to enroll in or make changes to your retirement contributions. Unlike other benefits that require a 31 day window, you can enroll in or change your retirement savings contributions at any time throughout the year.

Life Insurance

If not previously enrolled, marriage allows you to newly enroll in this benefit. You can also add life insurance coverage for your spouse. Evidence of Insurability (EOI) may be required.

Beneficiaries

You should review your beneficiary designation(s) for your retirement savings plan and life insurance and make updates as needed.

Short Term Disability

If you are planning to have a baby, you may wish to consider enrolling in Short Term Disability which can provide extra income needed for maternity leave. It is important to consider the waiting period when enrolling in STD for pregnancy.

Prepaid Legal

If you are enrolled in the prepaid legal plan and you're considering a prenuptial agreement or establishing or changing a trust, will, or advanced directives, this benefit provides you with direct access to attorneys.

Faculty Staff Assistance Program

Getting married can be a stressful or emotional time. If you need assistance, consider reaching out to the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) for emotional support services.

Benefits Actions for Divorce

If you are changing your marital status due to a divorce, here are a few benefits-related actions and resources to remember:

Faculty Staff Assistance Program

Divorce is an emotional time for all involved. If you need help with emotional support, the Faculty Staff Assistance Program is available for you and your immediate family members.

Prepaid Legal

If you are enrolled in Emory’s prepaid legal, this plan can help you with legal advice or consultation concerning divorce (does not cover the legal fees for a divorce).

Removing your Spouse from Coverage

You will need to remove your spouse from your benefits coverage within 31 days from the final date of your divorce. This includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term care, home/auto insurance and any other Emory coverage.

COBRA

Divorce is considered a COBRA qualifying event. Your former spouse will receive a COBRA packet from Emory's COBRA Administrator, McGriff Insurance Services after their coverage under your plan ends.

Beneficiaries

After a divorce, you may want to change your beneficiary from your former spouse to another person on your life insurance coverage and your retirement savings. You can update your beneficiaries at any time throughout the year; you do not have to wait until annual enrollment or the 31 day window.

To update your life insurance beneficiaries, use Self-Service. To update your retirement plan beneficiaries, contact your retirement vendor.

Other Considerations

When your marital status changes, you may also need to: