Under pre-ACA rules, what is a consistent change in status?

A consistent change in status under pre-ACA rules refers specifically to changes that impact eligibility for benefits, particularly changes in dependent status or marital status. When an employee experiences a change in their marital status—such as getting married, divorced, or widowed—or a change in their dependent status—like having a child or a dependent aging out of coverage—this typically qualifies as a significant life event. These events allow the employee to make changes to their health insurance enrollments or other benefits outside of the regular open enrollment period, reflecting the dynamics in their personal situation.

Changes in dependent or marital status are considered pivotal because they directly impact an employee's eligibility for certain benefits and often require prompt action to ensure the employee and their family members maintain adequate health coverage. It is critical that these changes are communicated to the employer so that appropriate adjustments can be made to the benefits provided.

In contrast, changes that do not influence eligibility for coverage, such as those merely related to job performance or arbitrary reporting timeframes, do not warrant such adjustments. Hence, changes that lack this significant impact do not meet the criteria for consistent changes in status.