Enrolling in the Health Plan

Participation in the Boston University Health Plan is voluntary. To elect this coverage, new employees must go to Employee Self Service at BUworks Central and select BU Benefits Center.  This enrollment process will authorize a pre-tax reduction in your pay for your share of the cost under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code.

If you choose a membership which includes your spouse or dependent children, coverage is available only for the family members who are listed on your enrollment. If you wish to enroll newly eligible family members (for example, a newborn, an adopted child, or a new spouse) because you have a life or career event, you may request the change through Employee Self Service at BUworks Central by selecting the option “Manage my Benefits – Life or Career Events” within 30 days of the life or career event.

Proof of Dependent’s Relationship Required

For all eligible dependents whom you wish to cover under the BU plans, you must provide the following documents:

• Spouse: Marriage certificate (government issued)
• Common Law Spouse: Common law marriage certificate (only for those married in a state that accepts common law marriage)
• Child: Birth certificate or adoption certificate or certificate of live birth
• Stepchild: Birth certificate of child plus marriage certificate of current spouse
• Ward: Court ordered document of legal custody

Coverage for your spouse and/or dependent children will become effective based on your date of hire only after the proof of relationship documentation for all family members has been received and processed by Human Resources. You have a 60-day period (after your 30-day new hire enrollment period ends) in which to submit your documentation.

Family members whose documentation is not submitted within this 60-day period will not be covered. The next opportunity to enroll them for coverage will be a life or career event or the next Open Enrollment period.

When Coverage Starts

You have 30 days following your benefits orientation date to enroll.  If you enroll, coverage will become effective on the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date you become eligible. If you do not enroll during this period, your next opportunity to enroll will be during the next open enrollment period, unless you have a life or career event, as determined by the University.