benefitS enrollment/changes
New Hires/Rehires*
If you are a new hire, you will be able to elect benefits using your New Hire/Rehire adjustment reason link located in the EBS Portal. You will be given 30 days from your hire date to make an election.
Choose My Benefits in the header then the Benefit/Retirement tile.
Change Employment Status*
If you have a status that makes you newly eligible for benefits, you will be able to elect benefits using your Newly Eligible adjustment reason link located in the EBS Portal. You will be given 30 days from your status change date to make your election.
Choose My Benefits in the header then the Benefit/Retirement tile.
If you do not enroll in benefits when you are first eligible, you must wait until the next open enrollment period before you can enroll, unless you experience an event that would permit a mid-year election change (see below). Annual open enrollment occurs each year in October.
Mid-year Election Changes
A mid-year election change (also known as a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)) may allow you to begin, stop or change the amount of your benefit plans. QLE examples include:
- Marriage or Divorce
- Birth, adoption or legal guardianship of your child
- Death of a Spouse or Dependent
- Change in your employment status
- Loss of Previous Coverage
To complete enrollment, go to the EBS Portal.
Adding Dependents
Complete an Add Family Member or Dependent online form, in the EBS Portal, for each dependent you would like to add to your benefits. You will also be required to submit supporting documentation for each dependent you are adding. Review the Eligible Dependents and Required Documentation resource for more information.
Once the Add Family Member or Dependent form(s) is approved by MSU Human Resources, you will then be able to enroll the dependent(s) in eligible benefits. Enrollment is also completed in the EBS Portal by clicking on My Benefits in the header then the Benefit/Retirement tile.
Required documentation and benefits enrollment for adding new dependents must be completed within 30 days of being hired, becoming newly eligible or if you have a qualifying life event (QLE). If you do not enroll your dependent(s) within the allotted time, you will be required to postpone enrollment until the next open enrollment period in October unless you have a QLE.
For more information please contact MSU Human Resources by phone at 517-353-4434, 800-353-4434 (toll-free) or email SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu.
*Health and prescription coverage for eligible support staff hired on or after July 1, 2006, will be effective on the first day of the month following their official hire date.
