Expanding Your Family
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Congratulations on the new addition to your family!
Having a baby or adopting is considered a qualifying event in terms of making changes/additions to your benefits. You may update your benefit enrollments without waiting for the next open enrollment period. If you are in the process of adopting, you may be able to add the child when he/she is placed in your home in anticipation of adoption. Please contact the Benefits Department at (417) 523-GOHR (4647) for additional details.
Medical, Dental and Vision
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If you plan to add your baby to the SPS health benefits, you will need to complete the enrollment process through SmartBen (the SPS employee benefit enrollment platform) within thirty (30) days of the birth.
You must call the Benefits Department as soon as you deliver to ensure you have ample time to complete the enrollment process.
Although the enrollment requires a social security number for dependents, you do not need to wait until the baby receives a social security number (SSN) to add him or her to your insurance.
However, you should contact the Benefits Department at 417-523-4647 or email benefits@spsmail.org with the SSN upon receipt.
Flexible Spending Account
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You may elect to participate in or change the amount you contribute to your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA). In order to update your contributions, you will need to complete the process with SmartBen, the SPS employee benefit platform.
You must complete changes to your account and benefits within the first 30 days after giving birth.
Life Insurance
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You may consider purchasing or increasing life insurance coverage on yourself, as well as for your child(ren) and spouse.
Be sure to update the beneficiaries indicated on your life insurance policy.
Taxes
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Review your federal and state W-4 withholdings to update your personal allowances and exemptions. Contact the payroll department for assistance at 523-0057.
