You may only add/drop dependents from your coverage during the annual open enrollment period unless there is a qualifying family/employment status change. These are parameters established by the IRS in order to change pre-tax benefits. They include: marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death, spousal employment change or loss of benefits, and a child losing or gaining eligibility as defined by your plan. If a status change occurs, you have 31 days from the event to submit a benefit change form to Human Resources.