Eligibility

Who Is Eligible

Employees

Shelby County Government provides benefits to active full-time permanent and durational employees as well as part-time employees who work at least 20 hours per week.

Your Spouse

If you are eligible for benefits, you can also cover your spouse but only if your spouse isn’t eligible for affordable health coverage under his/her employer sponsored plan. You will be asked to verify your spouse’s eligibility each year that you enroll him/her.

Note: Spouses who are employees of Shelby County Government, City of Millington, a Retiree of any of these, or with the Sheriff Reserves/Emergency Services enrolled in the County insurance plan are eligible for coverage.

Your Dependent Children

Dependent child(ren) must be under the age of 26 and include:

  • Biological child(ren)
  • Adopted/foster child(ren)
  • Stepchild(ren)
  • Child(ren) for whom the court awarded you guardianship
  • Disabled child(ren)

Note: Child(ren) are eligible for coverage regardless of their marital status or if they live with you so long as they are under the age of 26.

Required Documentation for Dependents

When you add a new dependent to benefits, you must provide proof of relationship.

Documentation for a Spouse

You are required to submit a copy of the Marriage Certificate (State issued) plus one of the following forms of Proof of Joint Ownership (must be dated no later than 90 days prior to your effective hire date):

  • Employee’s Federal Tax Return from the prior calendar year: Acceptable Documentation Includes Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ (both pages required). Page 2 must include signatures or an e-file confirmation number.
  • Your joint mortgage statement listing both you and your spouse, matching the address in the Shelby County HRMS payroll system you have on file.
  • Your joint banking statement or utility bill listing both you and your spouse, matching the address in the Shelby County HRMS payroll system you have on file.
  • Your current lease agreement listing both you and your spouse, including the signature page and matching the address in the Shelby County HRMS payroll system you have on file.

Note: If no joint documentation, you must submit any of the above in employee’s and spouse’s name shown separately at same address.

Documentation for a Child

The type of documentation required will depend on your relationship to the child:

  • Biological Child(ren): Copy of certified birth certificate (Mother’s copy accepted only within 30 days of birth or birth record showing employee as parent.)
  • Adopted Child(ren): Court approved adoption order, placement order; or modified birth certificate; Motion for Order of Guardianship obtained from Chancery Court, Placement Order, or Final Adoption Decree
  • Legal Custody and Guardianship: Copies of Legal Custody and Guardianship papers issued by the court signed by the Judge (Custody and Guardianship are both required.); copy of Legitimate Order from Juvenile Court signed by the Judge (if father’s name is not listed on birth certificate)
  • Stepchild(ren): Copy of birth certificate showing spouse as parent required.

When You Can Enroll or Make Changes to Your Benefits

Outside of a new hire enrollment, you can generally only enroll or make changes to your benefits during annual Open Enrollment, which is held in November each year with benefits effective the following January 1.

You can only enroll or make changes during the plan year if you experience a Qualified Life Event, such as:

  • A change in your legal marital status, including marriage, annulment, divorce, or death of your spouse.
  • A change in your dependent’s eligibility (i.e., attainment of age 26).
  • A change to your spouse’s or dependent child’s benefits with another employer.

How to Report a Life Event

If you have a life event during the year, you must contact the Shelby County Benefits Center within 31 days of the event. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to make changes until the next Open Enrollment period.

Call 1-877-970-4320 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.