How can I change my benefits?
Applies to: US W-2 employees. The Ascen Workforce Benefit Program is an employee benefit — independent contractors, Canadian T4 employees and international workers are not enrolled through it. If you are not sure which you are, see Am I a W-2 employee or a 1099 independent contractor?
New Hire Enrollment
You may enroll in benefits when you first become eligible as a new hire. This is your initial enrollment opportunity with Ascen. Workers become eligible for coverage under the Ascen Workforce Benefit Program after 30 days of employment.
Annual Open Enrollment
Each year, Ascen holds an Annual Open Enrollment period. During Open Enrollment, you may review your current benefit elections and make changes for the upcoming plan year for any reason. The timing of Open Enrollment may vary from year to year.
Qualifying Life Event
You may also be able to make changes to your benefits if you experience a Qualifying Life Event, also known as a QLE.
A Qualifying Life Event is a major life change that may allow you to enroll in or change certain benefits outside of the Annual Open Enrollment period. Examples of QLEs may include:
Getting married or divorced
Having or adopting a child
Losing other health coverage
Gaining access to other health coverage
A change in employment status that impacts benefits eligibility
A dependent becoming eligible or no longer eligible for coverage
Certain changes in residence that affect plan availability
If you experience a QLE, you typically must request the change within 30 days of th qualifying event and provide any necessary documentation. QLE Benefits changes cannot be processed without the required supporting documentation. Benefit changes must generally be consistent with the life event.
How do I make changes to my benefits?
Benefit elections are managed by Ascen. You make your initial elections in the Ascen portal during onboarding, and any later change — during Annual Open Enrollment or after a Qualifying Life Event — is handled by the Ascen team.
To request a change, email support@ascen.com with the change you want and any supporting documentation. QLE changes must be requested within 30 days of the event and cannot be processed without the required documentation.
For questions about the plans themselves — what is covered, claims, provider networks, or your ID card — contact UnitedHealthcare directly at 1-855-892-2401 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT) or at flexwork.uhc.com.
Can I change my 401(k) contributions at any time?
Yes. 401(k) plans are not subject to the same benefit election change rules. You may generally change your 401(k) contribution amount at any time. To request a change to your 401(k) deferral election, please contact support@ascen.com for assistance.