Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit FAQs
As an employer, the University of Rochester has a responsibility to ensure that only eligible dependents are enrolled in our medical and dental plans. Ineligible dependents increase costs for the plan and for plan participants. Our goal is to keep premiums as low as possible for our faculty and staff, while offering plan options that ensure access to high-quality coverage and care for faculty and staff and their eligible dependents. This audit reflects dependent eligibility verification best practice and is widely adopted by large employers.
The verification process will take place from January 12 through February 20, 2026. Communications confirming dependent eligibility status will be distributed via email and U.S. mail. This will be followed by an appeals process taking place March 2 through March 13, 2026. The verification audit will conclude on March 31, 2026. The University will remove ineligible dependents immediately following.
During Open Enrollment, we announced that we would conduct a Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit to ensure the University only provides medical and dental coverage to eligible dependents. This was communicated directly in the Open Enrollment letter to each employee and broadly via @Rochester.
We’ve partnered with Verifi1, a trusted third-party administrator, to help manage this process. All emails and letters will come from them and will contain a unique User ID for each employee. Verifi1 has expertise in managing this process and advising participants on the documents needed to confirm eligibility based on individual circumstances. Based on guidance from our consultants, who are experts in national standards, acceptable audit documentation varies by circumstance. The University of Rochester has adopted these standard recommendations. Employees will receive communications and reminders from NoReply@Verifi1.com throughout the verification process.
Every employee with one or more dependent(s) enrolled in the University of Rochester’s medical or dental plans will be required to participate in this process, which will include the following elements:
- Initial email and a U.S. mail notification, as well as other notifications, including communications and reminders throughout the verification process to submit their documentation.
- Initial communications provided a link and User ID for individuals to sign up and create a password. Individuals can then access the Verifi1 dashboard, which contains a list of specific documents needed for each dependent.
- If individuals have dependents on our plan who do not meet the eligibility requirements, they will have the opportunity to remove them from the plan without question or consequence.
- Employees can view the status of their verification and all communications related to their account via Verifi1’s easy-to-use online portal.
- Within three business days of submitting the required documents, individuals will be sent an email and/or letter regarding the review of the documents submitted and the status of each dependent.
- Call center staff at (855) 486-2472 can answer questions and assist in submitting the correct documentation. There is also a chat function in the portal.
- Additionally, Verifi1 has an “interactive voice response system” (IVR) that they may access at any time to receive audit updates by calling (855) 486-2472.
- All documents must be submitted by 2/20/26.
The documentation required depends on the type of dependent being verified. The Verifi1 portal will provide specific instructions and a full list of acceptable documents needed to confirm each dependent’s eligibility. When submitting documents, only the required information, such as name, date of birth, and document type, should be included. The specific requirements for each document are listed in the portal when employees select a particular document for submission. Any additional information, including financial details or Social Security numbers, should be redacted before submission.
We understand that this process will cause individuals to have to find documents, and for some, that may be more difficult. Verifi1 has extensive experience in coaching individuals on how to obtain the proper documents. For ease, there is a chat function in the portal and also a phone number for those who prefer a call: (855) 486-2472.
Yes. All submitted documents are encrypted and stored securely. Verifi1 adheres to strict data security and confidentiality standards, and all documentation submitted through their secure portal is used solely for eligibility verification and is destroyed in compliance with regulatory requirements upon completion of the process. Additionally, as a University of Rochester vendor requirement, Verifi1 participated in a rigorous vendor qualification process, which included validating the information security practices of Verifi1, including also confirming their use of encrypted connections for the transfer of data.
Verifi1 has expertise in managing dependent eligibility audit processes and requirements and has done so for many large organizations like the University of Rochester.
Verifi1 has deep knowledge in advising participants on the documents needed and how to access them to confirm eligibility based on individual circumstances. There are national standards on what specific documents are considered acceptable from an audit standpoint, depending on each circumstance, and they will help support participants through the process. The portal customizes the document request based on individual circumstances.
We value the trust involved in sharing personal information. Safeguarding the privacy and security of your data is extremely important to us. Verifi1 adheres to strict data security and confidentiality standards, and all documentation submitted through their secure portal is used solely for eligibility verification and is destroyed in compliance with regulatory requirements upon completion of the process. Additionally, we required Verifi1 to go through our vendor qualification processes, which include validating the information security practices of Verifi1, including also confirming their use of encrypted connections for the transfer of data. As with any third-party vendor, our top priority is data security. We take steps to ensure that third parties are informed of appropriate data protection requirements and that responsibility for safeguarding any data they access or receive is clearly established.
Documents should be uploaded to Verifi1’s secure online portal at https://urochester.verifi1.com. If individuals are unable to access the portal or upload documents online, they may fax their documents to (800) 209-9201 or mail them to PO Box 851408, Westland, MI 48185-0690, using a copy of their initial letter or email from Verifi1 as a cover sheet. Please note that faxing or mailing documents may delay processing and could impact the eligibility determination, potentially resulting in a dependent being removed from coverage.
Yes. Accepted documents include documents issued outside the United States. Verifi1 accepts documents issued in languages other than English, provided that all names and dates are clearly legible.
If the chosen name does not match the legal name on the birth certificate, the employee may receive a notification requesting clarification. Employees can contact a representative at Verifi1 using the chat function within the portal or by calling (855) 486‑2472 for guidance on entering the legal name. Verifi1 does not use the gender field on the birth certificate in their process, only the legal name and dependent relationship are verified.
If the name on a submitted document has legally changed, you may provide a birth certificate amendment, legal name change document, or other official documentation confirming the change, along with the required documents. These may be uploaded as one PDF file or as a clear photo of the documents side‑by‑side. For assistance, individuals can contact Verifi1 using the portal’s chat function or by calling (855) 486‑2472.
Once documents are submitted, employees will receive their results within three business days. If documentation is approved, dependent(s) will be marked as eligible, and no further action is required. If documentation is rejected, individuals will see a comment on the Verifi1 portal explaining what further action and/or documentation is needed. Individuals can then upload additional and/or corrected documentation for review. Verifi1’s call center staff are available to answer questions and assist with submitting the correct documentation. Final status letters will be sent after the audit closes on February 20 for those whose dependents were not verified.
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If a dependent is determined to be ineligible, they will be removed from coverage when the verification audit concludes on March 31, 2026. If you believe your dependent was determined ineligible incorrectly, there is an opportunity to submit an appeal.
Yes. After the verification process ends on February 20, 2026, an appeal process will open. If employees have questions or believe a determination was made in error, they have the opportunity to submit an appeal during the appeals period from March 2 through March 13, 2026. During the appeal process, employees may upload, mail, or fax documentation, and dependents not yet verified will be assigned new statuses to help track participation. These statuses include Appeal Open (no approved documentation submitted), Appeal Incomplete (some documentation submitted but additional information needed), and Appeal Complete (all required documentation approved and dependents verified).
The University benefits leadership team will closely review cases in which dependents cannot be verified and the reasons why. Removing a dependent from the plan is not taken lightly and will occur only after a thorough review. Verifi1 is not making these determinations independently.
For questions regarding a dependent’s status, required documentation, or next steps, please log in to the Verifi1 portal at https://urochester.verifi1.com. Individuals may also contact Verifi1 by phone at (855) 486-2472, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. For 24/7 status updates, Verifi1 offers an automated interactive voice response (IVR) system available at the same phone number, (855) 486-2472.
For any additional questions, employees may also contact the Office of Total Rewards at totalrewards@rochester.edu, by phone at (585) 275-2084, or attend one of the scheduled help sessions.
If individuals need help uploading documentation or using the Verifi1 portal, the Office of Total Rewards is hosting drop-in sessions available throughout the verification period. Sessions are offered at the Office of Total Rewards, the Medical Center, and on campus. All sessions can be found below and on the University Calendar. If you have questions, you can reach the Office of Total Rewards at (585) 275-2084 or TotalRewards@rochester.edu.
Location: 60 Corporate Woods, Suite 310, Rochester, NY 14623
- Wednesday, January 28: 8–10 a.m.
- Tuesday, February 3: 4–6 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 11: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 17: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Quest Conference Room, 1.7005 (Medical Center)
- Tuesday, January 27: 8–10 a.m.
- Wednesday, February 4: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, February 5: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 18: 4–6 p.m.
Location: Hawkins Carlson Conference Room (Rush Rhees Library)