As more young adults opt out of traditional marriage and opt for domestic partnerships instead, many insurance companies now recognize this and provide domestic partner health coverage.
As with getting married, having a new fiance typically constitutes an important life event that triggers a 60-day special enrollment period for Blue Cross or Blue Shield plans. Learn how you can add him/her.
Adding a spouse
Addition of a spouse to your health insurance should be treated as an important decision that should be carefully considered. While most health plans allow this, rules can differ depending on both plan and state – for instance some consider domestic partners to be spouses while others do not; furthermore some plans do not cover certain health services, like maternity or abortion coverage; it’s best to compare options carefully and choose one that will meet all your needs.
Addition of a spouse usually only possible during annual enrollment or special events such as marriage. The process for adding them varies depending on whether you are enrolling with an employer-sponsored plan or purchasing it through the marketplace, and on how it affects eligibility for cost savings programs.
Addition of a spouse can be accomplished during open enrollment or qualifying life changes, by providing proof of marriage and any necessary documents (required documents vary according to plan) such as government-issued marriage certificates, proof of common residency (utility bill or other household bills) or bank statements showing financial interdependency. When sending documents be sure to remove personal information and Social Security numbers first.
Many plans define “eligible dependents” as your spouse and children under a certain age, or legally adopted children. Some plans also cover stepchildren or foster children living in your home as eligible dependents; it is always wise to consult your specific plan definitions to see whether your dependents qualify.
If you’re planning a summer wedding, it is important to remember a few key considerations. While wedding season offers plenty of flowers and cake, health insurance concerns may emerge that require attention. If both you and your future spouse currently possess separate health coverage plans, consider consolidating them together as this could save money and make budgeting simpler.
Adding a domestic partner
Domestic partnership agreements are legal documents designed to protect both parties involved. It outlines your financial and living responsibilities, rights in case of death and can help avoid contested estates. When creating this document it is wise to consult an attorney from your state in order to meet all state requirements; such an agreement should be considered an essential tool when in a long-term relationship.
Health insurance providers typically provide domestic partnership policies through marketplace and employer policies. Criteria for these benefits will differ based on state and insurer, but should typically follow suit with what’s required for marriage in states that recognize domestic partnerships.
Addition of domestic partners can be an economical way to save money. Many insurers provide a special enrollment period of 60 days following any qualifying life event, such as marriage. This enables couples to shop for health plans before open enrollment begins in November.
Some employers now provide domestic partner benefits to recruit a more diverse workforce and to be more cost-effective than traditional sex-based benefits. Furthermore, domestic partner benefits offer employees more flexibility at work.
Domestic partners can often enjoy many of the same benefits as spouses in certain states, such as hospital visitation and medical decision-making rights. Unfortunately, federal law doesn’t recognize domestic partnerships as valid forms of marriage and doesn’t grant access to Medicare or Medicaid coverage for them. Tax laws also vary significantly according to where someone lives compared with whether their domestic partner does.
If you and your domestic partner would like to add children under a Blue Cross insurance policy, ask the health insurer what options are available. Most providers will offer some form of children’s coverage under domestic partnerships; it is essential that both partners understand which forms are offered and eligibility requirements before proceeding with adding coverage.
Adding a child
As you add children to your health insurance policy, it’s essential that they are eligible. In order to be considered a dependent under 26 and in your legal custody (be they biological, step, or adopted children), living with you and sharing some living expenses. Your relationship must also be mutual and not one-sided – Blue Cross insurance companies require proof of this relationship when adding dependents to policies.
Add children to your plan either through a special enrollment period or the annual open enrollment period, usually held each November; dates may differ by state. To use a special enrollment period, qualifying life events like marriage or giving birth must occur; proof must also be provided as proof of the relationship and residency status.
If you need assistance adding a child, seek advice from Blue Cross insurance. Their representatives can assist with finding a policy that fits both your needs and budget, explaining its benefits and drawbacks and whether your provider falls within its coverage area.
Addition of a child to your health insurance policy can be considered a “qualifying life event”, prompting a special enrollment period with 60 days to enroll them into your plan or look for new coverage – otherwise it will have to wait until open enrollment period in January/February/March for consideration.
Once married, you may add your spouse or domestic partner to your health insurance policy when adding coverage of them as part of a civil union marriage or civil union civil union marriage. There may also be restrictions such as age requirements for coverage. Some insurers may charge an additional premium.
Adding a parent
If you are considering adding your parents to your health insurance, first check with your employer. Most employers offer family plans and can add adults in certain instances. In addition, check the options available through the health insurance marketplace which offers both private insurers as well as government subsidized plans; if none exist then contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for help.
Most health plans allow you to add parents during special enrollment periods triggered by life changes, such as getting married or having children. Furthermore, they must legally consider themselves your children (ie biological, stepchildren and adopted) in order for you to add them as dependents.
The duration of a special enrollment period depends on your state of residence and may range anywhere from 60 days to one year; be sure to familiarize yourself with any rules of your particular insurance plan! In some states, special enrollment can even extend past open enrollment; for instance if you get married before November you could sign up for new health coverage through special enrollment.
Certain states have extended the definition of a dependent, meaning you can cover more people than just spouse and kids if needed. Specifically, in certain states this includes domestic partners, parents and even grandparents – providing greater coverage options to elderly or disabled family members.
If you want to add your parent as an insured under your health plan, contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for help. They can assist with finding an appropriate plan that meets both your needs and budget as well as discuss any benefits of marketplace or private health plans that might exist for them.
If your parents do not have employer-sponsored health coverage, the Health Insurance Marketplace provides them with options for purchasing their own coverage – from private health plans and Medicare Advantage plans, to low-income coverage available through Medicaid in certain states.
