Adding a Spouse to Health Insurance

When your partner loses his health insurance or suddenly needs coverage, you'll want to add him to your own plan. This ensures that he gets his healthcare needs met in a timely manner. Follow the below suggestions in order to make sure that your spouse has health insurance no matter what.

Instructions

1. Make sure that your spouse is eligible for healthcare coverage under your plan. Some insurance plans limit the number of people covered, and some companies refuse to cover spouses.

2. Add your spouse to your health insurance plan when you sign up for the plan yourself. Most plans allow partners to add a spouse from the moment they sign up. If you haven't yet signed the paperwork, add your partner.

3. Call your health insurance provider within the first 2 months of your marriage. Your health insurance is open to your spouse for the first 60 days of the marriage, according to law. You'll need to provide a copy of your dated wedding certificate to enroll your spouse.

4. Wait until the provider has its open enrollment plan. Every insurance company is required under law to hold an open enrollment period at least once a year. During this time, anyone can receive coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions.

5. Let your health insurance provider know that your spouse lost coverage and show proof that this occurred. It can be a letter from her company or a letter from her former provider. If you give your company proof that your spouse lost her coverage, they'll often add her to your plan.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the human resources department of your employer for help. They can give you phone numbers and contact information for your healthcare provider.

• Keep records of everything you send or submit to the insurance company.