I have to option to add my wife onto my insurance (and only get one chance to do this per year). It would begin in jan. 08.


While it's really clear this is thowing money down a hole, since there's little chance in hell of her visa going through anytime in '08 (and she has her own insurance), hard to argue its needed for the purpose OF insurance.

However, I started thinking perhaps it IS a good idea and can be used in the "proof of relationship" stuff where they want shared bank accounts, etc... since we obviously don't have that. Figure it doesn't look bad that the wife will have insurance upon arrival as far as further demonstrating ability to support her (my salary is well above the minimum requirements..)

anyway, any opinions are welcomed.... has anyone used this in his/her arsenal of proof?


(btw, I've already checked and they can still cover her even without social security number)

There are many ways to prove bonafide relationship of which what you are thinking just one of many... I certainly would not pizz away money for no reason unless it was my only alternative....

Proof of relationship can be in the form of love letters, visits and time spent together, photos, emails, receipt for wedding ring. I wonder if you're not throwing money away adding her to your insurance since she is already insured and living abroad.

I'm seeing how much different the added cost will be,.... but I guess, you are saying it IS morsel of evidence that could help a case.

An affidavit from HR stating you inquired about adding you SO to insurance may serve you just as well as having insurance. If you have IRAs, 401(k)s, ect. Change the benificiary over to your wife's name and provide that as a bonafide also.

yes, we lived together for a couple of months just before he went home and I had him on a water bill and our lawyer said that would help in proof. Can't see why insurance wouldn't help if your workplace allows it.

As you mentioned thats just a waste of money. And I don't think its necessary, there are lots of people who don't have health insurance. Are you concerned that you lack other evidence, and this is something that can be documented?

I've read on other posts that you can establish a joint bank account at USbank www.usbank.com I think you have to visit a branch to do it.

Another idea, is to maybe start a business in both your names. In Washington State, people who are not US citizenship can own businesses. And everything can be completed online. The fees to get your state business license will most likely be much less than your insurance premium, $15-$200 total depending on the business structure you pick.

It's really not particularly good evidence and I doubt you have only one time a year to add her. There are many qualifying events. I'd specifically ask if her arrival in the US on her visa would be a qualifying event. If so, no need to put her on the plan now. Use other more compelling evidence of bona fides instead.

OR add her as an authorized user to a credit card. When the card arrives at your home, take the activation sticker off, photocopy the front and back of both your cards. The Acct# should be indentical with different names. Send her the card in the mail. When she confirms she has it, then activate then activate the card. Once its activated call the company to authorize purchases made in both the US and Indonesia. Then you're good to go. You have copies of the cards, and she should make the habit of make 1 purchase a month or so, just so that your statements have purchases in the US and in her country. Definitely simpler than starting a business.

the beneficiary change IS a good idea (and needs done anyway eventually)

hmmm.... the obvious snafu to the the bank account bits are that she has NO Social Security number, DUH. But I will look into requirements on that site.

All this shows how retarded that requirement is... if it is a BS relationship any clown can still start those things. I mean seriously what use is a bank account in a country someone has no access in? It's all stupid nonsense; just stupid hoops to get us to jump through.

my employer has 2 options for enrollment: once a year, or within 1 month of the marriage. So I knew there wasn't any change of her getting a visa in '07, so I opted to wait for Jan open enrollment. But my insurance doesn't care about her immigration status, only if I'm willing to pay the premiums.



Thanks for some useful tips here.

From other posts it was reported that US bank will process without a SSN. I don't think they will do it online though, almost certain you'd have to visit a branch. Maybe make a new post about US bank and people who have used this can give you detailed info.

I was able to add my hubby on my medical coverage just this past September. However, my purpose is not solely as an evidence on my petition for him, but for emergency reason. He will still bring the medical card to show his name on the card at the time of his interview, but you have lots of other options to show other proof or evidence of bonafide relationship.