Preparing for spouse - insurance and other benefits

[Maharosa 251]

Forgive me if I am posting in the worng area, but I was wondering if any of you have been preparing for when you spouse arrives? If so, what have you done so far and have you run into any issues?

I haven't done a lot yet, but I have inquired about getting my husband on my medical insurance and other benefits like life and disability once he arrives and according to my employer, I would have to wait until open enrollment to add him because neither gaining permanent resident status, or moving to a different country are considered major life events, therefore they do not warrant a special enrollment period.

Does anyone else find this obsurde? I seriously do not understand how this is not considered a major life event.

[Ryan H 3,790]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Moving to the US and Your New Life In America forum.

[Hypnos 6,576]

Becoming an LPR is usually considered a qualifying life event for special enrollment.

[Not a Tailor 1,370]

I would try speaking to a rep at your insurance company, not simply to your employer's HR department, who may not have dealt with this often or ever.

I wish my wife could start taking these steps, but sadly it is illegal in her state for me to be on her health insurance or anything.

[Maharosa 251]

Becoming an LPR is usually considered a qualifying life event for special enrollment.

I agreed, becoming a LPR is usually considered a qualifying life event. Even the state Marketplace Exchange programs put in place because of the Affordable Care Act consider it a life event. Sadly, my employer, a government agency, says it is not.

I would try speaking to a rep at your insurance company, not simply to your employer's HR department, who may not have dealt with this often or ever.

I wish my wife could start taking these steps, but sadly it is illegal in her state for me to be on her health insurance or anything.

Contacting the insurance company did nothing, they referred me back to our benefits rep.

Why is it illegal?

Edited November 18, 2014 by Maharosa

[Hypnos 6,576]

Same-sex marriage in a state that doesn't recognise it (Texas isn't exactly progressive).

For health insurance purchased through healthcare.gov, becoming an LPR would be a qualifying life event. If you have coverage elsewhere then I guess they make their own rules, and this is one of those times that they are behind the curve.

Edited November 18, 2014 by Hypnos

[Maharosa 251]

Same-sex marriage in a state that doesn't recognise it (Texas isn't exactly progressive).

For health insurance purchased through healthcare.gov, becoming an LPR would be a qualifying life event. If you have coverage elsewhere then I guess they make their own rules, and this is one of those times that they are behind the curve.

I work for the government, I just don't understand how they can allow those through the healthcare exchange to use becoming a LPR as a qualifying event, but not their own employees. It just doesn't make sense.

[mlh 93]

I have been going round and round with my HR rep on the same thing. First she said that immigration is not a life qualifying event. So next I asked if my husband losing his national healthcare in England would be considered a QLE and if so, what proof would we need since he wouldn't receive a loss of coverage of cancellation notice as it's not paid like here in the US.

The rep then wanted to "check with the insurance broker" because she's never dealt with this situation. The broker came back saying that non-residents are not allowed on our insurance (I had said that I couldn't add him during our open enrollment because they require a social security number, which he obviously doesn't have yet), so moving here would be a QLE. Then the rep comes back to me asking if he will be a "citizen" when he moves here.

I then had to explain that you can't be a citizen when you first immigrate, but he will be a LPR, so now she's gone back to the broker again to check because she doesn't seem to get the difference between citizen and LPR and that non-resident is prior to moving to the states.

Gotta love the fun. Good luck with your attempts. I would suggest that if your HR rep says no, nicely ask them if they can double check with the insurance company just to make sure since this isn't common and maybe you'll get a different answer.

[bdrew612 1,071]

I work for the government, I just don't understand how they can allow those through the healthcare exchange to use becoming a LPR as a qualifying event, but not their own employees. It just doesn't make sense.

Hello fellow Minneapolitan/St. Paulian!

Your HR person is incorrect. I wonder if they're misunderstanding your request. You don't want to add him now, but you will when he gets here.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

As someone who works HR - this is def. an HR issue and nothing to do with the insurance company's rules. Insurance companies simply insure whoever the employer sends over according to the employer' criteria...although the rules kind of come from both sides. companies can ensure virtually anyone if they wish as long as they've defined it. They may well have never had a spouse arrive from another country and require insurance right away.

You're HR's immediate response about waiting for OE is partially correct/ partially uninformed.

Generally Life events are birth, death, marriage, divorce, child aging out at 26, dropping off previous insurance....you are already married but your spouse was living out of country. Having an SSN can be a requirement and sometimes a required field when spouses are added (children less so because not all children are expected to have an SSN right after birth of course)

I'd ask them to confirm with other Benefits area team members and point you to the written policy which defines that...they should be able to point you right to it.