Getting married and embarking on a new life together is one of the most exciting experiences in two people’s lives. It’s a time of hope, promise, romance and … reality. Whether a couple is planning their wedding or deciding where to live, there are a lot of decisions to make before saying “I do,” especially when it comes to insurance. A common part of many wedding vows is to promise care for one another in sickness and in health. It’s important to realize that one way to help care for your spouse is to make sure you are both covered when it comes to health insurance.
Many people get their health insurance through their employer or another group (such as a union). Once you are married, most group health insurance plans allow you to put your spouse on your plan – even if it’s outside the annual enrollment period. If you both are enrolled in group plans, analyze each of them based on your current and future health care needs. One spouse’s plan may have a lower premium, but require a higher deductible. Also check each plan’s policy limits and rules about pre-existing conditions.
If your new union includes new dependents, and you need to include them on your policy, you should contact your employer to add them to your policy. This can also be done outside the annual open enrollment period. If you have individual health insurance, you may need to prove the child or children’s insurability prior to adding them to the policy. Remember, under the new health care law children may remain on their parents plan until age 26.
Under the Affordable Care Act there are some changes to the current health care system. During periods of change it’s important to have someone to talk with about the changes. Valdosta Insurance Services works with employers and employees on their health benefits, and a conversation with us about your options is a good place to start when figuring out what makes sense for you and your spouse, so that you can live happily ever after.