FAQ

• Does the surcharge only apply to the health insurance, or does it also apply to the vision and dental?

  No, the spousal surcharge does not apply to dental or vision coverage, for which the participant is already paying the full premium for covered dependents.

   

• My spouse has coverage available through their current employer, but their open enrollment has already ended. What should I do?

  Your spouse should contact their employer regarding our open enrollment dates and the changes being made to our plans. Typically, this would qualify as a family status change under their plan and would allow for a special enrollment period.

   

• My spouse is self-employed, and I cover them under the University medical plan. Am I subject to the surcharge?

  No, the surcharge only applies if the covered spouse is eligible for an employer-sponsored health-care plan through their current employer.

   

• My spouse is retired and is eligible for Medicare and retiree health care through their previous employer but is covered under the University medical plan. Am I subject to the surcharge?

  No. At this time, the surcharge only applies if the covered spouse is eligible for an employer- sponsored health-care plan through their current employer.

   

• My Medicare-eligible spouse has currently waived Medicare and is enrolled in the University medical plan. Are they required to enroll in Medicare if they remain on my plan?

  No. At this time, a spouse covered under our active plan can waive Medicare A & B (or even just Part B). The Medicare late-enrollment penalty will be waived as long as they enroll at the time you are no longer covered under the active medical plan.

   

• Is the spousal surcharge shown in the chart charged monthly, annually or per pay?

  The chart lists the spousal surcharge amount per month. For those paid bi-weekly or over 10 pays, this amount will be converted as appropriate for that pay cycle.

   

• Do employees have to show proof that their spouse/partner does not have employer based insurance in order to have the surcharge waived?

  No, we are not requiring proof that employer based coverage is not available. Participants will sign an attestation as part of the enrollment process.

   

• If my spouse is employed but their employer does not offer health insurance, do I have to pay the surcharge?

  No, the spousal surcharge only applies if your spouse’s current employer offers them health care and you choose to cover them under the University health plan anyway.

   

• If my spouse enrolls in coverage through their employer, and his employment is ended due to COVID, does termination of employment with my spouse's employer still count as a status change that would allow him to switch to my insurance plan?

  Yes, a spouse’s loss of other coverage is a qualifying family status change, which would allow enrollment in the University plan at that time.

   

• My spouse works remotely and is offered coverage through their employer. However, that coverage has limited access to providers in our area. Does the spousal surcharge apply in this instance?

  Yes, the spouse can still be covered under the University plan, but the surcharge will apply.