So, You Wanna Play Doctor, But Not That Kind of Doctor? Adding Your Girlfriend to Your Washington Health Insurance
Ah, love in the time of deductibles. You've met someone amazing, someone who (hopefully) doesn't judge your questionable taste in reality TV, but there's a hitch: they don't have health insurance. Fear not, valiant steed! In the glorious state of Washington, you might be able to be your girlfriend's knight in shining armor...with a PPO plan (that's Preferred Provider Organization, for the uninitiated).
But First, Love Don't Come Free (Unless You're on Medicaid)
Here's the not-so-secret secret: Washington recognizes registered domestic partners as equivalent to spouses when it comes to health insurance. So, before you can play insurance hero, you gotta make it official (ish). Don't worry, it's not like getting married in Vegas (although, that could be a fun story for later). Registering as domestic partners in Washington is a pretty chill process.
Here's the skinny:
- You gotta be 18 or older and not married to anyone else (sorry, throuples).
- You gotta live together with your girlfriend and intend to continue doing so (like a grown-up version of sleepovers).
- There's a $50 registration fee, which is basically the cost of two fancy coffees – a small price to pay for potentially huge savings on future medical bills.
Once you're registered, contact your health insurance provider and let them know about your newfound domestic partnership status. They'll likely need a copy of your registration certificate.
Important Side Note: This only applies to health insurance plans issued in Washington State. If your plan comes from another state, you'll need to check with your provider to see what their policy is on domestic partners.
The Not-So-Fine Print (But It's Still Pretty Good)
There can always be a twist, and health insurance is no exception. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Enrollment Periods: You can't just add your girlfriend whenever you want. There are usually specific times during the year when you can make changes to your plan, so plan accordingly.
- Extra Costs: Adding an additional person to your plan might mean a higher monthly premium. But hey, sharing is caring, right?
Still, being able to cover your girlfriend's health insurance is a pretty sweet perk. It shows you care and might even score you some bonus points (like, say, an extra helping of dessert).
FAQ: Adding Your Girlfriend to Your Washington Health Insurance Like a Boss
How to register as a domestic partner in Washington?
The Washington Secretary of State's office has all the info you need https://www.insurance.wa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/understanding-health-insurance-options_0.pdf.
How much does it cost to register as a domestic partner?
A mere $50, which is way cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.
How do I know if my health insurance plan covers domestic partners?
Contact your insurance provider directly. They'll be happy to answer your questions (hopefully!).
What if my health insurance plan isn't from Washington?
Check with your provider to see what their policy is on domestic partners. There's a chance they might still cover your girlfriend, but it's best to be sure.
When can I add my girlfriend to my health insurance plan?
There are usually specific enrollment periods throughout the year. Check with your insurance provider for details.
So there you have it! Now you can navigate the world of health insurance with your girlfriend by your side. Just remember, communication is key (with both your girlfriend and your insurance provider). Good luck, and may your future be filled with good health and overflowing bowls of popcorn (because sharing is caring, remember?).
