What is the working spouse rule for Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Asked by: Erwin VonRueden | Last update: August 17, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (7 votes)
What is the working spouse rule for BCBS?
The Working Spouse Rule states that a spouse must enroll in their employer's health plan. The rule applies if the spouse works for an employer who offers a health plan, and the employer pays at least 50% of the total premium for single coverage.
How can I avoid working spouse surcharge?
To avoid paying the surcharge, your spouse or partner can enroll in his or her employer's medical plan. You'll want to compare coverage and total costs both ways to see what makes sense for your family.
Is a working spouse a dependent for health insurance?
Comments Section Spouse is a dependent yes. Your company may prohibit spousal enrollment if they have access to their own insurance or may impose a spousal surcharge. You're getting distracted because not all insurance plans allow spouses that can be insured elsewhere to be added.
What is a working spouse contribution?
A spousal IRA is a type of tax-advantaged retirement account that allows a working spouse to contribute to a non-working spouse's savings. To qualify for a spousal IRA, you and your spouse must file your taxes jointly and adhere to normal IRA contribution limits.
The Best Place for Your TSP once You Retire
What is the working spouse rule?
The Plan's Working Spouse Rule states that, if your spouse is working for an employer who offers a health plan, the Plan requires them to enroll in that employer-sponsored coverage to be eligible for Plan coverage. Your spouse must confirm whether they have access to and are enrolled in their employer's health plan.
What is the cut off for spouse contributions?
To qualify for the full offset of $540 in 2024/25, you need to contribute $3,000 or more into your spouse's super and your spouse must earn¹ $37,000 p.a. or less. A lower tax offset may be available if you contribute less than $3,000 or your spouse earns more than $37,000 p.a. but less than $40,000 p.a.
What is the spousal rule for insurance?
A spousal carve out is a health insurance plan design employers use to control health care costs by placing restrictions on coverage for an employee's spouse. Another term used for this type of plan design is the "working spouse rule." Employers commonly use several spousal carve out design variations.
How long can a child stay on Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance?
If you're covered by a parent's job-based plan, your coverage usually ends when you turn 26. But check with the employer or plan. Some states and plans have different rules. If you're on a parent's Marketplace plan, you can remain covered through December 31 of the year you turn 26 (or the age permitted in your state).
Should I claim my working spouse as a dependent?
The taxpayer's spouse cannot be claimed as a dependent. Some examples of dependents include a child, stepchild, brother, sister, or parent. Individuals who qualify to be claimed as a dependent may be required to file a tax return if they meet the filing requirements. How do I apply the dependency tests?
Why is adding a spouse to health insurance so expensive?
“Usually, an employer will cover more of the employee's premium than the spouse's,” points out Katz. So, you may pay a higher monthly insurance bill (premium) if you join a spouse's plan.
What does working spouse surcharge mean?
A spousal or dependent surcharge involves charging an additional amount to an employee's premium in order to cover a spouse or dependent child that has access to other group coverage (not individual coverage), such as from their own employer.
Can I add my wife to my health insurance if she has a job?
Yes, it is legal. The ACA requires employers with 50 or more workers to offer coverage to employees and their children (until age 26).
How to avoid spousal surcharge?
An employee can avoid the spousal surcharge if their eligible spouse enrolls in their own insurance plan with their own employer rather than on their spouse's plan.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield provide computers or laptops for at home work?
No equipment is provided. Employee must acquire any and all accessory items, such as a headset with microphone, hard wired...
Can a working spouse collect spousal benefits?
Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their work record. If your spouse does not receive retirement or disability, you'll have to wait to apply on your spouse's record. In addition, to be eligible for spouse's benefits, you must be one of the following: 62 years of age or older.
Do I lose my parents' insurance the day I turn 26?
Until your 26th birthday, you are eligible for coverage under an enrolled parent's health insurance plan, even if you are married, not in school, or not living with them. But once you turn 26, you age out and aren't eligible for their plan anymore.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield have a lifetime maximum?
Lifetime Limits
Insurance companies can no longer set a dollar limit on what they spend on essential health benefits for your care during the entire time you're enrolled in that plan.
Is turning 26 considered a qualifying life event?
Turning 26 is a milestone birthday when it comes to health insurance because you're no longer eligible to stay on your parents' health plan. However, turning 26 is considered a qualifying life event—which makes you eligible (qualifies you) to buy health insurance during a special enrollment period.
What is the spousal rule?
The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.
Is a working spouse a dependent for insurance?
Health plans typically count spouses and children as dependents, but generally don't include parents. However, the rules vary by plan and location, so always double check with your plan.
Can my wife drive my car if she's not on my insurance?
A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.
What is the max spousal benefit?
The maximum spousal benefit that you can receive is 50% of your spouse's benefit at their full retirement age. The precise amount you'll get and when you'll get it depend on several circumstances, including your spouse's age and past income, your age and past income, and more.
How do spousal contributions work?
A spousal RRSP allows you to contribute money to your spouse or common-law partner's registered retirement savings plan, up to your personal contribution limit. When a contribution is made to the spousal RRSP, the contributor receives a tax deduction.
What doesn't qualify for marital deduction?
There are limits on the marital deduction for tax purposes. Most property interests qualify, but terminable property typically will not. Unless qualifying for an exception like for QTIP trusts or for some charitable remainder trusts, terminable interests transferred will not qualify for the marital deduction.