I work for a small company in the United States (27 ppl), and recently they switched health insurance carriers.

Anonymous

December 11,2023 at 1:48PM UTC

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I work for a small company in the United States (27 ppl), and recently they switched health insurance carriers. I’ve always declined our health insurance because I’m on my spouse’s and like it. Anyhow, I was told I had to fill out the enrollment form even though I was declining, so I put in my name and signed the declined area. Then I had to provide proof of insurance. Then I get a call over the weekend that I had to fill in the enrollment form - SSN, DOB, address for myself and spouse. Supposedly the insurance broker said it was required. My question is why? I thought the insurance requirement was repealed from the ACA?

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AnonymousDecember 11,2023 at 2:44PM UTC
It helps the company keeps their costs down when spouses have their own insurance. Most companies who try to regulate costs have seen that if they are also being used as a secondary coverage that brings a cost to them. It is normal for proof of other insurance due to it is required for all to be covered. If someone wants double coverage typically I've seen a cost for that additional amount be passed on. Not really clear on some of your info provided. Also, if it's outside of regular enrollment this could be the need of the carrier. Should not be a big deal, if it's inside the annual enrollment is where I get the why.
AnonymousDecember 11,2023 at 3:00PM UTC
I’ve always declined health insurance through my employer because my husband’s is better. This is my employer’s open enrollment period and they are switching carriers. I just don’t understand why I had to provide all of our information if I’m declining. The insurance broker is the one that said it was “required”.
AnonymousDecember 11,2023 at 3:27PM UTC
Probably because you're married then. I would think a simple decline, but it's important that they are clear as I'm confident issues have cost them monies when not clear. I get you're wondering tbh.
AnonymousDecember 11,2023 at 2:46PM UTC
Insurnace requirement was not repealed but it only applies to larger companies, I think it's over 500 employees. I wonder if your state has a requirement that your employer is required to meet. I would hesitate and given them your spouse's SSN & DOB if they are not on any of your benefits. Might be worth consulting with an employment attorney or legal resource to see what the requirements are in your area.
Lisa McCartneyDecember 11,2023 at 3:05PM UTC
It is in case you need to go on their insurance. If it's FireForm ALL employees have to fill it out. I agree it's a pain in the butt. Good luck.
Amy MoyerDecember 11,2023 at 9:36PM UTC
We are required to submit an enrollment form with SSN and DOB even if waiving coverage. The insurance company uses that info to generate the 1095 form showing that an offer of coverage was extended. However, we do not have to provide spouse or dependent info if waiving.
AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 12:04AM UTC
My company and it provider requires us to do this.
AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 8:02PM UTC
In theory it could help you down the road if your spouse lost coverage due to a layoff (as one example); this would show you had coverage. When this "qualifying event" happens, there is a special enrollment period of 30 days (in the US) afterwards where you could then sign up for your employer's insurance and (if they cover spouse/family) add those. Even if they don't, it may be less expensive for you to use employer coverage and have your spouse pay cobra or sign up for a marketplace plan (which has the same qualifying event clause) than for both of you/a family to exercise either of those options.