Can Domestic Partners Receive Health Insurance Benefits

Can Domestic Partners Be Covered by Health Insurance Benefits?

There has been an increase in cohabitation throughout the country as marriage rates have declined. The number of adults living with single partners has increased by 29 percent since 2007. Other couples have chosen not to marry for a number of reasons, including simply not being ready. 

In domestic partnerships, you are relieved of some responsibilities associated with marriage, but you are also denied certain rights associated with marriage. There is a gray area regarding domestic partner insurance coverage. 

An Overview of Domestic Partnerships

Same-sex couples aren’t the only ones who can form a domestic partnership. Unmarried and unrelated individuals reside together and have a domestic partnership. Additionally, they do not have a civil union or are married. It is possible for partners to be the same gender or opposite gender.

Domestic partnerships do not have legal rights and benefits defined or recognized by the federal government. In other words, it depends on your location whether you’re eligible for a domestic partnership. 

You may be entitled to medical insurance benefits as well as legal protections when visiting a hospital based on this categorization and the rights it extends.

How Do Domestic Partner Health Insurance Work?

The benefits of health insurance are often extended to domestic partners, just as they are to married couples. The domestic partner’s children are also covered by this benefit.

Health insurance is not mandatory for private employers. Health insurance benefits for domestic partners must be in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. To become eligible, you will have to prove that you are in a domestic partnership in most cases. 

A domestic partnership registry registration, an affidavit confirming relationships, or other documents can accomplish this.

This is a typical list of criteria insurance companies look for when evaluating you and your domestic partner:

It has been 6-12 months since you have lived together (subject to the requirements of your employer).

• Both of you are not married or in a domestic partnership.
• There is no blood relation between you. 
• As well as your financial interdependence.

Health insurance for domestic partners required by my employer?

Your employer is not required to offer health insurance to your domestic partner. Regardless of whether it offers health benefits to married couples. Where it is illegal not to, this does not apply.

Prior to 1990, employers who offered domestic partner insurance benefits often did so only for the benefit of employees who were of the same gender.

Domestic partner health insurance benefits were cut after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

The most likely employers to continue domestic partner benefits were large companies larger than 10,000 employees.

Domestic partners can be included in your employer’s group health insurance plan, however. Most employers cannot afford to offer domestic partner health insurance, according to studies.

How Can Domestic Partners Get Health Insurance Benefits?

Despite the fact that same-sex marriages are now legal in the United States, more and more people are also living together in cohabitation relationships without getting married.

Domestic partnership members who lack health insurance benefits can explore family health insurance plans available in the Marketplace, some of which offer benefits specific to domestic partnerships. 

Unmarried domestic partners, however, are only recommended to be included in family plans if they have children together or will be regarded as tax dependents.

The cost of enrolling in individual Marketplace plans may be less expensive for both of you in some cases. Particularly if one or both of you qualify for subsidies.

Also, you may be able to find private insurance plans outside the Marketplace, but be aware that they may not cover all the benefits of the Affordable Care Act.

Domestic Partner Health Taxes

Domestic partner benefits are considered taxable income for an employee, while married spouse benefits are not taxable.

Depending on the amount of your employer’s contribution, a portion or all of the health insurance premium for your domestic partner is taxable and must be reported on your W-2 as taxable income. 

As an employee, you make after-tax contributions less the fair market value of what they contributed.

This makes calculating the potential tax burden and comparing it to the cost of purchasing separate coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace useful. Subsidies could reduce the cost significantly, particularly if your partner is eligible.

Tax-free coverage may be available for employer-paid coverage. The federal government makes an exception if your domestic partner If you financially support them at least 50% of there income.

Located in the same neighborhood as you.

It is a U.S. citizen, Canadian citizen, or Mexican citizen.

It is also not possible for them to be the children of a U.S. taxpayer. There is also an exception to this rule in most states. However, some states exempt domestic partner health insurance from taxation.

Is Your State Willing To Recognize Domestic Partnerships?

A domestic partnership isn’t defined by federal law, and isn’t always recognized by states consistently. Domestic partnerships are recognized and registries are maintained by some states. Some states recognize domestic partnerships only in specific cities and counties. The definition of a domestic partnership can also differ according to local laws. 

According to California law, a domestic partnership can be registered by:

Couples of the same sex who are at least 18 years old.

Likewise, couples in which at least one partner is 62 years or older, regardless of their gender.

Choosing a directory such as this one from the Human Rights Campaign can be a good place to begin, although it’s best to contact the local government department that issues marriage licenses to confirm whether domestic partnerships are recognized in your community.

Get In Touch With Get Health Rates

An agent’s ethical duty is to represent your interests. An insurance professional will help you determine what coverage you need and how much premium you can afford. Our

Licensed agents are ready to help walk you through your options today. 

Fill out the contact form below to get free health insurance quotes.