Dependent Medical Coverage Options
Dependent medical coverage can be easily purchased. Regardless of where you live, a wide range of affordable (most of the time) policies are offered either through an employer or a private medical insurance policy that you purchase directly from a broker or insurer.
What Is Considered A Dependent?
Traditionally, it is your spouse or child. Stepchildren are usually included in the definition although an ex-spouse is typically not allowed to be classified as a dependent for insurance purposes. If they are listed as a dependent on your tax return, there could be an exception. There also may be an age requirement for the requested change.
How Do I Find Out How Much It Costs To Insure A Dependent?
We make it easy to view rates from all of the top companies. The top portion of this page allows you to enter your zip code to start the free quote process. Quickly, you’ll be able to provide some basic information to determine which companies will offer you the lowest rates.
How Expensive Is It To Add A Dependent To An Existing Plan?
The cost depends on a number of factors. Of course, a single dependent is going to cost less than adding a spouse and multiple children. Also, rates in certain states, such as Ohio, will tend to be cheaper than other states such as New Jersey or New York. If it is a group-sponsored plan, than the percentage of the premium paid by the employer will have a tremendous impact on your cost.
If you already have an existing independent health insurance policy, juvenile rates should not be that high. Usually, the monthly cost will be between $25 and $100 per month per person, assuming there are no major health issues present. However, adding a spouse can be more expensive since the husband or wife will be much older than the children. Also, the likelihood of a major health condition is higher, so the risk of denial of coverage is a possibility. Online medical insurance is always available.
If a spouse or child can not be added to an existing policy because of medical problems, there are other alternatives. Most states have “Open Enrollment” programs that offered medical coverage to dependents. “High Risk Pools” have been created by the “Affordable Care” Act that could potentially help, if all of the criteria are met. Rates will vary from one state to the next. Pennsylvania rates, for example are only $270 per month (approximately). Most other states have higher premiums.
Can A Dependent Buy His/Her Own Medical Insurance?
Yes, they can. However, depending on the age of the person to be insured, options may be limited. For example, if it is a child under age 19, many health insurers will not offer coverage unless a parent is included on the policy. “Child only” health care plans were largely eliminated in 2011 due to changes from national health care reform. “Short-term” plans are usually available although benefits will be limited.
A spouse can easily apply for their own personal plan. The Rate on a separate plan is often substantially lower than the group rate through an employer. The reason is that often group medical insurance premiums through employers are often very favorable for the employee. But once a spouse and/or dependents are added, the employer may no longer be contributing towards the coverage, and the cost increases.
Maternity benefits are much more likely to be covered under health care through an employer. If this is a potential issue, spouse benefits through an employer should typically be accepted, unless an individual plan is available with maternity coverages. However, many individual plans either don’t include maternity coverage or charge a very high rate for its inclusion.
My wife will be dropping off my policy at work so I was checking on dependent rates. Basically, I want major things only and maybe annual physicals. Thanks.
Hi. We’re looking for coverage for everyone (including dependents). Employer plan rates are jumping in March. No major health issues and one of our kids will be graduating college in 5 months so she can drop off after that (hopefully).
Thanks for your help with this website and the free medical insurance quotes.
It looks like you can get a dependent policy and pay month to month. That’s what I really want to do since I will need coverage through September and then my wife and kids will have coverage.
Just checking rates for my wife and kids. I have benefits on my employer plan. But the dependent health insurance rate is ridiculous. Instead of $600 per month, one of your plans looks like it will be in the $380 range which is fine. No medical conditions for us.
Just got laid off so looking for a few months of health insurance for everyone (including dependents). Hope you can help.
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new business in our community. Your website gave us a lot of great info to work on. Thanks!
Just looking right now but I know I will need coverage in a few months when the kids and hubby drop off the policy.
Dependent premiums are ok. I thought they would be higher. I need coverage for about four years so if rates styay stable, that would be great.