Insurance

rikkiandjulie

Back story, my work generously pays for all of my medical insurance. I pay nothing out of pocket. However, it only insures me, and doesn't include dental or vision. ( I need both)

Julie's work is now having open enrollment for benefits. I am qualified to be on her insurance. However, to sign me up for vision and dental ONLY. They are charging her a $75/mo fee, 'because I have other options'.

I feel like they are robbing me. I am so frustrated, but there's is only so much you can do.

bluedaisyus

a word of warning, just in case you're not aware so you don't get blindsided: the irs will tax julie on everything paid for insurance for you, including anything her employer pays toward it. it will be counted as income for her even though she'll never see it.

rikkiandjulie

Fantastic, that is make the situation even worse.

bluedaisyus

i know, it really sucks. and all because the federal government doesn't recognize our marriages.

i didn't realize how it all worked in terms of taxes until c's company announced that they were offering same-sex benefits starting in january, so we looked into it. we would pay absolutely nothing out of pocket for medical, dental, and vision coverage, but according to the worksheet they gave us with the informational packet her taxes would increase by over $3,000/year. not worth it for us considering what i pay for coverage through my own workplace.

that said, benefits for dental and vision only are likely to be much, much cheaper (most of the expense of insurance is in the medical coverage), and it may be worth it for you--especially if you need the coverage. there are likely some differences in how oregon handles it for state income tax purposes, especially if you're registered domestic partners. the federal liability would still be there, though.

Cooper333

I woul dhave to pay 75 to add dh since he has options at his job. It all depends on how much you use the services if it is worth it at all.

Two*True

when they say you have 'other options', do you?  I'm a bit confused.  Can you get them through your employer, only you have to pay (instead of them paying 100% like they do your medical)?  Or aren't there actually other options?

 

rikkiandjulie

Janet, there aren't other options. All I get through work is Medical.

All I need is Dental, and Vision.

I am a bit irrate, even more once Morgan told me about the taxes. Just another example of unequality.

Two*True

Gotcha.  Well then I guess it does come down to whether or not it's worth it for you.  You may also be able to look into purchasing a private plan.  I did that when I first got out of college and before I had a job.  I was buying medical and dental so it was about $200-250 a month.  I know most of that was for medical.  Perhaps just getting a private dental and/or vision pay is less, idk. 

slbacon1986

I agree with two*true about getting a private plan.

rikkiandjulie

Private Plan it is.