Can a Nonspouse Be Insured Under a Health Plan?

Due to the high cost of health care in the United States, many citizens recognize the importance of having a good health plan that can help cover the costs of doctors' visits, medications, surgery or other medical intervention. Family health plans are common for married couples and their children, but you may be wondering if it's possible to insure a nonspouse under your health insurance plan. The state laws and policy terms vary, but in many cases, it is possible.

Domestic Partnerships

• Although marriage is a traditional requirement to add an individual to a health plan, domestic partnerships may also be recognized in cases where two individuals share a home and live as a family, but cannot, or do not wish to be married. According to Health Plan One, there are no requirements that mandate an insurance company must honor a request for coverage if there is no legal marriage or civil union in place between domestic partners. If your state or insurance provider does recognize domestic partnerships, however, you may be able to insure a nonspouse who shares your home.

Adult Children

• In previous years, health care coverage to adult children was fairly limited. Some states only required health coverage to last until a child turned 18 years old, while others required coverage to last until an adult child graduated from college at around 22 years of age. Recent changes in legislation allow a parent to continue insuring an adult child beyond the age of 26 and even to the age of 30 in some cases. You should verify the laws in your state to determine how long you may continue to insure your grown children and if there are any special stipulations that must be met.

Grandchildren

• If you have an uninsured grandchild, you may be able to put him on your health plan. Some health care insurance providers include a provision that allows a grandparent to include a grandchild. If your plan provider does not allow this option, you may inquire with your plan's administrator to determine if there are any steps you can take to extend coverage to your grandchild. As noted by the Health Compare website, some state laws protect your right to insure a grandchild if you are named as the child's legal guardian by the court or if your grandchild lives with you and you provide the majority of the child's support.

Changing the Laws

• Health care and health care insurance is a constantly evolving area that gets a lot of attention and still requires change. If you feel you have a right to coverage for yourself or for another individual in your family, you can challenge the laws in your state or the policy of your health care plan provider. You may spend time and money fighting your case in court, but you may also impact positive change to health care policy for yourself and future generations.