Children of Domestic Partners

[Guest mrsntc]

We currently offer Domestic Partner coverage in our medical care plan and under our voluntary accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Does anyone know if it is legal to offer medical benefits to the children of a domestic partner from a previous relationship? I am assuming if we decide to do this, then the amount of premium paid for this classification of dependent would be taxable to our employee?

[Guest chloe]

I don't know of any reason you couldn't allow the coverage. However, you are correct that it is taxable to the employee because these are not his/her legal children under the federal tax code.

[leevena]

Your question asks about the legality of offering coverage to these dependents, which is not the question. You should be asking if your plan allows for their coverage. You should check the plan definition of eligible dependents first. You may have some type of unique arrangement for this situation. However, as a rule of thumb, the children of the domestic partner can be covered if they meet plan eligibility (age, in school, etc.) and the domestic partner has custody of them. If the domestic partner has children from a previous relationship, but they are not in the custody of this person, they will usually be defined as not eligible.

[Guest chanjac61@bellsouth.net]

Our DP benefits were too costly and complicated. We opted out of the open enrollment options and went with a provider access plan instead. Our entire household is covered for under 70.00/month with extras. Imputed income and other taxation issues are not a problem. We have the flexibility to compare fees and choose our own providers, and the coverage is portable. The website is www.mybenefitsplus.com/40538966.