Angela Baldree, 鈥99
Angela Baldree, 鈥99, Columbus, OH, published her first novel, 鈥淵our Brother.鈥 Based on her own family, the novel tells the story of her great-uncles during World War II.
Why does Kent State have a Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Fee?
Kent State is self-insured. This means health care claims are paid directly by Kent State. The fee is a way we can keep our premiums affordable, and to continue offering great health insurance options. When coverage is granted to a working spouse or domestic partner with access to their employer鈥檚 health care plan, this creates higher costs for employees at Kent State. The working spouse/domestic partner fee helps to absorb some of the health care costs that Kent State will incur instead of your working spouse鈥檚 employer.
If I originally received a waiver for the working spouse fee and my spouse later receives an offer of other coverage, do I need to submit a new affidavit for my working spouse?
Yes. Working spouses/domestic partners can be added throughout the year.
Does the working spouse fee apply to Kent State's dental and vision plans?
No, the working spouse fee applies only to the MEDICAL plan.
If my spouse enrolls in their own employer's medical plan as their primary coverage, can they stay on my Kent State medical plan and use it as secondary coverage?
Yes, they can remain on your Kent State health plan, and you will be eligible to waive the working spouse fee.
If my spouse is currently covered on their employer's health plan, and they lost that coverage, am I able to add them to my Kent State plan?
Yes. Your spouse's loss of coverage would be considered a qualifying event, which means they could be enrolled in the Kent State plan within 31 days of the termination of benefits, and you would not be required to pay the working spouse fee. Written documentation from your spouse's or domestic partner鈥檚 employer regarding their loss of coverage would be required, along with an updated copy of the following.
What criteria must be met to waive the fee?
The Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Fee may be waived if your spouse/domestic partner meets one of the following criteria: