Dependent Coverage
Adding or Dropping Dependent Coverage
When you have an eligible change in status and need to add or drop dependent coverage, you must notify Metro Human Resources and provide documentation of the event within 60 days. Documentation to support the life-changing event may include a birth certificate, marriage license, or a letter from your spouse’s employer or insurance carrier.
For example, when your child becomes ineligible under the plan at age 24 (or age 18 if fully employed), it’s your responsibility to inform Human Resources right away and drop his/her coverage.
It is especially important to notify Human Resources if you get a divorce. Otherwise, you will be responsible for repaying claims your former spouse might incur if he/she continues to use the plan after the divorce.
When you add or drop dependent coverage, you may also want to update your beneficiary information.
Dependent Coverage Under Another Plan
Regardless of which medical plan you elect, you must be sure to notify your insurance carrier if your spouse or other covered dependent receives health coverage outside of Metro’s plan (for example, through an insurance plan at work or by qualifying for Medicare).
If your dependent has coverage elsewhere, a process called coordination of benefits (COB) comes into play. COB simply means that benefits are coordinated between your dependent’s coverage under your Metro plan and another plan. This process ensures that benefit payments are not duplicated and helps hold down the rising cost of health insurance.