Tip
Always consult your human resources department with questions about qualifying events and your company's procedures for making enrollment changes.
Confirm the time frame for when the request for removal must be submitted so you won't have to wait until the open enrollment period.
Removing your spouse from your health insurance plan depends on the type of plan, the open enrollment period and the reason for removal. Month-to-month individual family plans will allow for removal of dependents, including your spouse, at any time. However, if your insurance is through your employer, you can remove your spouse only during the annual open enrollment period, except in the case of a qualifying event, as defined by Internal Revenue Service guidelines. Qualifying events include marriage, divorce, legal separation and death, among others.
Step 1
Call your individual health insurance plan's number and ask to remove a dependent from the plan. If you pay premiums on a month-to-month basis, you can drop your spouse effective the next month. If you prepay for a longer period, you may have to wait to drop your spouse. The representative will provide you with the effective drop date.
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Step 2
Change your benefit elections to remove your spouse from your health insurance during your company's open enrollment period. Each company has different periods and processes for enrollment, so ask your human resources department how to accomplish the removal if you are unsure.
Step 3
Notify your human resources department immediately after a qualifying event occurs and ask how to remove your spouse from your health plan. Each insurer, company and benefits administrator may have a different process, so check with HR before proceeding.
Step 4
Compose a written request and complete required forms to remove your spouse from your insurance. Include the reason for the change, the name of your plan, your member identification number, your name and your spouse's and the date of the qualifying event. Gather supporting documentation such as a death certificate, divorce decree or court order.
Step 5
Submit the written request, forms and supporting documentation to the appropriate place — your human resources department, benefits administrator or the health plan — within a specified time frame for the qualifying event date. Ask your HR department about the time frame, because if the request falls outside of the time frame, you will have to wait until the open enrollment period to drop your spouse from your health insurance.
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