Insurance Question for new PR's of the US

[redmen99 1]

Has anyone had issues adding their new PR spouse to their health insurance with their employer? I just tried to add my husband to my insurance with my employer using his visa status as a life change and they told me that "unfortunately becoming a permanent resident is not a life event". But that if I can find proof that he is no longer covered under OHIP, then I can have him covered. Where can I find something that says this? I told them I can pretty much guarantee that I won't get a letter from the Canadian government saying that. But was told that if I find something official stating that he lost his coverage, then I can add him.

I am beyond ticked off right now! Oh, and I only have until April 8th to prove it... GRRRRRRRR

[Udella&Wiz 325]

When is your company's next Open Enrollment for benefits - you know, the time of year when can enroll family members. If that is coming up shortly you could wait til then.

Since I deal with insurance stuff in my current job, I can tell you that Life events wouldn't include 'a visa status change'...usually, marriage, divorce, birth of a child etc.....However, your husband moved here and lost his former job (and therefore probably benefits) right? Our company considers a spousal loss of job a 'life event', that may work for you as well....You may want to explain to them that Canadians don;t get a letter from the gov't saying we're no longer eligible You just aren't covered if you don't live in the province. perhaps you could point them to the website for Ontario's health care eligibility or print them off something from it?

[Pauley 2]

But that if I can find proof that he is no longer covered under OHIP, then I can have him covered. Where can I find something that says this?

With I'm-in-NY-and-not-in-PA-so-there-may-be-differences disclaimer...

The impression I got from my HR rep at work is that I'd need a specific document from OHIP that this named individual is no longer a resident of Ontario and thus no longer covered under OHIP as of date mm/dd/yyyy. This date would then be used by my insurance provider as start date of coverage (retroactively if need be) for the new dependent.

If your husband has not explicitly notified OHIP that he is no longer an Ontario resident, he may need to do that to get you the needed evidence.

[redmen99 1]

When is your company's next Open Enrollment for benefits - you know, the time of year when can enroll family members. If that is coming up shortly you could wait til then.

Since I deal with insurance stuff in my current job, I can tell you that Life events wouldn't include 'a visa status change'...usually, marriage, divorce, birth of a child etc.....However, your husband moved here and lost his former job (and therefore probably benefits) right? Our company considers a spousal loss of job a 'life event', that may work for you as well....You may want to explain to them that Canadians don;t get a letter from the gov't saying we're no longer eligible You just aren't covered if you don't live in the province. perhaps you could point them to the website for Ontario's health care eligibility or print them off something from it?

Open enrollment is in October, and I'll be laid off by then. My job is being outsourced to Ireland.... He was laid off last May, and was living off his severance package, then EI kicked in, so loss of job won't help us either. So I'm now looking at the OHIP site and trying to find something on there that I can use for loss of insurance, but all I keep finding is Long Term Care stuff. The search continues... Thanks for the suggestions!

[OBX 51]

Open enrollment is in October, and I'll be laid off by then. My job is being outsourced to Ireland.... He was laid off last May, and was living off his severance package, then EI kicked in, so loss of job won't help us either. So I'm now looking at the OHIP site and trying to find something on there that I can use for loss of insurance, but all I keep finding is Long Term Care stuff. The search continues... Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm not sure that they will provide you with anything saying he no longer is covered under Ontario healthcare. Prior to sending in my form to notify them I was no longer a resident, I spoke to a representative about the process. I asked if I would receive acknowledgement of my cancellation and I was told no. I never did receive anything. Maybe you would get a different response. It might not hurt to call them.

[Kimbear 53]

When i inquired a few things back in january at the ohip office, she told me that for 3 months after i leave i will still be covered. I have to do a change of address with them also.

I know davids insurance will cover me as soon as i move thereand get married, regarlesss if i have my aos approved or not...but then again i'm a k1 not a cr1. but technically you coudl'nt add him as a life event when you got marreid cuz he was here and you were there...you would think you could use that reason now...and just show your marraige certificate..Odd..

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Maybe you can find the elgibility requirements for OHIP and going backwards from that they can surmise that he is no longer covered. Residency in the province is a big requirement

[Tim and Erin 3]

When i inquired a few things back in january at the ohip office, she told me that for 3 months after i leave i will still be covered.

Out of curiosity, I just called Service Ontario to find out at what point OHIP coverage ends. She said "At midnight on the day you leave the country." Not sure if you'd get a different answer from another person, but just sayin...

Maybe several of us here should make that phone call and compare notes.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

If you want to add your spouse as a result of the marriage you generally have 30 days from the date of marriage to do it. I was offered the option even though my wife was in the Philippines and I declined because open enrollment would happen before she was issued her Visa. Most health insurance has provisions for emergency coverage in other countries and she could have used that but the expense of the coverage outweighed any potential savings.

I just added her during open enrollment and 6 weeks later she was her.