Hr Benifits for Spouse and SSN

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I just tried to sign my spouse up for insurance benefits. We don't have the SSN yet. I was told by my HR manager that Blue Cross requires a SSN to sign up for insurance. I know this is BS. Any law to back this up ?

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Contact Blue Cross directly, you have their numbers. They can contact your HR department and fix the problem.

[baron555 934]

I just tried to sign my spouse up for insurance benefits. We don't have the SSN yet. I was told by my HR manager that Blue Cross requires a SSN to sign up for insurance. I know this is BS. Any law to back this up ?

Why don't you have the SSN yet? She's been in the country enough weeks for the POE info to make it's way into the SSA computers; it takes about 10 business days to receive.

[extrarius 1]

They need an SSN because they utilize it as a checksum for member numbers assigned (HIPPA requirement) and assignment of policy information (and internal tracking between Health Insurance Agencies). All insurance companies require this as a result so it's not really bullshit.

Edited December 19, 2011 by extrarius

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I needed an SSN to be added to my husband's insurance as well. Common practice here. Get her a social security number.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I needed an SSN to be added to my husband's insurance as well. Common practice here. Get her a social security number.

Because I was waiting until after the certified marriage certificate came so I can get it in her name. Only a few more days. I am still skeptical.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

They need an SSN because they utilize it as a checksum for member numbers assigned (HIPPA requirement) and assignment of policy information (and internal tracking between Health Insurance Agencies). All insurance companies require this as a result so it's not really bullshit.

Yes it is bullshit...

My wife (Anna), Gabby and Carlo all have been added to my insurance before they even entered the US so of course they didn't have SSNs at the time! Want to guess the name of my Insurance Provider? It's Blue Cross/Blue Shield!

According to my Primary Care Physician and two of the specialists I see all they need to cross link my medical records with the hospital's network is my name & date of birth. Ironically that's about all I'm ever asked for in addition to my current address when I pick-up scripts or call any doctor to set an appointment...

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I also have Blue Cross. I added my wife to my health insurance the day after we were married. I used my company's automated benefits enrollment system. I entered "000-00-0000" for her Social Security number, per the instructions I got from my HR department. I updated it after she got an SSN. No problems.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I also have Blue Cross. I added my wife to my health insurance the day after we were married. I used my company's automated benefits enrollment system. I entered "000-00-0000" for her Social Security number, per the instructions I got from my HR department. I updated it after she got an SSN. No problems.

Thanks guys. I did not think it could be possible that this is correct. It would be huge violation of the privacy act to force this .

[Kevin_USA 9]

Its a Federal Requirement for Medicare Processing.

Federal Law now requires your health plan to report Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for all covered dependents to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In addition, if a covered dependent is also eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) must be reported.

The Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan recently mailed all participants a form for reporting this information, and participants were required to respond by July 15, 2009. Participants who have not yet responded and do not have a copy of the form should call Railroad Enrollment Services at 1-800-753-2692.

The purpose of the law is to permit Medicare to determine whether it should be a secondary payer rather than a primary payer where an individual has both Medicare and other insurance.

Health plans that fail to comply with the Law are subject to stiff daily fines for each unreported Social Security Number, so this is an important request that deserves everyone’s prompt response.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Its a Federal Requirement for Medicare Processing.

Quote the Law not and insurer's website...

I don't know the law but I do know that it's quite possible that one way to meet the requirement of the Law is to report SSNs.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield is not local yokel fly by night insurer, I highly doubt they aren't in compliance with federal regulations.

[Kevin_USA 9]

If you search for 'Section 111 of Public Law 110-173', you should be able to find the specifics.

I do know, however, that many carriers are not in full compliance and I expect there is some grace period before the law fully takes effect.

[brian_n_phuong 193]

I entered "000-00-0000" for her Social Security number

Wha -wha- WHAT??

Where do you get off using MY Social Security Number???

Thats it, I'm cancelling my frickin LifeLock service that supposed to prevent this #######!!

Edited December 20, 2011 by brian_n_phuong

[DaveE 178]

My wife and step daughter were on my medical plan well before they had social security numbers. TRICARE (Humana) used the A number from the VISA in lieu of SSN.

Heck, they have been here 18 months now, my wife has had two surgeries, and we just last month got around to providing the SSN to TRICARE.

Edited December 20, 2011 by DaveE

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

If you search for 'Section 111 of Public Law 110-173', you should be able to find the specifics.

I do know, however, that many carriers are not in full compliance and I expect there is some grace period before the law fully takes effect.

If you read this the identifying information is only required for those who are entitled to Medicare benefits!

An applicable plan (defined as laws, plans, or other arrangements, including the fiduciary or administrator for liability insurance, no fault insurance, and worker's compensation law or plans) is required to determine whether a claimant is entitled to benefits under Medicare on any basis, and if so, to submit required information to the Secretary, including (1) the claimant's identity and (2) other information specified by the Secretary to enable an appropriate determination concerning coordination of benefits and any applicable recovery claims. Failure to comply will result in a $1,000 per day civil monetary penalty for each claimant. The Secretary can share this information as necessary for proper coordination of benefits

So again I call Bullshit to SSN being a statutory requirement for Medical Insurance...

Edited December 20, 2011 by Bob 4 Anna