Question about name change and adding new spouse via k-1 to health insurance

[Chrissss 11]

So, I understand that I have 60 days to add my wife to my health insurance. We just got married 2 weeks ago, and I had a question about what exact name to put for her for the insurance, the one she has now on her passport or the one she wants to be called now that we're married. She wants to add my last name to her name, but so far there's nothing official for that. When filing the marriage certificate we were told not to put my last name on the form and to change it afterwards "just call this number and give them your social" is what she said to my wife, but she doesn't have a social. The clerk didn't elaborate on this, I suspect because she either didn't understand my wife's immigration status or wasn't sure what else to tell us.

[Mike E 11,739]

16 minutes ago, Chrissss said:

I had a question about what exact name to put for her for the insurance, the one she has now on her passport or the one she wants to be called now that we're married. She

Her married name if she wants.

 

16 minutes ago, Chrissss said:

but she doesn't have a social.

Why not?

[Chrissss 11]

She doesn't have a social security number because she is an immigrant.

[Sam Burns 155]

She can apply for one though, it’s documented here in the K1 visa process page.

[Chrissss 11]

Thanks for the info. Now, social security number notwithstanding, what should we do in the mean time as far as her name goes and what name to put on the health insurance? Because the health insurance needs to be done asap.

[carmel34 3,620]

26 minutes ago, Chrissss said:

Thanks for the info. Now, social security number notwithstanding, what should we do in the mean time as far as her name goes and what name to put on the health insurance? Because the health insurance needs to be done asap.

I added my husband to my work health insurance with a copy of our marriage certificate, using the name on the certificate, which also included his date of birth.  He was still living in Brazil at the time, waiting for the spousal visa process to play out, so HR just entered zeros for his SSN, no problem at all.

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

34 minutes ago, Chrissss said:

what should we do in the mean time as far as her name goes and what name to put on the health insurance?

Her new legal name is any combination of the names on the actual marriage certificate.  The certificate is a legal name change document.  Should start using the name she wants on EVERYTHING from now on. 

[Chrissss 11]

So that's actually how it works? Interesting. Well this looks like the answer I needed so thanks for the info.

[Mike E 11,739]

4 hours ago, Chrissss said:

She doesn't have a social security number because she is an immigrant.

She is a K-1. She is entitled to an SSN. My was was a K-1. She had an SSN less than 3 weeks after she arrived. When did your wife arrive in the U.S.?

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from AOS from K1 Visas forum to Your New Life In America forum, where insurance-related topics are discussed ***

 

On 7/27/2023 at 1:40 AM, Chrissss said:

she doesn't have a social.

 

Has it been more than 75 days since your wife arrived with her K1 visa?  If less than 75 days, have her go to an SSA office and apply for SSN ASAP.  Do NOT miss this window.  If more than 75 days pass, she will no longer be eligible for SSN until she gets her EAD work permit or GC.

 

[Ontarkie 14,217]

When you go to get her SSN do not apply for it in her married name. The name will not match. Do not even mention you got married. Some of the employees think if you got married the visa is invalid and will not process the application.

 

Get her AOS filled in with her married name and when the EAD or GC comes in then go back to SS and get her name updated.