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Dependent Health Insurance
- Your spouse, as long as they are not also enrolled separately as an eligible state employee or retiree.
- Your child by birth, legal adoption, or legal guardianship, or your stepchild, until the end of the month in which the child turns age 26.
- In the case of legal adoption, a child is eligible for coverage as of the date of placement. Placement occurs when you become legally obligated for the total or partial support of the child in anticipation of adoption.
- In the case of legal guardianship, official guardianship paperwork must be in place for a dependent to be eligible for coverage. Once a guardianship terminates, dependent eligibility for coverage ends.
Continuing coverage for eligible dependents
- In the case of legal adoption, a child is eligible for coverage as of the date of placement. Placement occurs when you become legally obligated for the total or partial support of the child in anticipation of adoption.
- In the case of legal guardianship, official guardianship paperwork must be in place for a dependent to be eligible for coverage. Once a guardianship terminates, dependent eligibility for coverage ends.
Go to How to Apply for the list of proofs you'll need to provide when enrolling your spouse and dependents in your insurances.
Reporting changes for your spouse, dependents
It is your responsibility to notify the Michigan Office of Retirement Services of any change in your status or that of your family that would result in ineligibility, or of coverage under any other group insurance including Medicare. We will adjust your premium deductions if necessary, but we cannot refund premiums that were withheld before the month in which you report the change.
To report changes, log in to miAccount, navigate to the Insurance Coverage section, make your changes, and mail us the required proofs if necessary. You can also use the Insurance Enrollment/Change Request (R0452H) form.
You can also use miAccount to add or change the name of someone on your health, dental, or vision insurance contract. If you're adding a spouse due to marriage, be sure to send proof of marriage and birth. If you're adding a dependent due to birth or adoption, be sure to send proof of birth or adoption. Proofs are required within 30 days of the event so the six-month waiting period can be waived. If we do not receive the proofs on time, you will be subject to a six-month waiting period from the time we receive all proofs.
Do not mail in original documents, as they will not be returned.
COBRA protects your spouse, dependents after eligibility stops
If your spouse or one of your dependents lose insurance eligibility, they may be able to pay for continued coverage for a limited time. A federal law known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, allows your spouse or child the option of paying for continued health insurance coverage for up to 36 months after a qualifying event that results in loss of eligibility. The retiree or affected family member must notify us within 30 days of the date of the qualifying event and request an Application for Continuation of Insurances (CS-1767). Your health insurance carrier may also offer a conversion policy for your spouse and dependents. Contact the insurance carrier for more information.