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Human Resources Department

Working Spouse Provision Information

What is a working spouse provision? 

A working spouse provision, often called a working spouse surcharge, is a charge that applies to employees whose covered spouse has access to medical coverage through his or her own employer, unless the spouse is employed by Hamilton County.  Hamilton County employees who are married to other Hamilton County employees, claimed as a dependent on their Hamilton County medical plan, do not have to pay the working spouse provision. 

How much is the working spouse provision?

It is $35 per pay period.

My spouse is unemployed.  Do I have to pay the working spouse provision?

No.

My spouse is self-employed and has no group coverage.  Do I have to pay the working spouse provision?

No.

My spouse is retired and has coverage based on his retirement.  Do I have to pay the working spouse provision?

No. 

My spouse and I both work for Hamilton County and have either a double or family plan.  Do I have to pay the working spouse provision?

No.

My spouse has enrolled in medical benefits through his/her employer and is not covered on my Hamilton County medical plan.  Do I have to pay the working spouse provision?

No.

My spouse has enrolled in medical benefits through his/her employer and I have ALSO elected to cover my spouse on my Hamilton County medical plan. Do I have to pay the working spouse provision?

No. This is because your spouse has the primary medical coverage through his/her employer. If this situation applies to you, please see your department representative for instructions on how to complete the working spouse provision form.  

If my spouse does not have a job during Hamilton County's annual enrollment but starts working after I have elected to cover him/her under Hamilton County, do I have to pay the working spouse provision?

Yes, you need to notify your departmental payroll representative of this change.   Please note that if your spouse becomes employed after the plan year begins, this is a family status change that will allow you to make new elections under the Hamilton County plan.  For example, you could choose to terminate your spouse's coverage under Hamilton County's plan and he could become covered under his employer's plan. 

Can I remove my spouse from my plan if his/her plan year has already begun?

You and your spouse can change your status during either of your annual enrollment periods.  In addition, changing your spouse's coverage at Hamilton County may trigger a family status change at his/her employer.  Hamilton County considers changes during a spouse's annual enrollment at their employer a qualifying event, but other companies' policies may vary.  Check with your spouse's employer to see if Hamilton County's annual enrollment is considered a family status change.