I got married. How do I add my spouse to my plan and my benefit?

Congratulations! Getting married is a qualifying life event, so you can change your health plan outside Open Enrollment to add your spouse. Here's how to update both your health plan and your StretchDollar benefit.

1. Update your health plan

Marriage opens a Special Enrollment Period, usually 60 days from your wedding date. Within that window, contact your insurance company or the marketplace where you bought your plan to add your spouse or switch to a family plan. See What is a qualifying life event (QLE)?

Tip: if you miss the window, you'll usually have to wait until the next Open Enrollment to add your spouse.

2. Let your admin know

Your employer's admin keeps your household information up to date in StretchDollar. Ask them to update your number of dependents. If your employer offers extra funding for dependents, this is how your allowance can reflect your new household. See Can I contribute a different amount to employees with families?

3. Send your new proof of coverage

Your premium will change once your spouse is on the plan, so your reimbursement needs the new amount:

1. In your StretchDollar portal, click Auto-Reimbursements in the left menu.
2. Submit a new auto-reimbursement with your updated invoice or confirmation from your insurance company.
3. When asked why you're submitting, choose I added a dependent to my coverage.

Your admin reviews it, and your reimbursements continue at the new amount once it's approved. Remember, you're reimbursed the lower of your premium or your monthly allowance.

Need to be reimbursed for a month you already paid at the new price? Submit a one-time reimbursement for that month. See How do I submit a one-time reimbursement?