Health Insurance Coverage
for
Domestic Partner / Common Law
The State of Rhode Island has passed legislation (Section 36-12-1(3) of the General Laws in Chapter 36-12 entitled "Insurance Benefits"). This legislation allows state of Rhode Island employees who are already eligible for health insurance benefits to add their domestic partner to their health insurance plan.
Domestic Partner Dependent Declaration Form
The evidence used to verify domestic partner / common law (see the affidavits for a list of acceptable evidence), must be original documents, and must accompany the signed and notarized Domestic Partnership affidavit. At the time evidence is supplied, new health, dental and vision applications will need to be completed.
Affidavits are available by:
- clicking on the links above and printing out the forms
- picking the up at URI Employee Benefits, Rm 21, 80 Lower College Road, Kingston campus
- calling 874-9054
- e-mail pamelasherman@uri.edu to request the forms or to make an appointment
The signed and notarized affidavit, along with the required documents, should be brought to URI Employee Benefits. Call Pamela Sherman at 874-9054 for an appointment. At that time a new health application will be completed. Forms will then be submitted to the state for approval.
Please be aware that under current federal laws, the fair market value of the state's contribution for health insurance coverage for your domestic partner is considered "imputed income" to you, and must be reported by the State as taxable income on your bi-weekly paycheck UNLESS your domestic partner qualifies as your "dependent" under IRS guidelines.
In addition, unless your domestic partner qualifies as your "dependent," you cannot make pre-tax co-share contributions for health insurance coverage for your domestic partner.
It is your responsibility to consult with appropriate tax advisors if you have questions with regard to whether or not a domestic partner qualifies as your dependent under the IRS regulations for health plans.
For more information you can go to the State of RI Employee Benefits web site and view the Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help? Contact URI Employee Benefits or call 874-9054
