Can I Enroll My Family in Multiple Plans?

Yes.

Your family does not have to be enrolled in one single plan. As long as the employee who was offered the benefit is enrolled in a plan, dependents can be enrolled in different plans from one another.

There's only one requirement: the employee has to enroll in a plan. Your dependents' eligibility flows from your enrollment, so if you don't enroll, they can't be enrolled either. Once you're enrolled, you have flexibility in how you cover everyone else.

Why Would I Split My Family Across Plans?

Most families enroll together on one plan, and that's often the simplest and most cost-effective choice. But splitting makes sense in a few common situations:

• A dependent lives somewhere else. The most common example is a child away at college in another state. The networks and pharmacies near campus may be completely different from what's available at your home address. Enrolling that student in a separate plan tied to their college address gives them in-network access where they actually live during the school year. See this article for how to think about which address to use.
• A family member needs a specific provider or network. If one person's doctor is in-network on one plan and the rest of the family's providers are covered better elsewhere, separate plans can get everyone the access they need.
• A family member has specific prescription needs. Drug formularies vary by plan. A plan that covers one person's medication well may not be the best fit for everyone else.
• Cost. Depending on ages, locations, and the plans available to you, covering your family across two plans is sometimes less expensive than putting everyone on one.

What to Keep in Mind

• Each plan is separate. Every plan has its own premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, network, formulary, and ID card. Costs and amounts paid toward a deductible don't carry over between plans.
• Everyone you want covered still needs to be added to your profile. Add each family member's details before you begin shopping so they show up in your shopping experience. See How to Add Dependents to Your benefitbay® Profile.
• Check the address for each person you're enrolling. The plans you see are based on the address on file, so make sure the address is right for whoever that plan is covering.
• Changes after submitting require a Qualifying Life Event. Once an application is submitted, it can't be changed unless you experience a QLE. Review your options carefully before you submit.