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Verify Dependents

If you are adding a dependent to your health insurance that was not previously verified, you will need to provide documentation to prove dependency. Please note the following reminders and the document options chart before uploading your paperwork to the Benefits Division. All documents can be uploaded directly into the benefits platform via myHR. Alternatively, you can email them to benefits@northwestern.edu.

If a dependent was covered within the last 6 months under Northwestern University health insurance then you are not required to re-verify.  For assistance uploading documents, see this user guide.


Documents required to verify eligibility for dependents.
Dependent Type Eligibility Requirements Document Options for Verifying Eligibility

Legal Spouse

The covered employee's husband or wife under Federal Law

  • Government issued Marriage Certificate,

or

  • Signed marriage license if adding spouse due to marriage

Due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act, Social Security numbers are needed for spouse's covered on one of Northwestern's medical plans.

Partner

As defined in the state law recognizing Civil Union Partnerships

  • Government issued Civil Union Certificate,

or

  • Government issued Civil Union Certificate if adding partner due to civil union

Due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act, Social Security numbers are needed for partner's covered on one of Northwestern's medical plans.

Biological Child

Biological child age 25 and under

  • Government issued Birth Certificate

or

  • Hospital issued Birth Certificate if adding child due to birth

Due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act, Social Security numbers are needed for children covered on one of Northwestern's medical plans.

Adopted Child

Adopted child age 25 and under

  • Adoption placement, and Petition for adoption

or

  • Adoption Certificate

Due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act, Social Security numbers are needed for children covered on one of Northwestern's medical plans.

Step-Child

Step-child or child of your partner age 25 and under

  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Government issued Marriage Certificate

or

  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Government issued Civil Union Certificate

or

  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Signed marriage license if adding step-child due to marriage

or

  • Government issued birth certificate, and
  • Government issued Civil Union Certificate if adding step-child due to civil union

Due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act, Social Security numbers are needed for children covered on one of Northwestern's medical plans.

Legal Ward

Court ordered legal ward of the employee age 25 and under

  • Government issued Birth Certificate, and
  • Court ordered Document of Legal Custody

Due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act, Social Security numbers are needed for children covered on one of Northwestern's medical plans.

Foster Child

Age 25 and under

  • Government issued Birth Certificate, and
  • Foster Care documents

Due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act, Social Security numbers are needed for children covered on one of Northwestern's medical plans.

Qualified Medical Support Order

Qualified medical child support order must be ordered for the employee and individual must be age 25 and under.

  • Qualified medical child support order

Due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act, Social Security numbers are needed for children covered on one of Northwestern's medical plans.