I may marry someone to give them health insurance

[laura888]

He has just received word that he has a tumor, and is facing mounting debt. We have no prior relationship other than casual friends.

I'm wondering if anyone else has done this, the risks involved, etc.

[tjdee]

1. How long would it last?

That's my question. Til he's well?

Also, is there any way he can seek out Medicaid, or something like that? I'm curious why you are his only option (I don't disbelieve it for a minute, just wondering if he has sought out other options).

If you're only casual friends, I'd also be concerned that when you want to quit, he may give you a problem (due to health insurance reasons or any other ones, quite frankly) and you'll be in the middle of a ridiculous divorce.

It's sad that that's what it's come to in this country, you have to marry someone to get health insurance.

[GingerSnaps]

2. What is the pre-existing condition requirements in your insurance?

I would do it!

[laura888]

4. I don't think there is any n/t

[havocmom]

3. Risks? You could lose half of everything you have

And if he already knows about the tumor, it would possibily be EXCLUDED from coverage by your insurance company as a pre-existing condition.

You do not enter into a binding legal partnership with a casual friend. It is not safe.

edited to add: Think about this too: as a spouse, YOU are liable for any of his medical bills. Insurance is not always nearly enough. Be a friend and help him find other resources, but look out for yourself too. This could be a VERY dangerour move which could have an impact in ways you cannot imagine for years or decades to come. And what happens to you if his pre-existing condition does get covered but he maxes out your maximum benifit? Lots and lots of things to consider.

Also, insurance companies will prosecute for fraud. If the sole purpose of your marriage is to secure payment from them, they might take offense.

[MissMarple]

5. Yes, prenup.

And check to make sure he will be covered.

[tjdee]

8. Very good points, I agree.

[Spinzonner]

6. You should do some discreet inquiries

whether this could be considered fraud by the insurance company if it were to come out in a divorce proceeding - or contesting any estate if he were to die.

In such a case you could end up economically liable for the benefits fraudulently obtain or crimninally liable for the act.

[jcv1]

7. pre-existing condition

Make SURE there are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Most insurance carriers will not cover these.

[readmylips]

9. Who will pay the 20% deductible?

I just had my gallbladder removed and still ended up with a $1,200 bill that must come out of my pocket, yet I got good medical insurance. You have a very kind heart but take a good look at the law and how you will be responsible for debt incurred. You can ruin your credit or lose your property.

[bleedingheart]

10. If it already exists...you can't get coverage...most insurance carriers

won't allow for it.

He is better off single and getting Social Security Disability and state Medicaid..

[Xithras]

13. Actually, most WILL cover it after a delay

I had a friend go through something similar once (his new stepchild had leukemia). Most (in fact, probably all) insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions right away for new enrollees, but the majority will after a waiting period. My current insurance policy has a 3 month waiting period, but some range up to a year or two.

Didn't you receive a pile of paperwork (or a small book) that laid out your coverage details when you were originally insured? The fine print about waiting periods should be in there. If not, you should be able to request a new copy from your employers HR or benefits office.

[JaneEyrez]

11. Shoot, I thought you were making a blanket offer...

and before I saw you were female, I was jumping up and down, going, "Me, Me." :bounce:

[warrens]

12. Remember...

No good deed goes unpunished.