Divorce, Legal Separation and Remarriage
Questions and Answers

Q) I am a state employee/retiree who is separating or getting divorced. What do I need to do?
A) You must notify the GIC when you are legally separated or divorced by sending the GIC a letter with your name, GIC identification number (usually it is your Social Security Number), address, signature, and your former spouse's last known home address.  You must send a copy of the following sections of your separation agreement or divorce agreement as the case may be.  Provide the following: page with the “divorce absolute” date (the date your divorce became final), the health insurance provisions, and signature pages. The GIC will send you and your former spouse information about continuing coverage.

Q)  Can I remove my former spouse from my GIC coverage?
A)  By law, the former spouse can be removed according to the terms of your divorce agreement.  If there is specific removal from coverage language in your divorce agreement, or if you or your former spouse remarries, coverage for the former spouse ends, which is in accordance with state laws.  This is true even if your new spouse does not need GIC health coverage.  Depending on language in the divorce agreement, the former spouse may be eligible for a divorced spouse rider or COBRA coverage. 

If the former spouse provides proof of other health coverage and does not wish to remain on the GIC’s coverage he/she can be removed from your policy.

Q) I am divorced and receiving coverage under my former spouse who recently died.  What are my health options?
A) You may only elect GIC COBRA health coverage.

Q) As a divorced employee/retiree who is remarrying, what do I need to do?
A) You must notify the GIC in writing that you have remarried, and send a copy of your new marriage certificate, GIC ID number (usually it is your Social Security Number), and your former spouse's last known home address.  If you have not already done so, please include the following sections of your divorce agreement: page with the ‘divorce absolute’ date (the date divorce became final), health insurance provisions, and signature pages.  Also provide your new spouse's name, date of birth, and Social Security Number.

To add your new spouse to your health plan, complete and return a GIC Insurance Data Form (IDF).  If you are enrolled in a GIC HMO, you must also complete and return the HMO application.

Q) My former spouse is getting remarried; what do I need to do?
A) Send the remarriage date of your former spouse and his/her last known address in writing to the Director of Operations at the GIC.  Your ex-spouse may apply for COBRA coverage by completing the COBRA application and sending it to the GIC.