When married employees (or domestic partners) both work for the University of Iowa in benefit-eligible positions and have dependents listed on their policy, they may be eligible for the Double Spouse Credit (DSC).
Double Spouse Credit provides family health and dental insurance at little to no cost depending on which health plan you choose.
- UISelect carries the zero-premium cost option for Double Spouse family coverage.
- UIChoice carries a lower premium cost for Double Spouse family coverage.
The Double Spouse Credit benefit begins the first of the month after a qualifying event. If Double Spouse Credit is elected at open enrollment, the benefit begins on Jan. 1.
When both employees are benefit eligible
Double spouse couples with dependents on their policy, who elect the Double Spouse Credit are paired together for health and dental insurance benefits purposes. One person carries both health and dental insurance plans, while the other person has neither option available to them on their enrollment (because they are covered on the spouse’s plans).
Each spouse will receive a general benefit credit and the opportunity to select from life insurance options and voluntary pre-tax benefits such as Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance and/or a Flexible Spending Account(s).
To apply, complete the Request for Double Spouse Credit (pdf) application form and return it to University Benefits. Upon review and approval, University Benefits will contact you by email with instructions for enrolling in Employee Self Service.
- Please note that when the employee becomes newly eligible for Double Spouse Credit due to a birth or adoption of a child, the employee will have 60 days to submit the double spouse credit request form to the Benefits Office for review and approval.
- This will remain in effect until you are no longer eligible.
When both are employed graduate students
Graduate students at the University of Iowa who hold a university appointment of at least 25% time, or a fellowship of at least $10,000 per year, and are registered for classes are eligible to receive a contribution from the university toward the cost of health and dental insurance coverage.
The Double Spouse Credit will generally be advantageous to employees in these categories.
If you wish to apply for DSC, please all enroll under one form online through MyUI and be sure to check the Spouse is Grad Student with Assistantship box. Lastly, enter a comment on the form to indicate that you would like Double Spouse Credit.
Double Spouse Credit is available for domestic partners in this situation.
Postdoctoral fellows/scholars and temporary staff
Double Spouse Credit is not available.
House Staff
Double Spouse Credit is available when both the House Staff employee and their spouse are eligible for UIChoice or UISelect.