The University of Iowa collects information to verify that dependents enrolled in our health and dental plans meet the eligibility guidelines for plan coverage. Action is required to cover your spouse, domestic partner, and dependent child(ren).
You must submit documentation to University Benefits to verify your dependent's eligibility within four weeks of adding your dependent(s) to health and dental coverage. If complete documentation is not received within four weeks, your unverified dependent(s) will be removed from coverage and cannot be added without a qualifying event. Please note that all submitted documents must be in English.
Verification Process
You will be notified by email when documentation for a newly added dependent is required.
- Please go to Employee Self-Service and locate the Verify Dependents link.
- Dependents for whom documentation is required will be listed, and a detailed list of the documents needed to verify eligibility based on dependent type is listed below.
- Documents should be uploaded through Employee Self-Service; University Benefits will not accept paper copies.
- Please follow the instructions in Employee Self-Service to add and submit documents.
Required Documentation
The University of Iowa reserves the right to require documentation to substantiate a dependent's eligibility status at any time.
When adding a new dependent (spouse, domestic partner, child) to your health and or dental insurance, you must submit proof of their eligibility. All required documents must contain a date, employee name, and dependent's name. You may block out personal information such as social security numbers, account numbers, and financial information.
Below is a list of required documents you may submit broken up by dependent type.
To find a printable version of the entire list below, please visit the Benefit Resources page >> Other Resources >> "DEV Required Documents List (printable pdf)"
Please note: any documents submitted to verify your dependent's eligibility must be in English.
Required Documents Needed for Verification
Spouse or common law spouse
(2) Two documents required
- A copy of your marriage certificate or a completed Affidavit of Common Law Marriage.
- AND one of the following:
- A copy of the front page of your 2023 federal tax return (Form 1040) showing you filed as married jointly or married filing separately.
- A document dated within the last 60 days, such as a recurring monthly utility bill, credit card bill, or account statement. The document must be current and list your spouse's name, your mailing address, and date. Note: Healthcare bills will not be accepted as proof of eligibility as healthcare coverage is being verified.
- A copy of your spouse's state-issued ID that was issued within the last 60 days. The ID must be current and include your spouse's name, your mailing address, and the issue date.
Note: The mailing address listed on your spouse's documents MUST match the address we have on file for you here in the university system.
All documents submitted must be in English.
Domestic Partner
(2) Two to (3) Three documents are required depending on what you choose to submit below
(2) Two of the following items, 1, 2, or 3:
- A copy of a document showing joint ownership of a residence (such as home, condominium, or mobile home mortgage statement or payoff) or a lease for a residence showing you and your partner as tenants.
- A copy of your life insurance, will, or retirement contract showing your partner as a primary beneficiary.
- A copy of your relationship contract which obligates each of the parties to provide support for the other party and provides, in the event of termination of the relationship, for a substantially equal division of any property acquired during the relationship.
OR
(2) Two of the following plus 1 (one) from 1, 2, or 3 above:
If you choose this option, 3 (three) documents are required for a complete submission.
- Joint ownership of a motor vehicle - a copy of the purchase agreement, car loan, or car registration
- Joint checking account - a copy of a recent statement dated within the past 60 days
- Joint credit card account - a copy of a recent statement dated within the past 60 days
- A copy of a Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare or financial management with your partner.
Children up to age 26
(1) One to (2) two documents are required depending on what your situation requires
- A copy of the child's birth certificate, hospital birth record*, or adoption certificate naming you, your spouse, or your domestic partner as the child's parent.
- OR a copy of the court order naming you, your spouse, or domestic partner as the child's legal guardianship (up to age 18 only),
- OR a copy of a Qualified Medical Child Support Order that requires you to cover your child.
*Other hospital documentation may be acceptable, such as the discharge paperwork for MyChart visit documentation for the birth. Documentation must include the parent(s) and child's names.
Note for Stepchild or Domestic Partner's Child:
If you cover a stepchild or partner's child, you must also provide documentation of your current relationship with the child's parent, as requested above.
Children age 26 or older
(2) Two documents required
- A copy of the child's birth certificate, hospital birth record*, or adoption certificate naming you, your spouse, or your domestic partner as the child's parent,
- AND a copy of your child's student schedule for the current semester/quarter showing full-time enrollment in an accredited college or university.
*Other hospital documentation may be acceptable, such as the discharge paperwork for MyChart visit documentation for the birth. Documentation must include the parent(s) and child's names.
Note for Stepchild or Domestic Partner's Child:
If you cover a stepchild or partner's child, you must also provide documentation of your current relationship with the child's parent, as requested above.
Disabled children age 26 or older
(3) Three documents required
- A copy of the child's birth certificate, hospital birth record*, or adoption certificate naming you, your spouse, or your domestic partner as the child's parent,
- AND a copy of your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) listing your child as a tax dependent,
- AND a copy of your child's most recent Medicare or Social Security Administration statement showing your child is receiving benefits due to their disability.
*Other hospital documentation may be acceptable, such as the discharge paperwork for MyChart visit documentation for the birth. Documentation must include the parent(s) and child's names.
Note for Stepchild or Domestic Partner's Child:
If you cover a stepchild or partner's child, you must also provide documentation of your current relationship with the child's parent, as requested above.
Dependent Eligibility Verification Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the university collect documentation to verify dependent eligibility?
The University of Iowa is sensitive to the rising healthcare costs for its employees. It feels verifying dependent eligibility is necessary to help make sure its health benefit plans are compliant with state law, competitive, and cost-effective. This program also allows the University of Iowa to manage overall plan costs, which benefits all employees.
The documentation required contains sensitive information. Is this process secure?
Protecting personal information is a priority for the University of Iowa. When submitting your tax documentation, only the top portion which includes the names of the employee, spouse, and any dependent child(ren) is required. Please mark out social security numbers and any financial information on documents.
All documents are securely stored for 90 days following submission. Upon expiration of the retention period, all documents and electronic files will be securely destroyed. Only University of Iowa employees directly involved in the dependent verification process will have access to these documents.
How will I know my information has been accepted and my dependents are verified?
Once your documentation has been submitted through Employee Self-Service, it will be reviewed by University Benefits. You will receive a confirmation email when your dependent(s) is verified. If further documentation is required, you will be contacted by email.
What happens if I do not submit all required documents by the verification deadline?
You must submit documentation to University Benefits to verify their eligibility within four weeks of adding your dependent(s) to health and/or dental coverage. If complete documentation is not received within four weeks, your unverified dependent(s) will be removed from coverage and cannot be added without a qualifying event.
May I provide paper copies of my documents to University Benefits?
No. To provide documentation for your unverified dependent(s), please go to Employee Self-Service and locate the Verify Dependents link. Dependents for whom documentation is required will be listed, and a detailed list of documents required to verify eligibility based on dependent type. Documents should be uploaded through Employee Self-Service; University Benefits will not accept paper copies. Please follow the instructions in Employee Self-Service to add and submit documents. For assistance, contact University Benefits at benefits@uiowa.edu.