domestic partner "benefits" ...?
Wow.
In 2008, I opted to cover TJ as a domestic partner on Crayola's Blue Shield insurance plan.
Check this out:
2008 cost for us as a domestic partnership: $6079
That's not a typo.
OK, I can get legally married someday. But this is the best offer for those who aren't allowed to marry? Freaking wow!!!
What should I do for next year?
I only have until November 15th to decide and I'm absolutely sick thinking about this! :(
**EDIT**
Wait, oh WAIT, here's the bonus:
That $6079.32 will be added to my 2008 earnings as "imputed income". To the IRS, it will appear that I have made an additional $6079.32. In 2008, not only will I have lost that $6079.32, but I will be paying taxes on it as if it WAS part of my income!!!
**EDIT 2**
I finally did ALL the math. Our total cost for 2008 healthcare, including all taxes, premiums, and fees: $7029. The "imputed income" amount that the IRS will be taxing me on come April is $5273.82, which is the cost of the insurance coverage minus the cost of the premium, which was $806. Assuming I will be actually taxed at 18% (below my bracket of 25%), that extra tax cost will add up to $949.29. Add it all up, and it comes to $7029.
A broker is setting TJ up with independent insurance quotes - he can get almost identical medical/dental coverage for less than $1700 in 2009. Me? I'll be paying $416. Unbelievable.
8 thoughts:
Marriage ain't so bad :P
You can always file single on your taxes to keep some independence ;)
But in all seriousness, that is an outrage. What about those people who aren't allowed to marry for legal reasons in this state. Basically is they should state:
Insurance for two people $806.00
Homosexual/FearOfCommitment/"LivingInSin"/FinanciallyIntelligent Fee $5273.32
Ack! Okay, how's this? A co-worker of mine was in a similar situation, sorta.
He was recently engaged, a couple of weeks, maybe. She got a new job at a tiny company, who didn't offer benefits. The new boss would look into some benfits for her, it would be an insane out-of-pocket cost.
After some soul searching, and her giving the okay, they got married by the JOP. Their thinking was, if they intended to be together forever anyway, what's the difference, now or later?
Added bonus: Now that saved money can go toward their "official/unofficial" wedding next year.
It makes practical sense... I don't want to feel like I'm paying a quarter of my salary to NOT be married.
It took me 3 months to decide on 20-dollar light fixtures; I shy from decisions that affect any significant portion of my future without a neon escape hatch. :
Actually I should add that TJ and I are splitting the bill halfway, in case it wasn't a given. :)
When I was a little girl, I was watching TV with my mom and a woman was getting married. The bride was asked, "Do you take this man..."
I asked why they asked that question.. they were there, and the wole day had been planned, why wouldn't she say yes? My mom said, "Oh no, she can ALWAYS run right out the back of the church. Even right up till the last minute."
Anyway, it's your future and your paycheck... but (shhh) if I were in your situation, I'd probably just get married. Wife has such a happy ring to it :-)
I wanted to leave a simple comment like, "Oh how I love socialised medicine over here." The reality is I make less than half my old salary and am taxed at 42%. Haven't done the math. However, I am confident my body wouldn't be dumped by the side of the road should I come down with a serious illness and had no money.
On and off I wonder how it really feels to be under your system, J. I'm not naive enough to think it's a magical joyride, but sometimes I wonder...
Your salary is taxed at 42% ??
Oh, I finally did all the math. Our total cost for 2008 healthcare, including all taxes, premiums, and fees: $7029
Finally... a broker set up TJ with independent insurance quotes - he can get almost identical medical/dental coverage for less than $1700 in 2009. Me? I'll be paying $416. Unbelievable.
our society is so biased towards marriage.
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