A sponsored adult dependent is an unmarried partner who is eligible for certain university benefits. Once a sponsored adult dependent is on file with the university, they are included in benefit eligibility under the definition and rates for "spouse."
Coverage
Insurance
Employees are able to provide coverage for an eligible sponsored adult dependent for the following benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Dependent Life-Spouse and Accidental Death & Disability (AD&D) plans
Programs
Sponsored adult dependents are also eligible to utilize the following programs:
Leave
Sponsored adult dependents are also included in qualifications for employees to utilize leave under:
- Family Medical Leave (FMLA)
- Caregiver Leave (coming soon)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Funeral leave
Eligibility
To be eligible for university coverage, sponsored adult dependents must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a single dedicated relationship of at least a 12 month duration with the employee
- Have shared the same principal residence for at least 12 months and continue to share the same principal a residence disregarding temporary absences due to special circumstances including sickness, education, business, vacation and military service
- Not be married to another person under either statutory or common law
- Not be related by blood or degree of closeness that would prohibit marriage in the law of the state in which the to the employee or retired employee resides
- Be mentally competent to consent to contract
Children of sponsored adult dependents are not eligible for benefits.
Retirees may cover a sponsored adult dependent as long as the sponsored adult dependent was covered on their plan immediately prior to retirement. University of Missouri health plans (medical, dental and vision), Dependent Life-Spouse and Accidental Death and Disability Plans do not allow retirees to add dependents to their coverage after their date of retirement.
How to enroll
- Employees must complete and submit an Affirmation of Sponsored Adult Dependent Partnership form (PDF).
- To add a Sponsored Adult Dependent to your coverage, you must do so during Annual Enrollment for coverage to be effective on January 1 following the annual enrollment period.
- If you experience a Qualifying Employment/Family Status Change you may be able to make a change outside of Annual Enrollment. Please refer to the medical plan Summary Plan Description (SPD) for a list of events that qualify.
Change/Remove Sponsored Adult Dependent
To remove a sponsored adult dependent partner, you must complete and submit a Life Event (Divorce or Legal Separation) through the University’s self-service portal (myhr.umsystem.edu) within thirty-one (31) days of the event. A copy of the Affidavit of Termination of Sponsored Adult Dependent Partnership (PDF) form must also be uploaded during the Life Event process.
Reviewed 2023-09-18
