Say you were sick and needed medical assistance but didn't have insurance. Is it legal to get married to someone just so they can add you to their medical insurance policy?
This is for a friend who has breast cancer and I told her that I didn't think there were any laws against that. I mean how could they prove it also, ya know.
2006-06-21 10:05:04 · 16 answers · asked by Answers R Me 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It is not illegal to get married for any reason. But yes, you should check the policy first re preexisting conditions. Most states have a university hospital (for training future Dr's that are under a certified Dr). I go to University of Iowa hosp as I have no insurance. It is the best care I have ever received! I assume most states have one. Tell your friend to go to the DHS/Dept of Human Services in her county & explain the circumstances and ask about this. The services are free but it does need to go through DHS. I assume it there is one in your state as well. Tell her to give DHS a call BEFORE she decides to go the marriage route. Hope this helps.
2006-06-21 10:28:46 · answer #1 · answered by Nancy L 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically, this would be fraud, but the insurance company is not likely to call you on it unless you tell them you married just for the benefits. Let's face it, that's what marriage is all about. You exchange your freedom for benefits.
Why do you think there is such a stink about Gay marriage. Many religious people object on principle, but for politicians and big businesses, it's not so much the actual act of marriage as much as it is the potential money that would be paid out in spousal benefits for social security, medical etc.
Be careful though, some medical policies won't cover preexisting conditions or they may have limited enrollment in their medical plans allowing a new spouse to be added to medical coverage only during certain months of the year.
2006-06-21 17:29:44 · answer #2 · answered by C R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are we talking a same-sex marriage? Unfortunately, same-sex marriages are not legal all over the United States. As for male-female marriage, the law doesn't care why two people get married EXCEPT in the case of marrying only to gain U.S. citizenship.
2006-06-21 17:19:27 · answer #3 · answered by bitten1shy2 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's legal yes. Ethical, I wouldn't think so. In your friend's case the insurance company may not cover her cancer since it was a pre-existing condition prior to the marriage.
2006-06-21 17:10:20 · answer #4 · answered by lynda_is 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend did it. Depends on the state, but in Michigan the only promise you make to the goverment when you marry is that "you'll live together as husband and wife". Doesn't say anything about any other perks.
2006-06-23 12:59:01 · answer #5 · answered by Rosemary A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They couldn't prove it, they're not going to ask why you got married, they couldn't care less. You could just go to your courthouse and have it done, but be careful...I mean, unless you really trust your friend that she wouldn't use the marriage against you and take you for all you have or something awful.
2006-06-21 17:09:22 · answer #6 · answered by sgrjackson1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw that on "Desperate Housewives". You could probably
get away with it, but, now that's in print, there's a good chance
the insurance companies will come to your house to check.
They are ruthless.
2006-06-21 17:10:20 · answer #7 · answered by Calee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's considered insurance fraud. They covered that subject on Desperate Housewives a couple months ago.
2006-06-21 17:09:48 · answer #8 · answered by Terisu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's illegal . . . but shouldn't people be marrying because they love one another? I think that is taking marriage out of what it's really supposed to be for and I wouldn't do that if it's illegal or legal.
2006-06-21 17:09:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It might not be illegal, but if it's a pre-existing condition, which it sounds like it is, most insurance companies will not pay.
2006-06-21 17:08:43 · answer #10 · answered by rockinout 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋