If you or a family member can enroll in more than one medical plan, compare the cost and value carefully before choosing both. Two plans can mean additional payroll deductions, more claim coordination, and little or no added financial benefit.
KEY POINT
Double coverage does not mean every expense will be paid in full. The plans decide which plan pays first, and the second plan applies its own network, deductible, copayment, coinsurance, and coverage rules.
When two Salem Health employees cover one another
This may apply to spouses, domestic partners, or a parent and eligible adult child who both work for Salem Health. Common options are:
- Each employee enrolls separately in their own Salem Health plan.
- One employee covers both people on one Salem Health plan.
- Each employee enrolls separately and at least one of the employees also covers the other person, creating double coverage.
The double-coverage option generally has the highest combined payroll cost. Under the Salem Health arrangement, double coverage does not waive deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, and employees generally pay more in premiums than they gain through additional HSA funding.
Quick comparison
| Coverage approach | How it works | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Each employee enrolls separately | Each employee’s own plan is primary. | Often the simplest option when both employees are eligible. |
| One employee covers both people | A single Salem Health plan processes claims. | Compare the dependent-tier cost with two employee-only elections. |
| Both enroll and cover one another | Each person has primary and secondary coverage. | Usually the highest cost; Salem Health cost sharing is not waived. |
| Adult child enrolls and stays on a parent’s plan | The adult child’s employee plan generally pays first. | Check whether the parent’s premium changes and whether secondary coverage adds value. |
Coverage through two employers
If you or a dependent can enroll in both a Salem Health plan and another employer’s plan, find out which plan will be primary before enrolling in both. The plan covering a person as an employee generally pays before a plan covering that person as a dependent. For a child covered by both parents, the plans commonly use the birthday rule to determine which plan pays first.
Before choosing both plans, ask:
- What is the total annual premium for both plans?
- Are the person’s providers in network under the primary plan?
- Will both plans require separate prior authorizations or claim submissions?
- Could the other coverage affect HSA eligibility?
- Is the likely additional benefit worth the added cost and administration?
Regence or other Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage
Salem Health is not in network with Regence. If a spouse, domestic partner, or dependent has Regence or another Blue Cross Blue Shield plan and wants nonemergency care from Salem Health providers, review the network rules before Open Enrollment.
- Adding Salem Health Moda coverage as a second plan does not automatically make Moda primary.
- A primary Regence plan may treat Salem Health services as out of network.
- Moda secondary coverage may not pay all remaining charges or override Regence network rules.
IF SALEM HEALTH PROVIDER ACCESS IS IMPORTANT
The dependent may need to end the other employer coverage and enroll in the Salem Health Moda plan during the applicable Open Enrollment period. Confirm the other employer’s rules, deadlines, and effective dates before ending coverage. A Salem Health election does not automatically terminate another employer’s plan.
Prime High Deductible Plan and HSA
Other medical coverage can affect whether you are eligible to make or receive HSA contributions. Before combining the Prime Plan with another medical plan, confirm that the other coverage is HSA compatible and make sure contributions from all sources will not exceed the annual IRS limit.
IMPORTANT
If you have other medical coverage and are unsure about HSA eligibility, contact the Salem Health Benefits team before enrolling or making HSA contributions.