Domestic Partner or Common Law Insurance Coverage?

What is the name of your state? VA
Today I met with an insurance agent. When I asked if my significant other, with whom I have lived for over 15 years, could be covered, she advised to "put her down as a wife, you're covered anyway by common law." "Besides which, they'll never check." I do believe, for example, that HMOs do pay for "domestic partners" in VA.

Comments?

Get a new insurance agent.

VA does not recognize common law marriage in the first place. In the second place, that "they'll never check" comment suggests that the agent is advocating fraud (for which you can be prosecuted).

Unless the policy specifically lists domestic partners as covered dependents AND your partner meets the definition of domestic partner as listed in the plan document, he or she cannot be covered. You'll need to look at the policy as it will be specified there.

It is up to both the specific HMO and the specific policy with the HMO to determine if domestic partners are covered.