Associate Membership
Apply for up to $1.5 million in coverage on your own WAEPA policy.
With WAEPA, spouses of current and former Feds have two options for coverage: dependent coverage or an Associate Membership. Becoming an Associate Member is a smart option for you and your spouse if you’re seeking higher coverage amounts and more benefits than dependent coverage.
Benefits of an Associate Membership
Is Associate Member Coverage Right for You?
An Associate Membership may be beneficial if you and your spouse don’t have children as dependents on your policy or if you’re younger than your spouse. In many scenarios, an Associate Member coverage can best support your needs. See if it’s right for you.
Scenario 1: Wendy is married to a Civilian Federal Employee who’s a WAEPA Member. Wendy and her spouse don’t have children, and Wendy is younger than her spouse. Wendy is eligible to join WAEPA as an Associate Member and get coverage based on her age rate. As such, Wendy’s coverage as an Associate Member costs less than her coverage as a dependent on her spouse’s plan, since dependent coverage would be billed at her spouse’s age.
Scenario 2: Kari is married to a former Civilian Federal Employee who’s a WAEPA Member. Kari and her spouse don’t have children, but Kari is older than her spouse. As such, it would cost her more if she were covered on her own policy as an Associate Member. However, she still may choose to apply for an Associate Membership for up to $1.5 million, since dependent spouse coverage is limited to 50% of a WAEPA Member’s coverage amount.
Scenario 3: Rick is married to a Civilian Federal Employee who’s a WAEPA Member. Rick and his spouse have children. Since his spouse’s dependent coverage is under a group rate, and they pay the same amount to cover their dependent children and Rick, it wouldn’t cost less for Rick to become an Associate Member.
Questions? Call us at (800) 368-3484, Mon-Thu 8:30am-6:30pm, Fri 8:30am-5pm ET.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate Membership
Why apply for an Associate Membership?
As an Associate Member your spouse can apply for up to $1.5 million in Group Term Life benefits, and up to $6,500 in Short-Term Disability benefits which provides more coverage than dependent coverage.
How much are my dependents covered?
Spouses can receive $10,000 to $500,000 of coverage and children can receive $1,000 to $25,000 of coverage.
What happens to my existing dependent coverage?
A person cannot be insured under more than one policy with WAEPA at any given time. If you convert your coverage to an Associate Member policy, you’ll no longer be insured as a dependent under your spouse’s policy. WAEPA will ensure that there’s no gap in your coverage during that transition.
Can I be denied coverage?
If you apply for more than you’re currently insured for as a dependent, it’s possible that your application for a separate policy could be denied during the underwriting process. If that’s the case, you’ll remain insured under the dependent coverage on your spouse’s policy.
What happens to the dependent coverage if we also have children?
If the dependent coverage you’re currently insured under also insures your children, the children will remain insured as dependents on the existing policy in the event that you begin separate coverage. However, since dependent coverage is priced at a group rate, it may not be as beneficial for you to become an Associate Member. We recommend comparing your current premiums to our rate chart to make sure this move benefits your family.
Can I change my mind after I submit the application?
Until your new policy goes into effect, you’ll remain insured as a dependent, so nothing about your existing coverage will change. If at any time during the process you decide to cancel the application, you may contact our Member Services team, and your coverage as a dependent won’t be impacted.
Simple Enrollment
Apply for Coverage
If you are ready to apply for an Associate Membership, you’ll be asked a few questions about your qualifications as a member. make sure you have important information available before you start: beneficiaries, Social Security Number, medical history, and payment info. View this helpful snapshot of how to complete the required information.
After Applying
Applicants under 50 years old, who are applying for up to $1 million, may qualify for Quick Decision and receive a decision in minutes. The standard application process can take 4-6 weeks.
Decision
Applicants who qualify for Quick Decision, may receive an answer at the end of the application process. Applicants going through the standard process will be notified by email if approved or by mail if not approved.
Calculate Your Spouse Coverage
Complete each field to receive your total Associate Member coverage plus rates based on your ideal payment frequency. Call our Member Services team at (800) 368-3484 to talk through your personalized options.
*Premium refunds are not guaranteed.
WP-AM-0923
