Working Spouse Contribution

Open Enrollment 2026-2027 Is Closed

Two Busy Professionals Look at Tablet Effective July 1, 2026, a working spouse contribution of $100 per month ($23.08 weekly for 52 paychecks) may apply if your spouse has access to group medical coverage through an outside employer but enrolls in one of Penn’s medical plans. The working spouse contribution will be deducted on a pre-tax basis (post-tax for NRSA postdocs).  

The working spouse contribution applies to:

  • A spouse/domestic partner eligible for medical coverage through their employer but is covered on one of Penn’s medical plans.
  • A spouse/domestic partner eligible and enrolled in medical coverage through their employer and covered on one of Penn’s medical plans.
  • A spouse/domestic partner eligible for Pre-65 retiree medical coverage through their former employer but is covered on one of Penn’s medical plans.

The working spouse contribution DOES NOT apply to:

  • Medicare, Tricare, Medicaid.
  • Married couples who are both employed at Penn.
  • A spouse/domestic partner who is only eligible for Penn’s retiree medical benefits.
  • A spouse/domestic partner who is not employed.
  • A spouse/domestic partner who is self-employed.
  • A spouse/domestic partner who is employed but not eligible for medical coverage through their employer.
  • A spouse/domestic partner who works for an employer that does not offer medical coverage.

How to Select or Waive the Contribution

During Open Enrollment, faculty, staff, postdocs, and NRSA Fellows who have a spouse enrolled in one of Penn’s medical plans or who add a spouse to one of Penn’s medical plans will be required to log into Workday and select or waive the Working Spouse Contribution. By waiving the contribution, you are attesting that your spouse/domestic partner does not have access to other coverage through their employer. 

Even if you do not make changes to your benefits coverage, you must complete the process in Workday if you are covering your spouse/domestic partner on one of Penn’s medical plans. If you do not take any action, you will be defaulted to the $100 monthly contribution. 

For more information, please review the Working Spouse Contribution Frequently Asked Questions.