Is it fair for our company to limit insurance options?

Seeking Advice
1

Hi everyone,

My partner and I both work at a small company. We just had our open enrollment, and I was hoping we could each pick separate health plans because it would be cheaper if he had his own plan, while I covered myself and our child. When I asked HR about this, they said it wasn’t allowed and that ‘everyone would take advantage if they allowed it.’ Most of the folks working here are family, so I feel like I should be able to have the same choices as everyone else. Do you think this is something worth bringing up or fighting for? Thanks in advance for any advice!

2

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3

You should ask to see the actual policy contracts. I had a similar issue recently with a father and son at the same company, and it came down to the carrier’s policy. For example, the life and critical illness plans often required each employee to have their own policy, while vision or dental coverage sometimes left it up to the employer. It all depends on the carrier’s rules.

4

@Lex
It’s different when it’s a child working at the same place versus spouses, though.

5

Joey said:
@Lex
It’s different when it’s a child working at the same place versus spouses, though.

Totally agree, but that’s why I suggest checking the carrier’s policy language. If the carrier allows it and there’s nothing specific in the company handbook against it, it might be worth bringing it up with HR. Companies can set rules, but they need to publish them clearly.

6

We’re in Maryland, if that makes any difference.

7

With small group insurance, premiums often depend on the age of each member. Employers can set their own rules as long as they follow the carrier’s guidelines and don’t discriminate. You should get the same employer contribution as anyone else in your class. Sometimes, companies have a standard contribution they give for each employee and then a different one for dependents. This way, it’s fair for everyone, regardless of dependents or not.

8

If you and your spouse are in the same benefit class and choose the same plan, your company should be giving you the same contribution as any other employee in that class. We see this often as brokers, especially when calculating payroll deductions for couples working at the same company.