HarryTheSpider

A discussion just now with Mrs HTS brought up this question.

Currently she is not working.

If she takes on a job that comes with benefits, can she opt out of those benefits and remain solely covered through me (we get excellent benefits & don't want to compromise those)?

Surely this would be a plus for her potential employer as well as the good lady herself (no premium to pay)?

md95065

Yes, it is normally possible to decline health care coverage under a group plan provided by an employer.

Having made that election she may not be allowed to decide to join the plan at a later date in the absence of some "major life event".

sir_eccles

Or until the open enrollment period. Once a year you usually get the opportunity to change your elections.

Bluegrass Lass

Check with your benefits, HTS. When I became employed again, my husband's company said I had to take whatever benefits my company offered me (even if it sucks), or we had to pay a penalty cost. In our case, it's an extra $1000/yr for health insurance coverage. Which still worked out cheaper than what I would have paid for coverage with my employer.

Scouse Express

I opted out of my employer's alleged "Health Insurance Package" last year. I'm in still in the 401K, though.

Jim.

Rete

My coverage has always been with my husand's employer. I could go on my company's plan, not having to wait for the new enrollment period, if hubby lost his job, retired or died.

Bob

Depends on the company and the plans.

Your plan might have a stipulation that says she has to take what is on offer to her or have a larger surcharge to stay on yours, or you might not.

Bob

All those would fall under life changing events though, as would getting divorced, married or having a child.

AmerLisa

Definitely check with your benefits department. My husband's former employer would only allow me on his benefits if I worked a part time job or was unemployed.

HarryTheSpider

Thanks all.

Mrs HTS is only looking for part time work anyway.

Cheers

Harold of the clan Spider, Esq.

Nutmegger

Then it is very unlikely that she would even be offered benefits, so problem averted!

Giantaxe

I have an adult daughter on my "gold plated" health insurance. She was actually paid not to use her employer's health insurance.

hobbes79

Yes, if I chose not to take the medical insurance at my employer, I'd get an extra $150/month on my pay check. Which actually makes my insurance even more expensive than it appears... I'm effectively paying (or losing, depending on how you want to look at it) an extra $1800/year.