Health insurance through work when married

[Reel]

If two people both have jobs that provide health insurance for them and then they get married, is it best to consolidate to the better coverage policy? Do companies typically give you money back if you opt out of their insurance coverage?

Edit: not getting married, just curious now that I am starting work and learning about benefits and stuff

 

[spidey07]

generally its better to use the "better" policy than pay separate.

I've never heard of a company giving any money back, but you can just decline health insurance and won't be charged for it.

 

[toekramp]

you'll have a primary and secondary insurance, and ideally anything that the primary insurance does not completely cover, the secondary insurance will pick up the tab

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: spidey07
generally its better to use the "better" policy than pay separate.

I've never heard of a company giving any money back, but you can just decline health insurance and won't be charged for it.

My company pays people $20/month not to opt for insurance, but you must have proof of other coverage.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: spidey07
generally its better to use the "better" policy than pay separate.

I've never heard of a company giving any money back, but you can just decline health insurance and won't be charged for it.

My company pays people $20/month not to opt for insurance, but you must have proof of other coverage.

interesting. Learn something new everyday.

I've always had/paid insurance and just thought if you opt out you wouldn't be charged.

 

[SilverTorch]

You really have to see where you get better benefits and how the prices compare.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: spidey07
generally its better to use the "better" policy than pay separate.

I've never heard of a company giving any money back, but you can just decline health insurance and won't be charged for it.

My company pays people $20/month not to opt for insurance, but you must have proof of other coverage.

Only $20??

 

[DCFife]

My wife's company pays you an extra $1k/yr if you opt out of medical coverage.

 

[SilentZero]

Originally posted by: spidey07
generally its better to use the "better" policy than pay separate.

I've never heard of a company giving any money back, but you can just decline health insurance and won't be charged for it.

WINNAR!

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: SilentZero

Originally posted by: spidey07
generally its better to use the "better" policy than pay separate.

I've never heard of a company giving any money back, but you can just decline health insurance and won't be charged for it.

WINNAR!

Some companies will provide you a bonus/credit (as others have stated above).

Their costs are less. They are getting the opportunity for you to still stay healthy without it costing them anything.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: spidey07
generally its better to use the "better" policy than pay separate.

I've never heard of a company giving any money back, but you can just decline health insurance and won't be charged for it.

My company pays people $20/month not to opt for insurance, but you must have proof of other coverage.

Wow, 20 isn't much. My wife get's 250 a month for getting insurance through my work rather than hers.

 

[The Stigenator]

my parents have two different insurance companies.. and my dad's on my mom's insurance (kaiser) vs his bluecross. But both their names are on eachothers insurance. That way both sides are coverd. But they use the kaiser one more than the bluecross.

edit: when dad just had his double bypass open heart surgury.. kaiser paid for it.. bluecross wasnt even in the picture.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

My company gives us an allotment to use towards purchase of insurance, $11,200 per yr for family and like $8,000 for single. Any of the allotment that is not used is added to your pay, but in order to decline coverage you have to have proof of other insurance

 

[mugs]

Depends entirely on the situation, what percentage each company covers for the employee and the spouse, how much better the coverage is, and whether or not the company with the worse coverage will compensate you for opting out.