Answering Your Questions From the Benefits Survey

Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist, continues to address some of the questions being submitted via the staff Benefits Survey.   

Qs/Comments: 

• I would like the option of opting out of insurance since my husband covers us all through his plan. 
• I would like to opt out and have the money put toward a retirement account as I am double covered and my family insurance plan is far more comprehensive in what it covers.
• I wish there was a way to opt out of single coverage and instead be given cash or additional HRA monies. My spouse has full family medical and dental insurance through their employer. 
• I would offer family for a less expensive amount. I would offer money back if a person chooses to not get insurance through Heartland. 

A: Heartland AEA’s benefits philosophy is to provide single medical plan coverage and subsidized family coverage for all full-time employees to encourage enrollment in our medical plan – we want our employees to be enrolled in our medical plan! To maintain the financial health of our medical plan and to have more stable medical plan premiums, it is important to maximize enrollment in the plan. With this in mind, Heartland AEA does not provide incentives to opt out of our medical plan.