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Q: |
How many employees must you have to be considered
a group? |
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A: |
There must be at least two eligible employees
and both covered. |
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Q: |
Does the employer have to pay for any of the
coverage? |
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A: |
Yes, at least 25% of the employee only
cost. |
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Q: |
How much of the total cost does the employer
normally pay? |
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A: |
The employer normally pays the employee cost
with the employee paying for their dependent cost. |
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Q: |
Does everyone in a group plan have to have the
same benefits? |
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A: |
No, plans can be designed with what is known as
"core" benefits with the option to buy up if you want more. The benefits that
exceed those in the "core" are usually paid for by the employee.
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Q: |
Should I be concerned about Pre-Existing
Conditions when shopping for benefits? |
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A: |
Yes, for several reasons, two of the most
important being related to the rates that can be charged for the coverage, and
to whom the Pre-Existing Conditions limitation can be applied. |
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Q: |
Do I have to offer Maternity to my employees even
though all of them are males? |
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A: |
The age/sex of the group is not as important as
the employee count. Federal law requires that Maternity must be covered as Any
Other Illness (AAOI) if you have at least 15 employees in your employment, even
though all may not be covered. |
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Q: |
Can I pick and choose whom I want to cover in a
benefit plan? |
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A: |
Yes, you may if you want to pay a hefty fine to
the Department of Labor for discrimination. Actually, the benefits must be
offered in an even- handed manner to all eligible employees. |
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