Opting out of health insurance

[dan76eb]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA


My wife is a teacher in a district that just merged with 3 others into a larger one this year. For the past 8 years she has always been covered under my medical, dental, and vision since it has always been cheaper. Since she never took the health benefits from her district they would pay her an extra $100 a month.

With this new district merger it sounds like she will be forced to take medical benefits at a cost of over $450 per month even though she is covered under mine. Is it legal to force benefits on someone and make them pay when they are already getting coverage somewhere else?

 

[cbg]

I would think that would depend on her contract.

 

[dan76eb]

Well there is no contract as of yet as the district is still working it out. Sounds like they hope to have it out for a vote sometime in the fall.

 

[Beth3]

Then, yes, it's legal, assuming the group health plan document requires mandatory participation by every eligible employee.