Can my employer require me to pay for health coverage, even though I am covered by my spouse's plan?

Question

My employer auto-enrolled me in a health plan and is deducting payments from my paycheck, although I never elected any coverage. I am already covered by my spouse's plan.

Do I have any recourse to stop this coverage and recover the payments my employer has already taken from my paychecks?

Answer 1

It is probably an error. Just go to HR and explain to them that you didn't enroll and that you are covered by your spouse's plan. Most companies will apologize and fix the clerical error.

Answer 2

It's possible that your open enrollment period just passed and you were required to show proof of other coverage to off-set the auto enrollment. Take your proof of enrollment to your HR dept. and have the coverage terminated. It is your employer's perogative to refund past premiums. I would be suprized if they would do this.

Answer 3

A lot of places will automatically enroll you unless you opt out. Are you sure you didn't miss a memo or something?

Answer 4

He can't do that. You can stop it immediately.

You would probably win...but would it be worth it to sue him over that? How much did you pay? And you'll be at odds with your boss. Just drop the coverage...and drop the issue.