How do most married, dual-income couples deal with health insurance? Should I drop mine and go on his plan? I am recently married. My husband and I are both healthy and have private sector jobs that are reasonably secure. I work for a small (less than 20 employees) company that has so-so health insurance. Husband works for a larger (500 employee) company that has awesome health insurance. Adding me to his health plan would cost about the same as what I pay for my health plan now. I'm planning on joining his health plan, but open enrollment time is coming up at my job, and I'm wondering if I should keep my insurance or drop it. I can afford the premium, but I don't want to be wasting money where I don't need to. Is it good to be double-insured just in case he loses his job? We have no kids, but are planning on them in the next few years.
posted by emily37
on May 17, 2013 -
17 answers
I find this
comparison really confusing. I'm starting the job in August.
I'm an early 30s married woman who would like to become pregnant in the next year. The contract only lasts through the end of 2014. I do want to continue on working there, but I have no idea if additional grant money will become available at that time. Which plan would you choose? Or, failing that, which are the important factors to consider?
posted by anonymous
on May 8, 2013 -
4 answers
Fresh architecture grad getting into the job market. Want to know if you can help break down these job benefits so I can better wrap my head around them and tips you might have for negotiation.
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posted by bluelight
on Apr 25, 2013 -
7 answers
I am looking at transferring from a corporate job to working for a state university in Iowa. Help me get the best deal.
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 15, 2013 -
8 answers
We're about to hire our first few full time folks, and I want to offer them insurance and potentially retirement. Finding a reliable broker (in NYC) seems daunting, so I'm hoping for some advice!
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posted by malphigian
on Apr 1, 2013 -
9 answers
If my medical provider submits a claim for treatment that was received while I was insured, but the claim is submitted after my insurance expires, will insurance still pay? (Asking in the US.)
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posted by scarylarry
on Mar 13, 2013 -
8 answers
My small company is very likely about to be acquired by a larger corporation. I've been invited to submit any questions I might have regarding the outcome - what should I ask?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 13, 2013 -
15 answers
YANMA. I am working full-time and taking part-time classes at the same University where I work. They provide a full tuition waiver and just require me to pay taxes on the amount over $5250, as required by the IRS. These taxes are taken out of my paycheck over 4 months. Can I claim this amount somehow when I file my taxes?
posted by sunshine37
on Jan 26, 2013 -
9 answers
I am about to graduate from Harvard Architecture School (GSD) with an M.Arch. and am trying to think about what to do in terms of next career steps. I've worked in architectural offices over the summers (some prominent ones) and not been too thrilled with the work and am now trying to decide what to do about my career. A factor in my decision is earning potential and salary.
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posted by cmp4Meta
on Dec 29, 2012 -
14 answers
How much of the budget for the average American college or university is allocated to salaries & benefits?
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posted by chara
on Oct 22, 2012 -
6 answers
While researching healthcare, I came across a firm that works sort of like a back office for independent contractors. You set your rates, clients, but for a fee the billing goes through them, they take out taxes, offer benefits, etc. I can't find the link or recall their name. Help?
posted by Jase
on Aug 27, 2012 -
8 answers
I know how to negotiate on salary. Tell be about negotiating on benefits. What have you asked for and received that really sweetened a job offer for you?
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posted by embrangled
on Aug 16, 2012 -
7 answers
Woman navigating career and family planning - stay comfortable in a good job or take the risk in a startup? Apologies, a bit long and ranty inside:
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 4, 2012 -
14 answers
My 401(k) has changed - any financial gurus able to explain how I am going to be affected?
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posted by erstwhile
on Jun 15, 2012 -
9 answers
I've achieved the absolutely perfect FWB situation. Absolutely perfect aside from the fact that I can't stand him.
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posted by ad4pt
on Jun 4, 2012 -
32 answers
FMLA-Filter: What counts as officially "returned" to work after the 12 week FMLA for maternity leave?
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posted by amazingstill
on Apr 30, 2012 -
9 answers
We have a close friend who needs a job solely for the benefits. The catch: he has been out of the work force for five years and isn't particularly social or skilled. Any thoughts?
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posted by Madamina
on Mar 20, 2012 -
13 answers
I'm expecting a formal job offer soon, but the salary is well below market. What "soft" benefits should I ask for instead?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 23, 2012 -
10 answers
Can my employer force me to pay back tuition reimbursement if I leave before the required time is up?
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posted by p. kitty
on Feb 9, 2012 -
18 answers
Should health benefits and who will pay those health benefits be included in an employment contract?
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posted by Diplodocus
on Dec 13, 2011 -
8 answers
I have questions about the amount of training a professional should get, and how the training and the time spent on training is compensated.
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posted by garlic
on Nov 7, 2011 -
10 answers
Here is one requiring some detailed knowledge of social security benefits. How many ex-spouses can I make eligible for spousal benefits?
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posted by megatherium
on Nov 5, 2011 -
4 answers
Lost my job (boo!). Got WIC checks for my small children (thanks, America!). Got a new job starting shortly (yay!) What happens with the rest of the WIC checks?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 23, 2011 -
11 answers
I'm in the open enrollment period (also newly married) and am considering switching health insurance -- for the first time ever. I understand the fill-out-the-forms part, but I can't wrap my head around what that means logistically. What's the process? What should I look out for?
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posted by Madamina
on Oct 20, 2011 -
6 answers
I can insure my spouse through my employer. My spouse can insure me through his employer. Right now we are just going with the better of the two plans. Is there any reason we would want to sign up for both?
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posted by thinkingwoman
on Sep 16, 2011 -
18 answers
I was recently offered an entry-level job at small marketing firm. What is the going rate for salary and benefits?
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posted by Jade_bug
on May 14, 2011 -
9 answers
Our small business (2 principals) is looking to grow by bringing on our first employees and we need to get a benefits package together and we're looking for advice. Looking for recommendations for benefits providers for small businesses. Would like a one stop shop (broker?) if that makes sense. But any advice on hiring your first salaried employee appreciated.
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posted by bitdamaged
on May 4, 2011 -
6 answers
What DC and Metro area companies offer the best education benefits for the software engineer/physicist?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 2, 2011 -
4 answers
Asking for a friend: can you still get food stamps if you work under the table? Her bf no longer qualifies, but she still needs them.
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posted by Betty_effn_White
on Feb 9, 2011 -
25 answers
Please help us contact social services in the Netherlands! We are in the UK.
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posted by tanc
on Nov 30, 2010 -
7 answers
Are flexible spending plans a racket? Where I work we have a benefit called a "select benefit account" which seems to be called a "flexible spending plan" other places. We can add pre-tax money to an account which can be used for medical expenses. If the money isn't used in the year, then "you lose it". The tax benefits of this plan are obvious. What isn't so obvious is where that money is going when it is lost. Who is making money off this?
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posted by bdc34
on Nov 10, 2010 -
25 answers
I'm a 23 y/o male, living back and forth in PA and NJ. I'm looking to buy my own health insurance of some persuasion, and I need lots of advice. I have no known health issues, and I've been slightly underemployed as of late. Thanks!
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posted by null14
on Oct 17, 2010 -
6 answers
Two-parter: Can an employer arbitrarily cut off your medical benefits at the time you give them notice, even if you are still working full time for the duration of the customary two weeks following your resignation notice? Also, a question about unemployment eligibility after the jump...
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posted by petitemom
on Sep 10, 2010 -
16 answers
So, I need advice with my life. Just as I'm starting to get comfortable with the idea of going to see a psychiatrist, it looks like I may be able to get a new job that is awesome on all fronts except no benefits.
Inside: My problems. Are they worth seeing a psychiatrist for or will they pass? Is there some other non-therapy way to get through this stuff?
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posted by The Captain and Ten Eels
on Sep 1, 2010 -
11 answers
Can I resume unemployment benefits after temporary work ends in Washington state? What is the process?
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posted by lattiboy
on Aug 30, 2010 -
2 answers
Which benefits of
AARP membership have you found useful, or heard of being so?
posted by telstar
on Aug 12, 2010 -
7 answers
Friends with Benefits filter (NSFW). Single straight woman, mid 40's. Despite putting in a reasonable effort, I haven't met anybody that I would like to pursue a relationship with. But I do have an attractive buddy who I'm certain would be up for a FWB thing. We dated 20 years ago, no interest in going that route.
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 10, 2010 -
13 answers
How to tell a friends with benefits that you dont want the benefits for now but perhaps may want them later?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 15, 2010 -
10 answers
