My sister can't afford the additional $600 a year
February 15, 2012 12:17 PM Subscribe
Can an employer in British Columbia require employees to opt in to extended health coverage?
My sister was recently sent an email from head office with regards to the extended health coverage program at her place of work. Until now, employees were deducted $2 from each pay cheque to cover their participation in the extended health care/dental care program. The premiums with the insurer have increased and going forward, employees will have 50% of the premium plus the $2 deducted from each pay. This is a $50 increase per month.
The email says that it is mandatory for employees to opt in to the program; the only way to opt out is if you have duplicate coverage through a spouse/partner. My sister has been asked to sign a document agreeing to the deduction.
Is this legal? Can employees in BC be forced into participating in an extended health care plan? I've been digging around on the Ministry of Labour site, and so far haven't been able to find anything.
My sister was recently sent an email from head office with regards to the extended health coverage program at her place of work. Until now, employees were deducted $2 from each pay cheque to cover their participation in the extended health care/dental care program. The premiums with the insurer have increased and going forward, employees will have 50% of the premium plus the $2 deducted from each pay. This is a $50 increase per month.
The email says that it is mandatory for employees to opt in to the program; the only way to opt out is if you have duplicate coverage through a spouse/partner. My sister has been asked to sign a document agreeing to the deduction.
Is this legal? Can employees in BC be forced into participating in an extended health care plan? I've been digging around on the Ministry of Labour site, and so far haven't been able to find anything.
This isn't directly answering your question, but is she sure it would be wise for her to opt out? Does she expect to never incur any drug, dental or misc medical expenses? Does she never need professional help such as psychiatry, physiotherapy, or a massage?
If they are diligent with submitting claims, most people in BC will easily make back the money they pay into these plans. I certainly do. And the insurance for short/long-term disability and injury/death that comes with these plans is usually very good -- why not avail oneself of it if available?
She should be asking herself if can she afford NOT to have this plan!
posted by wutangclan at 12:57 PM on February 15, 2012
If they are diligent with submitting claims, most people in BC will easily make back the money they pay into these plans. I certainly do. And the insurance for short/long-term disability and injury/death that comes with these plans is usually very good -- why not avail oneself of it if available?
She should be asking herself if can she afford NOT to have this plan!
posted by wutangclan at 12:57 PM on February 15, 2012
If her income is low enough, she might try contacting the Law Students Legal Advice Program at UBC. They should be able to give her an answer to this question. Otherwise, yes, it's probably legal, but there's no way for anyone here to be sure, and she'll have to see a lawyer to get that answer.
posted by smorange at 1:14 PM on February 15, 2012
posted by smorange at 1:14 PM on February 15, 2012
You can get 30 minutes with a lawyer for around $25 through the Lawyer Referral service in BC. It's well worth the money and maybe she can work in another question while she's at it. It beats driving out to UBC.
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats at 10:00 PM on February 15, 2012
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats at 10:00 PM on February 15, 2012
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Its actually reasonably common in BC.
Your sister can contact the BC Employment Standards Branch for more information. She will also want to review her employment agreement carefully for any language relating to extended health benefits.
In any event, maybe she and a few other employees can chip a few bucks in towards a consultation with an employment lawyer, but I wouldn't hold much hope.
posted by neksys at 12:26 PM on February 15, 2012 [1 favorite]