Can I change my health insurance coverage through my employee?
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Can I change my health insurance coverage through my employee?
My company has an open enrollment for
benefits once a year. This last year I
bumped up the coverage and noticed my
paycheck is significantly lower. Low
enough to be evicted and be in debt.
When I contacted Benefits they informed
me no changes can be made until open
enrollment returns unless a ‘Life
Event’ divorce, death, birth,
adoption…. Since financial hardship
is not in the criteria, is there any
legal action I could take to fix the
problem?
Asked on April 30, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
No, there isn't any action you take, unfortunately: as you correctly note, finanical hardship is not a valid reason to change your plan or contribution. Insurance may only be changed for the defined life event reasons; otherwise, it is a contract, and you are obligated to its terms.
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