Forced to sign up for medical benefits?

Question

My husband is about to start a new job and they told him he will be forced to sign up for the medical benefits, even though he is fully covered by my insurance already. We don't want to sign up because they will charge him for medical insurance he doesn't need (and mine is free, covered by my employer.) Is this legal? We live in California and the business is a small private owned business. Anyone with HR experience in California, please help! :) Thank you!

Update:

He has explained to them many times that he has complete covereage with my insurance (and we can provide proof), but they insist he has to sign up for their insurance. It just doesn't sound right to me...being forced to sign up for benefits?

Expert8675309 · Accepted Answer

They can't do that....forced purchase of anything is illegal, especially healthcare coverage.

Keyword:  Privately owned business.

What they are doing is probalby trying to qualify for a group rate and need so-many employees in order to still qualify for the discount....but that isn't your problem.

I would tell him to start looking for another job ASAP.  I would also make it CLEAR to them, that he isn't going to purchase it.

bilko_ca · Answer

I don't think they can make him sign up for theirs. He'll probably have to sign a waiver stating he is covered and denies this coverage. If they're a small business, chances are they aren't aware of the labor laws... California has a lot in place for worker's rights, and forcing someone to do something kinda goes against that....

hr4me · Answer

Have him speak to HR and ask for a waiver form. Let them know he has other coverage and does not need their insurance coverage and everything should be ok.

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Forced to sign up for medical benefits?

3 Answers