We’re currently in our open enrollment period for insurance benefits through Steve’s work. I was going over all our benefits the other night and comparing costs of different plans (of course they’ve all changed since last year). As I was going through the benefits I noticed multiple categories of associates. They listed:
Associate
Associate + Spouse
Associate + Child(ren)
Family
Associate + Domestic Partner
Associate + Domestic Partner + Child(ren)
I have no problems offering insurance benefits to Domestic partners…whatever. What I did have a problem with was the fact that the “Family” plan was more expensive than the “Associate + Domestic Partner + Child(ren)” plan. I sat confused. Why in the world would I be paying more for insurance because I’m legally married? It’s not a huge difference- $10+ dollars a month (for our plan) but still, why in the world is there a difference? Dental is cheaper as well if you claim “Associate + Domestic Partner + Child(ren)”. I decided I would call the provider and ask…they were speechless. At first they told me that I was wrong. Another look at their system confirmed I was right and the lady I spoke with was just as confused as I was. She couldn’t come up with a good explanation…she couldn’t come up with a bad explanation. She just told me she agreed with me in that it was wrong to be charging more for a “legal family”.
Did I accomplish anything from this phone call? No. Do I hope that the lady I spoke with brings it up with someone else who recognizes it as an issue as well and hopefully through a domino effect it’s resolved? Yes. But I won’t hold my breath- I was just tired of having the minority speak louder than the majority!
Weird. Good catch, though. Even if it is just some dumb oversight, it's good that you called them on it.
I'm glad you took the time to call. Whether it gets fixed or not, at least you did your part!
That is SO ridiculous. Now I'm angry.
Leave it to Kara to call with a question like that? You can imagine they had some good conversation in there break room that day! I love that you speak your mind —
Ugh! Domestic partners — What is that "domestic"? Seriously?
I find it so interesting especially with what we are going through in CA with Prop 8. I think it's funny that they feel they are so deprived of rights when really they have all the same, and in fact have it better! It is a little upsetting!
Unbelievalble! Maybe if we all call it will make a difference!
Good for you for calling. I'm sure you were much nicer than I would have been. Maddening!!!
way to be and take a stand! seriously . .what are people trying to encourage here?! i love here how they are always refering to you as spouse or "partner" all in the same breath. like it's really equal … hello … i always have to remind them i'm the SPOUSE!! Married .. legally .. to a MAN!! 🙂
That is really ridiculous! When did they start offering insurance to domestic partners anyway? I don't ever remember seeing that as even an option when we were there.
Good for you for calling! I noticed it on the medical and just thought it was a typo because it said something else on the flier. I didn't notice the dental. What a joke. They get $20/month because they aren't married? I hope they fix it!
Wow…that is absolutely crazy! (and don't think that posting on Saturday night will excuse you from your weekly Sunday posting..I need that!!)
No kidding! That's our whole stance here in California. We are so tired of all these "groups" that are complaining that they do not receive any of the benefits that married couples do…. yeah right!!!! Anyway, you are on the ball if you have a newborn and you are paying attention to the details of your benefits. I'm not surprised. That's why we love you, you're on the ball!
Love,
Chris
LAME-O
Amen!
Kara-so good to talk to you! It makes me happy to hear your voice. 🙂 Glad you guys are doing well.
Good for you! I agree, it is time for the majority to take control not the minority.