If you decline a benefit at work, should you be compensated?

Question

Hi,
If you decline a benefit at work, should you be compensated?

My reason for asking is this: I chose to go on my wife's healthcare plan and declined my work's plan (yes, I could have kept both). In doing so, I saved my company $400 a month. I thought I should receive some or all of that amount since health benefits are part of the compensation package. My boss stated that benefits are optional: just because someone gets $2000 to take a college class for work doesn't mean everyone gets an extra $2000. He said he'd reconsider his stance if I could convince him otherwise.

Does anyone know how to argue this? Either from a legal, economic, or moral standpoint? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

I wish all companies were on a "cafeteria" benefit plan, so that employees who should be equally compensated are truly equally compensated. Benefits are a huge, hidden, portion of compensation. I really don't think it's fair that some people get more benefits than others.

Unfortunately, this is not how things work in the real world. It's more of a communist system - to each according to his needs.

You can see the real unfairness of this system when you think about a single employee, versus one with six children. The person with six children is compensated much much more, not because he is a more valuable, but for the simple reason that he chose to procreate six times. I ask you, what do your procreation choices have to do with your job???

So to be truly fair, your wife's company should charge her more to put you on her plan. (They should charge her the full cost.) You should be charged less by your company.

Answer 2

i don't really agree with it, but since i like to argue, i will help argue your point.

i would tell him that benefits are an example of the company's appreciation for their employees. you can tell him that that $400 is equivalent to a christmas bonus or a way of boosting the empoyee's morale. by saving him the $400, you should be able to use it for your family.

again, don't really agree, but i guess you could use that standpoint.

Answer 3

Tell him to to sign you up for the healthcare plan or give you $200 to split the difference.

Answer 4

It's your bargain and the employer decides. He/she does not have to give you anything because you decline a benefit, but you also don't have to keep the job.

Answer 5

Well, whether or not it should be is a good question. I have never heard of any type of reimbursement plan (as you've learned). Unfortunately, you have no leverage to apply pressure to get them to do anything.