If an employee switches from FT to PT, is an employer allowed to take away benefits, such as health coverage?

Answer 1

Sure. Certain laws may no longer apply, or the company may have different policies for FT people versus PT people.

Answer 2

Regretably the answer is yes, though it most likely isn't the Employers decision as it is something contractual between the Employer and the Health Insurance company. Most groupd health plans require that for an employee to be eligible to receive the benefits they must work a certain number of hours, usually 32.5 per week (sometimes the requirement can be higher plus include a length of employment at "full time" before you can become eligible).


I believe (though I could be wrong so you should ask either your company's benefits coordinator or the health ins company liason this) you may be eligible to continue the health insurance under COBRA.

Sadly if this is true you would be paying the full monthly cost plus 2% (admin fee) for up to year (might be longer but I doubt it).

The supplemental benefits (think AFLAC or Colonial Life) might be a different case.

Good luck.

P.S. - My advice: you may wish to consider an individual health plan with a high deductible for the time being, that way if something catastrophic occurs you might be screwed out of a couple grand but have coverage beyond the high deductible.

Answer 3

In Texas, there is state law that says workers have a right to self-pay the insurance premium and maintain coverage for a year after the position is terminated. I don't know if your situation falls under such a law but it seems like it would.

Answer 4

I believe that they can but am not sure about the laws they vary from state to state. I know that in Maryland an employer cannot take away certain benefits like raises, and such. Once the employee has begun to receive them.

Answer 5

Yes, it should be in their company policy what benefits are for full time employees and which ones part time employees qualify for. It should also state how many hours per week is considered full time, it isn't always 40. Health insurance is one of the most common benefits that are for full time only.

Answer 6

Most companies do not provide insurance for part-time employees, however, if you go from Full time to part time, you are entitled to COBRA as this is considered a qualifying event. You will have to pay the full premium plus 2% administration fee and will be entitled to 18 months of coverage.

Answer 7

if the company policy is only FT employees receive benefits not PT and you elect to move from FT to PT then company policy says no benefits quit legal

Answer 8

In the United States - yes. Not sure about other places.

Answer 9

Absolutely. Actually, most group health insurance plans have a minimum hours worked requirement - and as soon as your hours drop below that minimum, they are REQUIRED to take it away.

Answer 10

I would think so. If the part-time position does not usually come with benefits (and most don't), I don't know why you'd expect to get any.