Different plans for different employees

[Guest Neil D]

I've been with my company almost 2 years, and was enrolled in a medical benefits plan on day one. I was just told the plan I'm in is no longer being offered to hourly employees, it's only being offered to salaried employees. They then offered me a plan that's not much better than no coverage at all. I know they don't have to offer a plan at all here in New York, but can they offer 2 different plans based on hourly or salary, and can they just reduce my plan like this?

[leevena]

Sorry to say, but yes. There is no legal requirement anywhere, yet, that requires a health plan be offered to employees. There are rules that prohibit discrimination in a group, for example, if you offer coverage to salaried employees, you cannot exclude someone in that "salaried group" of employees. Are you eligible for an extension under cobra?

[david rigby]

If you have specific questions, this might be helpful:

http://www.labor.ny.gov/home

[Guest Neil D]

I called NYS Labor Standards today and was told they can offer what they want to who they want. Damn I HAD good benefits!