Stipend in Lieu of Coverage

[Guest Pippy]

A friend of mine works for a small doctor's office and has been employed there for 4 years. In lieu of health insurance coverage under their plan, employees may take a stipend. My friend became aware of the stipend recently when the office manager informed her of it after auditing the office's books. My friend never elected health insurance, never paid a premium, but does not recal ever formally decling it via written notice. Of course, she has never received the stipend, either. The office manager cannot find her election form declining coverage.

Question: Should she be entitled to back payment of the stipend?

[QDROphile]

Does the employer consider her to have health insurance coverage?

[masteff]

Question: Should she be entitled to back payment of the stipend?

A payment like this occurs outside the health plan, therefore it's governed more by HR law than it by benefits law. This is mainly a benefits forum.

Has she tried simply talking to the office manager? A simple question like "why have I never received that stipend in my 4 years here?" might be a starting place.

[Guest Pippy]

Does the employer consider her to have health insurance coverage?

No, the employer does not consider her to have health insurance.