Spousal Surcharge

Why a flat amount instead of included in the RGA employee contribution percentage?
When the company stepped back and looked at how we could change the plan. We could have just upped the costs for everyone. As example, we up the percent to 6% for everyone and no spousal surcharge. That would leave a one income family paying 6% for the coverage, just the same as a dual income family where the spouse has the option to get insurance at their own company but chooses to use Oak Harbor’s insurance.

When will the waiver be sent out to waive the surcharge?
The waiver will be online and can be completed during open enrollment.

The waiver can also be submitted any time, but the employee won’t be paid back for surcharges paid before the waiver is submitted.

Spouse does not work and is on my plan, how much do I pay?
There is no surcharge paid since the spouse doesn’t have a plan. You will only pay the additional percentage based on the plan selected.

If my spouse finds employment how does Oak Harbor track that?
We have no way of tracking that, we will rely on the honor system and employees being honest about their spouse’s employment and when a surcharge should be paid.

Can the spousal surcharge be split between the two pay periods each month?
The decision to deduct on the first pay period was because all of the Unum deductions come out on the 2nd paycheck.

Are there arrears if you are on leave?
If you are on FMLA, you are not required to pay the surcharge. If you are not on FMLA and miss a payment, arrears will calculate and will be deducted from future checks upon return to work.

What if it’s more expensive for my spouse to get insurance through their work?
The employee would still be charged $200 each month as long as their Spouse has other coverage available and they are on the OHFL plan.

If employee’s spouse is on federal medical and requires dual coverage, can it be waived?
Yes, it can be waived because the Spouse is not employed.

Surcharge comes out of 1st, and the health care % is split between the two plans?
Yes, the current way we take money out for health care stays the same, the spousal surcharge will come out of the first check because UNUM comes out on the second and that would be a big hit on paychecks for some employees to have it on both.

If my spouse works, but only part time, can I waive the surcharge?
Yes, if your spouse is not eligible for group coverage as a part time employee, you can waive the surcharge on your plan.