Spousal Surcharge Explained

This video explains what a spousal surcharge is and why you might have to pay it.

  • A spousal surcharge is a fee applied to an employee’s health plan when their spouse, who has access to their own job’s health insurance, opts instead to join the employee’s plan.
  • This surcharge is implemented because companies prefer the financial responsibility for healthcare costs to fall on the employer of the spouse who has available coverage.
  • Health insurance programs are costly for companies, with expenses significantly influenced by the health conditions of those covered under their plans.
  • The surcharge helps offset the additional costs incurred when an employee’s spouse, who could be covered elsewhere, is added to the company’s plan.

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