Need answer on legal question re: employer sponsored health ins.

[Obamarama]

A week ago, my co-workers and I recieved a packet of information from the corporate offices deatailing the health insurance benefits being offered in 2006. Open enrollment is from last week through Nov. 4.

Previously, the health benefits offered were dismal - leftovers from the company that owned our unit through lat year. Everyone was happy to see that the benefits had increased considerably and the brochure very clearly states that associates working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for the benefits.

We were told by two managers last week that the corporate office had made an error. We were told the corporate office mistakenly sent the brochure and enrollment forms to part time employees, and that only salaried, full-time employees are eligable. I pointed out that the brochure clearly states employees with at least 20 hrs. per week are eligible and was told that was a mistake also. We were advised that we would receive follow up communications from the corporate HQ explaining the mistake. Thus far, nobody has recieved this communication.

I smell a rat. I find it hard to believe that they made a glaring, obvious error in the brochure AND then compounded it by mailing it to people who were not eligible.

I'm wondering if they are, in fact, required by law to offer it to those who received the mailing if they meet the requirements described in the brochure. I'm also wondering if they are holding back on sending out the second explanation letter until AFTER the open enrollment period closes, hoping nobody pushes the point.

Anyone have any knowledge/background on whether they are legally required to offer what was mailed to us? Thanks.

[wakeme2008]

1. Sounds like a local weany is looking after his

profit and lost statements and times he can pull this shit off.

[UDenver20]

2. That would be a profit/loss statement

not "lost"

[Obamarama]

4. That's what I'm thinking, too.

Everything I am reading says we are eligible. A lot of the part-time employees are not highly educated and I'm afraid are not aware of their legal rights and my hunch is that they are hoping nobody questions the verbal explanation as to why we can't receive these benefits.

They weren't counting on me. I WILL pursue this and find out the answer before the end of open enrollment period. Not only for my benefit, but for those of my hard-working co-workers.

[UDenver20]

3. It'll vary State by State.

Best to actually consult an HR attorney of some sort.

[VPStoltz]

5. Microsoft tried that caper a couple years ago.

My partner was a contracted worker there for a few years and got his $5K check this week from their screwup.