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Part One: Getting Started
Part Two: Getting Covered
Reference Guide
Benefits, Providers, and Costs
Coverage Types
Eligibility and Enrollment
Purchasing Coverage
Laws and Rights
Other Resources
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Reference Guide
Laws and Rights
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Related Topics
Cost-Sharing

Contribution Requirements

Most insurers and health plans require employers to cover at least half of the premium cost for covered employees. This requirement is meant to encourage more employees to join the plan, and prevent what's known as "adverse selection" where only those prone to sickness are motivated to sign up, creating a much higher-risk group for the insurer. Some employers choose to pay all of the premium; others require employees to pay a portion (up to 50 percent).

On the other hand, employers have no obligation to pay for premiums for dependents. In other words, employers may contribute towards premiums for dependents, but are free to require employees to pay for the full premium cost for covered dependents.
Other documents in the Laws and Rights section:

Contribution Requirements
Guaranteed Issue and Renewal
Laws Related to Health Insurance
Participation Requirements
Regulatory Agencies in California
Rights and Rules for Small Employers
Tax Implications

 

 
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