I work for a manufacturing company that belongs to a union. I am in the office as opposed to the mill, and office staff are not considered union members. I work as non-exempt salaried. My question is this: I am not allowed to opt out of the health insurance plan. I do not need it, and will not use it, but I have to keep paying for it…$200-some a month! Human resources says it’s part of the union contract and there’s nothing they can do. Is this legal? Can I be forced to pay for health benefits against my will?

Do you not need it because you have coverage elsewhere or do you just not want insurance at all?

I have insurance through my husband's work that is better coverage and cheaper than this. I know some employers require you to prove other coverage before you can opt out of their bennies, but HR says it doesn't matter.

I have never heard of not being permitted to opt out if you had other coverage. Are the premiums taken out pre-tax?

Yes they are.
I'm really just hoping to find out whether this is legal for them to do?
Does the union really have that kind of power?

The union may require it of its members; however it should not apply to you since you are not covered under the CBA.

I'm wondering if this may be due to some miscommunication between you and the HR rep. Under ideal circumstances, a worker enrolled in benefits cannot cancel benefits until open enrollment. Generally open enrollment happens once a year at a pre-defined time. Is it possible that the HR person meant that you could not cancel until open enrollment? And does the HR person understand that you are not a member of the union?

Is it possible that the HR person meant that you could not cancel until open enrollment?

I'm betting that this is the answer.

And since the premiums are taken out pre-tax, if this really is the answer, HR is correct; Federal law prohibits an employee from cancelling insurance except when there is a bona fide qualifying event or at open enrollment when the pre-tax factor applies.

Is it possible that the HR person meant that you could not cancel until open enrollment?

I'm betting that this is the answer.

Ditto.

If the OP signed up for the coverage initially, then later found that better coverage was available elsewhere, she would still be stuck paying the premiums until she can drop the coverage at the time of open enrollment (or disenrollment, as the case would be).

Not a great deal, but a legal one.

I just hired on a month ago, so the open enrollment issue does not apply to me. I also consulted HR on this issue and I have the opportunity to alter my benefits during open enrollment, but not cancel them altogether, regardless of any other coverage I may have. I have spoken to other employees and they say this is the way it is. I am certain I am not misunderstanding the situation.