Health coverage has been an annual headache for our family. In years when I haven’t been eligible for a law firm’s coverage, I’ve maintained individual policies primarily through the Texas state bar association. I appreciate that those plans allow me to have group coverage. However, even those have become more and more expensive for less benefits. I hope that someday there will be more affordable options for individuals! Meanwhile, here is information you may find helpful in your own health insurance journey as a FlexWorker…
Bargaining chip
Health insurance can be a good negotiation piece. For example, a law firm may be more open to your flexible work proposal if you already have coverage through your spouse’s policy and do not need to be covered under the firm’s policy. Additionally, even if health insurance is not part of your initial employment package, you could request coverage later as a raise. If you don’t qualify for health coverage under the firm’s policy, you could request a monetary raise in the amount that the firm would expect to pay for your coverage. Alternatively, you could request a proportionate amount based on how your hours compare to an employee who does qualify for coverage. For example, if you work 25 hours and a regular employee works 50 hours, you might consider requesting a raise equal to half the health insurance premium.
Qualifying for firm coverage
Be sure to find out your firm’s underwriting requirements so you don’t get caught off-guard regarding eligibility. One factor that may affect whether you qualify for firm health coverage is the number of hours you work. I once worked for a law firm where the minimum required for coverage was 30 hours. I did not work 30 billable hours a week, but when my non-billable hours were included, I qualified. Therefore, take into consideration the number of non-billable hours when discussing with a firm whether you qualify for their benefits.
Shopping for coverage
Whether you are an employee or independent contractor, you may need to purchase your own health insurance coverage. When you’re shopping, don’t forget to check into coverage through bar associations.
The American Bar Association now offers individual medical coverage through the ABA Member Health Exchange. https://www.abainsurance.com/health-insurance/individual-medical/
The Texas Bar Private Insurance Exchange offers individual and family health insurance. I’ve had policies through this program, and it allowed me to have group coverage as an individual. The program has great customer service when you’re shopping for plans. https://texasbar.memberbenefits.com/
Members of the ABA and Texas Bar also have access to other types of insurance, such as dental, vision, life, disability and travel insurance. https://www.abainsurance.com/personal-coverage/ https://texasbar.memberbenefits.com/
Over the years, I have primarily maintained group coverage through the Texas bar association for my kids and myself. My husband is also a lawyer, but his firm is small, so their coverage was cost-prohibitive for many years, even when we considered his policy just for the kids.
For a couple years, I used a short-term health insurance policy in an attempt to save on premiums, but I found the coverage to be too limiting. This year, for the first time ever, my husband’s premium was competitive, so the kids and I are on his policy now. So far, so good!
How does your coverage work when you flex?
If you have experience with health insurance that would benefit others seeking flexible work arrangements, I hope you’ll share!
FlexWork for Attorney Moms 