Husband and Wife need advice!

[gospel Rn, BSN]

Hello all, we are married and graduating in May. We have been told by many that one of us should receive the benefits while the other decline and take the pay. My question is how much more on the hour should we expect when declining benefits? Starting rate here is $21.00/hr with benefits. We are at the point that we need to start interviewing and we do not want to make a mistake.

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

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[Quickbeam, BSN, RN]

Really look at how your intended hospital works its benefit package. Do they offer Employee+1 or only Family coverage. Family coverage is usually much more than the cost of 2 separate Employee policies.

Not all facilities give you a "rebate" if you turn down benefits.

There is unbelievable variety in benefit offerings from one employer to another. Ask a lot of questions and study the full range of options. Best wishes to you both.

[lvnandmomx3]

Maybe I did not say what I mean clearly. If you are both working at the same place FT you will have a benefit package but you can decide what to pick for coverage. here is an example of a previous employer I had

emp only = FREE

emp + spouse = $22pp*

emp,spouse + children= $45pp*

PP=pay period

(the above is only an example and th same would work for vision and dental)

What I meant was that if one is working per diem for more money an hour instead of taking benefits pakage take into conseration that that person will not get 401(retirement) holiday or vacation time , so if you chose to take vacation together only one person would be getting paid for vacation.

IAs others have said put all options on paper and see what will work out best for you both.

[gospel Rn, BSN]

Thanks everyone for you information, it has been very helpful. Still, if anyone else would like to share their experience I would sure read it. Thanks so much!

Gospel

[widi96]

At the hospital I work at, individual insurance is much cheaper than 'family' which would cover you and your husband. ($15/pay period vs $75/pay period). Plus we get the PDOs and retirement plan.

I know some people have suggested one of you work PRN, which eventually may be the right thing for you, but just a heads up that most places will not hire a new grad as PRN - they want you to get the experience first. (Most hospitals have told me a year)

[gospel Rn, BSN]

At the hospital I work at, individual insurance is much cheaper than 'family' which would cover you and your husband. ($15/pay period vs $75/pay period). Plus we get the PDOs and retirement plan.

I know some people have suggested one of you work PRN, which eventually may be the right thing for you, but just a heads up that most places will not hire a new grad as PRN - they want you to get the experience first. (Most hospitals have told me a year)

Thanks Widi96, this has been very good information!

[Dolce, RN]

I get a 15% differential for working per diem (without benefits). It is the diff between $23.50 and $27.50/hour. You just have to figure out what is more advantageous for you and your spouse. You may be better off getting benefits individually. You have to remember that as a full time employee you get more than just benefits--you get paid vacation, sick time, retirement plan, 401K, etc.

[Sweet Pea 1]

My husband and I both work for the same company. He has our benefits but because we both work there I am not able to get the extra money for not taking the benefits.

[crissrn27, RN]

I met my husband at my job. We continue to maintain seperate medical insurance policies because we were told that in order for my son to be placed under his insurance, he would have to be adopted. My son has a very active father in his life and would not have accepted that, and neither would my son, so, he will remain under me until he turns 23 (college kids over 19 may continue to receive full benefits as long as they are full time students). However, under GHI, we do not pay contributions to have this insurance, we have copayments when visiting the physicians.

My children are covered under their step-dads medical and dental policies. Didn't know they could refuse to cover a step-child!

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

My children are covered under their step-dads medical and dental policies. Didn't know they could refuse to cover a step-child!

My step daughter was covered and I never had to "adopt" her. I think thats an insurance company splitting hairs and attempting to dodge responsibility. Though small employers can and will have policies written that way to cut costs.

Rj

[bill4745, RN]

Don't forget to make sure that the person without health insurance still has disability, life insurance, etc.

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

My facility has an 'opt-out' kickback if you decline the benefits, rate of pay is not affected, just a lump 'refund' if you will, youi ll just have to compare who has better coverage (if you have diff employers) , but you will have time to decide