Waive benefits for an increase in base pay?

MikeyJ, RN · Jun 21, 2008

Absolutely not. What if you have an accident or need emergency surgery? You would be financially screwed.

And only $6 more per hour? The hospital I am at pays nurses $24/hour for full-time employees and that includes amazing benefits -- if you choose to forego benefits/health insurance/etc., you get $43/hour.

MisterSimba, BSN · Jun 21, 2008

I think health insurance is essential for everyone! Would you get health insurance on your own if you discontinued health insurance through your work? I have a PPO and the co-pays are still expensive, so I can't imagine having no insurance and having to pay everything out of pocket! Even young, single, healthy people need health insurance!!!

caliotter3 · Jun 21, 2008

At my first nursing job I waived my benefits because I didn't need them at the time. I only got a 10% increase in my pay. I think it was a whopping $1.13. I wouldn't recommend it if you have no other source for your insurance. Having been extremely sick without health insurance, I can speak from experience. You don't want to be without health insurance if you can help it. You never know when you might get very, very sick or have an untimely accident.

rph3664 · Jun 21, 2008

I think health insurance is essential for everyone! Would you get health insurance on your own if you discontinued health insurance through your work? I have a PPO and the co-pays are still expensive, so I can't imagine having no insurance and having to pay everything out of pocket! Even young, single, healthy people need health insurance!!!

Plus, group health insurance CANNOT be cancelled or revoked. Individually purchased policies can be. And if you think your employer's coverage is expensive and has restrictions, try going it on your own.

If you still have health insurance through a parent or spouse, this might be a feasible option, but otherwise, NO. Foregoing dental and vision might be okay if you are single, but not if you have children and especially school-age children.

Life insurance is probably quite inexpensive through your employer. Mine is 22 cents a pay period for $100,000 in coverage. That's something you're supposed to rent anyway, not buy.

dekatn · Jun 21, 2008

no way!

MS. ICANDOIT · Jun 21, 2008

I interviewed for a position with the same program...I would also be giving up paid vacation and said no. This is a good option for those working PRN with another position in another facility.....

username2008 · Jun 21, 2008

sorry, let me clarify. i do realize that medical insurance is a necessity and i currently purchase my own insurance with Blue Cross for $800/year. it is not comprehensive and only includes hospitalization (in-patient only, i believe. i've never had to use it and that's why i'm not even sure what my exact coverage is). if i waive my benefits at work, of course i'll plan to buy my own coverage outside the hospital's. i dont know how much the rest of you spend on insurance or what type, but isn't thousands of dollars a year a little excessive? and because i'm single, i dont have to worry about coverage for a spouse and kids. my idea was to just waive them, take the extra money now, quit after 2 years, then work for a place like Kaiser where i get the best coverage for myself and my family (i am single now but may be married in 5 years, who knows?). good or bad idea?

RFWB · Jun 21, 2008

Just some advice in terms of what you pay for in health insurance and what you get - you stated that "thousands of dollars seems excessive" - I was an independent contractor for years before going to nursing school. I'm young (relatively - 29!) and was in pretty decent health before I took out my insurance policy. I tried to save money, didn't read all the fine-print, developed some more chronic health issues, and now am stuck with slightly less than average coverage. I quibbled over spending an extra $30 a month, opted for the lesser plan, and now am stuck with it and have a slew of "pre-existing conditions" should I choose to try to switch companies. That $30 a month (Which really meant eating out once LESS every week or so) on the more expensive policy is quickly overshot by my expensive co-pay and crappy prescription coverage that I thought I would never need but now find myself dependent on.

Moral: skimp and cut corners on ANYTHING BUT health insurance. :)

Good luck.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2008

how many of you would rather waive your PTO, Temporary Disability Pay, and health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, and life) for an approximate $5 (maybe $6) increase in your base pay? i have the option of doing so. i am single, have 20/15 vision, don't really need dental nor vision benefits, and don't really care for life insurance. i also don't plan on staying at this hospital for more than 2, maybe 3 years tops. would you waive these benefits if you were me? thank you for your time, feedback, and response.

Unless you have a cash way to pay for an emergency or have a catastrophic accident, I would take the insurance.. just my opinion. I would ask for a higher amount to waive, though, if you're considering taking the job w/o benefits. I am limited PT in my job in the ER and I found out about 6 months after I started that I don't even get paid time off. All I get are the hours guaranteed. It's not enough money, truthfully. They should pay out a little more for those employees that don't use their plans or participate - $5-6 more an hour is silly, now if it was $10/hour more... maybe!

tencat · Jun 21, 2008

Not such a good plan. You really need the health insurance, and it's also really a good idea to put away money for retirement. The younger you start, the better off you'll be. And definitely not a good idea to forego paid time off. What happens when you are ill and can't work? What if you need a break?

RhodyGirl, RN · Jun 21, 2008

Ahhh! Take the health insurance!!!!!! Getting sick or needing surgery with no coverage is NO FUN (trust me)!!!!