Did the ACA bring back the spouse penalty?

[liberal N proud]

We are approaching the renewal period for our health insurance and a couple of things surprised me as I reviewed the changes.

One of them was that I will now be penalized, charged an additional $100/month because my wife works and could get insurance through her work. That is on top of purchasing the Family package over the Single package.

The other thing was the Cadillac charge for one of the 3 options of health care. Meaning that I will be taxed 40% of the cost if I select the "traditional" health care package vs. the one that I have to pay out of my pocket either up-front or at time of service and get reimbursed.

I thought the spouse penalty was outlawed several years ago.

[M0rpheus]

1. The Employed Spouse Contribution never went anywhere.

In my experience, It's actually gained in popularity since the ACA was passed.

[liberal N proud]

2. We had it several years ago, then it was dropped

Now they are brining it back, My guess the reason is because "everyone else is doing it"

[M0rpheus]

3. If your company's plans are self funded, there's a real $ incentive to do it.

No point in them paying for your spouses coverage when another company can do it for them.

It's always about the money.

[Supersedeas]

5. yep, that's family values

[Maedhros]

4. There has been a lot of back-tracking on ACA provisions.

I predict it will be whittled down over time to maximize insurance company profits.