{"id":357847,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/health-insurance-and-benefits-your-rights.html"},"modified":"2025-04-14T15:05:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T20:05:00","slug":"health-insurance-and-benefits-your-rights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/health-insurance-and-benefits-your-rights.html","title":{"rendered":"Health Insurance Benefits: Your Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Health Insurance Benefits: Your Rights<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Health insurance benefits are crucial for both employees and employers. Thus, the federal government has enacted protections for employees’ health insurance. Understanding the legal protections safeguarding health coverage can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare options.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Federal law mandates employers with 50 or more full-time employees to offer health insurance to eligible employees. Small employers are generally not legally obligated to provide health insurance to their employees. Still, some companies offer it anyway.<\/p>\n

Legal help is available if you believe your employer has violated federal laws regarding health insurance. Contact an employment law attorney<\/a> in your area for help ensuring your employer\u2019s compliance with federal regulations.<\/p>\n

Health benefits can include medical, disability, dental, and life insurance. When an employer offers health benefits, the U.S. Department of Labor<\/a> (DOL) enforces laws that protect an employee’s rights<\/a> under their health plans.<\/p>\n

The following article provides an overview of your rights as an employee regarding health insurance benefits. You\u2019ll also find helpful guidance on choosing the best insurance plan for you and your family.<\/p>\n

When an Employer Is Required To Provide Health Care Coverage<\/h2>\n

The requirement for employers to provide health care coverage<\/a> depends on the size of the business and the status of employees. Large employers, typically those with 50 or more full-time employees, must offer health care benefits to at least 95% of their full-time employees. Employers who fail to meet this requirement are subject to IRS fines.<\/p>\n

In contrast, small business owners<\/a> with fewer than 50 full-time employees may not be subject to the same mandate. But, small employers can choose to provide health care coverage voluntarily. Employers and employees need to be aware of these distinctions. Compliance with federal regulations ensures eligible employees can access necessary health insurance policies.<\/p>\n

Anti-Discrimination in Employment Health Benefits<\/h2>\n

Federally-mandated employee benefits include Social Security, Medicare<\/a>, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation.<\/p>\n

Employers aren’t usually obligated to offer health benefits. But once they do, they must follow federal laws against discrimination<\/a>. This means they can’t treat employees unfairly based on things like gender, race, age, nationality, religion, or disability when it comes to health benefits. These laws are there to make sure everyone gets a fair deal.<\/p>\n

As with other areas of employment, differences in health benefits coverage can’t be based on an employee or dependent’s gender, race, age, national origin, religion, or disability.<\/p>\n

An employer providing employees with health insurance<\/a> may not, among other things:<\/p>\n