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Q. Can my fringe benefits, such as employee insurance benefits, be reduced
because I am older?
A. Normally no, although the law gives employers some flexibility in applying this
rule. The general rule, with some exceptions, requires employers to provide all age groups
the same benefit, or alternatively, provide a benefit that costs the same for all age groups.
For example, if a given life insurance benefit actually costs the employer more for older
workers, then the employer may provide older workers a smaller insurance benefit, as long
as the cost of the benefit to the employer is the same as that offered to younger workers.
As to health insurance, employers must cover older workers and their spouses
under the same conditions as younger workers. Your benefits cannot be lowered just
because you become eligible for Medicare. In fact, the employer insurance must remain
the primary insurer. Medicare will cover you as a secondary insurer while you continue
working.