Working Spouse Surcharge

The Working Spouse/Same-Sex Domestic Partner Surcharge for medical coverage was introduced in 2004 as a result of 2003 contract negotiations between the company and your union. This surcharge does not apply if you have a spouse/same-sex domestic partner and he or she has medical coverage available under his or her employer, and enrolls in that coverage.

The surcharge is $40 per month and will apply to any employee who has a working spouse/same-sex domestic partner enrolled in a Verizon medical plan option who:

Is eligible for medical coverage with his or her employer and does not elect it, and who has an annual salary of more than $25,000; or

Is required to make an annual individual premium contribution of less than $900.

Your spouse/same sex domestic partner can still enroll for Verizon medical coverage as a dependent. In this situation, your spouse's/same-sex domestic partner's plan will provide primary coverage for your spouse/same-sex domestic partner and pay benefits first. Verizon's plan will provide secondary coverage and pay benefits second. This means that after the primary plan has paid benefits, the Verizon plan will look at the healthcare costs not covered by the primary plan. It will then provide benefits for any unpaid costs that are covered by the Verizon plan. By sharing the high cost of healthcare in this way with other employers, Verizon can better manage its costs, which helps Verizon remain competitive.

The surcharge applies to enrollment in a Verizon medical plan option only. It does not apply to enrollment in the dental or vision plans.

When you review the Verizon healthcare options available to you for 2005, carefully consider them alongside the healthcare options available from your spouse's/same-sex domestic partner's employer's plan. If you determine that a Verizon medical plan option is best for your spouse/same-sex domestic partner and that he or she will waive medical coverage with his or her employer, then the Working Spouse/Same-Sex Domestic Partner Surcharge may apply to you.

If you have questions about the Working Spouse/Same-Sex Domestic Partner Surcharge or benefits renewal, which is October 13-October 27, contact the Verizon Benefits Center at 1-877 Ask-VzHR (1-877-275-8947). Have your social security number and Verizon Benefits Center password available. Listen to the main menu to select the Verizon Benefits Center. Then follow the prompts to reach a representative. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time.

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