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Scraping off the dependents
Old 07-13-2008, 10:47 AM   #1
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Scraping off the dependents

So now my wifes work is engaging in a new process that appears to me is a combination effort to get unqualified dependents off their benefits package, and as a side benefit, maybe some qualified ones.

We received a letter explaining that there would be a full review of all employees benefits, their dependents, and that evidence of the dependent's qualifications would be required.

In a three part process, each with deadlines, all done through the US mail.

First we got the letter explaining the process.

Now we've got a letter noting all the covered dependents and allowing one to graciously delete any unqualified ones. Must be returned in 30 days. There is a fax number, but the fax machine is out of paper.

Once thats been received, we'll receive a second letter asking for birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc.

This is starting to remind me of the economic stimulus folks, sending you three letters telling you you're going to get a check, then sending the check.

So it seems the screws are getting tightened a few notches further...

Way too much bureaucracy and paperwork involved for a simple matter. Why not have each employee bring in the requisite verification paperwork to the local HR person, check them off on a checklist, make sure nobody has a problem with receiving a letter or form, the returned forms getting lost, or having to make a 3 step process out of it.

Unless of course you'd like to have a certain percentage get lost in the mail or during processing, and then get to offer the employee your sincerest condolences over their dependents loss of coverage due to circumstances out of your control... :
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Old 07-13-2008, 11:23 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by cute fuzzy bunny View Post



Way too much bureaucracy and paperwork involved for a simple matter. Why not have each employee bring in the requisite verification paperwork to the local HR person, check them off on a checklist, make sure nobody has a problem with receiving a letter or form, the returned forms getting lost, or having to make a 3 step process out of it.
I think you are missing the point. There is nothing more loathsome for the HR dept. to deal with than actual living humans. Who may, while there ask other impertinent questions relating to their employment.

Papers presented through the mail do not ask questions, and even if the do, are easy to ignore.
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Old 07-13-2008, 12:07 PM   #3
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Probably contracted out, off site, and the company is clean (as in not guilty) when copies of all those marriage certificates and birth records turn up on the street.
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Old 07-13-2008, 12:51 PM   #4
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100% correct. Third party company will be doing all of the processing.

Which begs the question: is this even a smart thing for us to do, or should I give HR a call to let them know that we will not, in fact, be submitting copies of our crucial identifying documents to a 3rd party?

Seems a great opportunity for many cans of worms to be opened.
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Old 07-13-2008, 01:03 PM   #5
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This is starting to remind me of the economic stimulus folks, sending you three letters telling you you're going to get a check, then sending the check.
I, then, received a letter two days after receiving the check explaining what the check was for.
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Old 07-13-2008, 02:11 PM   #6
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100% correct. Third party company will be doing all of the processing.
Which begs the question: is this even a smart thing for us to do, or should I give HR a call to let them know that we will not, in fact, be submitting copies of our crucial identifying documents to a 3rd party?
Seems a great opportunity for many cans of worms to be opened.
I'm sure that Bob in Bangalore will treat your Security Social Numbness (or whatever we rich Americans call those numbers) with all due respect...

... or we could just enter the data into their convenient Mumbai website!
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