---
title: More employers cutting health benefits for employees’ spouses - Benefits News
description: Benefits News reports on the increasing number of employers cutting employees' spousal benefits, or charging extra to have spouses share in coverage.
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# More employers cutting health benefits for employees’ spouses - Benefits News

![divorced_from_coverage.png](https://blog.nonstophealth.com/hubfs/Blog_pictures/divorced_from_coverage.png)

![spouses.jpg](https://blog.nonstophealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_pictures/spouses.jpg?width=640&name=spouses.jpg)*Photo: Yahoo*

"As plan sponsors try to reduce the costs associated with healthcare claims, many are turning to spousal surcharges or eliminating spousal coverage altogether, according to recent research from actuarial firm Conrad Siegel," writes Sheryl Smolkin, for BenefitsNews.com.

Read the full article at: [www.benefitnews.com](http://www.benefitnews.com/news/more-employers-cutting-health-benefits-for-employees-spouses?feed=00000152-18a5-d58e-ad5a-99fd665c0000)

Most employers who are putting this practice into effect only do so when the spouse has the option of coverage through their own employer. Changes in benefits and reduction of deductibles has still not been enough to combat the annual rising cost of providing health benefits plans. Spousal surcharges, which have jumped from 16% to 27%, are another way of pushing non-employee spouses to use their own employer's health coverage.

![divorced_from_coverage.png](https://blog.nonstophealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_pictures/divorced_from_coverage.png?width=640&name=divorced_from_coverage.png)

“Whether deductibles are increased or universal spousal benefits are eliminated or company HSA contributions are reduced, it’s all a symptom of the same problem,” concludes Rod Glus, a consulting actuary in central Pennsylvania. “Healthcare costs keep on going up and employers are looking for plan design changes that will reduce the impact on their bottom line.”

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The information and materials herein are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to constitute legal or other advice or opinions on any specific matters and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, plan provider or other professional advisor. This information has been taken from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no guarantee as to its accuracy. This communication does not constitute a legal opinion and should not be relied upon for any purpose other than its intended educational purpose.

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