Must EAP be offered to all?

HR Beginner · August 2004

Our agency benefits are provided by BC/BS. They are connected with Biodine for EAP services. We have 80 ee's. Not all of our ee's have elected to have our agency's health insurance (ee's pay a portion). My question is: Do EAP services need to be offered to ALL ee's -- not just our ee's that have our insurance coverage?

System · August 2004

I think you can offer the EAP to only those ee's who elect insurance coverage, but I don't understand that reasoning. The EAP is intact to provide employees with an avenue where they can get help with stressors that may hinder their performance. The fee is not usually that high per employee per year; probably about $23 - $30. You have employees who may be covered under a spouse's plan. Why would your company want to cover only those in the group plan?

sonny · August 2004

I agree with Smoll. Only one of our depts. has EAP as part of a CBA. .no one else. Also agree that it is a great investment.

HR Beginner · August 2004

The EAP is provided as a part of our group insurance plan and does not cost us any extra fee. This is why only ee's covered by our group plan can access the EAP. We don't want it to be that way and I was just wondering if it's legal to only offer to select ee's.

Whatever · August 2004

I see no problem with making an EAP available to those who do not have health insurance. Since this is an inexpensive benefit, is your employer considering picking up the full cost?

Don D · August 2004

In my view, an EAP benefits a company as much as it does the individuals who take advantage of it. I'm not aware of any legal requirement that any benefit, including an EAP, be made available to all employees.

Must EAP be offered to all?

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