Removing Ineligible Dependents Leads to Substantial Savings

Business Situation

While providing comprehensive medical benefits packages to employees, this client wished to avoid payment of healthcare claims for ineligible dependents under the plan.

Client Profile

  • Construction

  • 1,369 employees covering 2,878 dependents

Audit Finding

The audit consisted of three main separate mailing phases followed by an appeals period producing the following results:

  • 120 dependents (4.17% of total) were determined to be ineligible.

Reasons for ineligibility included overage dependents, failure to prove legal guardianship, divorced and unmarried spouses.

Audit Benefits

The client terminated coverage immediately for the 120 ineligible dependents and is considering removing coverage for additional dependents whose documentation remained incomplete at the close of the audit.

First Year Savings Calculations

Average annual cost per dependent: $3,500
Annual savings for ineligible dependents removed: $420,000
Return on investment: 1,634%