Consumer Watch: Find way to 'grandfather' in an insurance benefit

Q: A colleague told me our group health insurance plan allows him a free fitness club membership. When I checked it out with my supervisor, she informed me the free memberships weren’t valid anymore. Can I do anything to “grandfather” this benefit? — Percy Puny

A: Dear Mr. Puny: While a few plans offer a grandfather clause regarding certain benefits, you’ve got to strike while the iron is hot.

Just as with all other consumer issues, be aware of what’s available, how much discount is offered, and how long the perks will be around. According to expert Robert Hurley, when a company titles a benefit as a perk, it means the company can change or omit it without notice.

If I were you, I’d contact a supervisor at the insurance company to see if the gym membership is still attainable, perhaps with a discounted price.

Since health insurance plans vary and sometimes change with little warning, we’d be wise to periodically visit the Web site to bone up on what’s current.

Obviously their offerings are meant to save the companies trillions of dollars in the long run; nevertheless, it’s pretty amazing what some extend to their policyholders, particularly with today’s economic emphasis on health concerns and the financial problems that can result for both the individual and the insurance company.

For example, most companies pay for yearly wellness exams without question; by catching illnesses at their onset, companies pocket tons of money if a chronic or life-threatening illness is prevented.

With premiums on the rise for those of us lucky enough to even possess health insurance, yet the disbursement of fees to our providers declining, we must keep track of any and all unexpected savings allowable by insurers. Some discounts to look for (thanks to insurance industry experts at http://ehealthinsurance.com):

n Gym memberships (see above);

n Smoking cessation programs are often available; again, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, etc. instigate or aggravate life-threatening illnesses.

n Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, and the like;

n Weight-loss programs, such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and so forth. Many companies provide discount memberships, as huge (pardon the pun) numbers of Americans are overweight enough to cause or exacerbate health problems.

Again, be a wise consumer. Check all possible benefits, keep abreast of any modifications and always remain your own best advocate.

Tax Tip: Take advantage of retirement plans. If covered by a plan at work, you may take a full IRA deduction if your modified adjusted gross income is less than $85,000 (married filing jointly) or $53,000 (single or head of household). Even a partial deduction is allowed until your adjusted gross income reaches $105,000, if married filing jointly or $73,000 if you’re single or a head of household.

Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears on Saturdays in the Business section of the paper. An expanded version is at www.timesfreepress.com under Local Business. E-mail her at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com