Are employers allowed to offer life insurance policies as an employee benefit?

It is legal for employers in California to offer life insurance policies as a benefit for their employees. California state law allows employers to purchase life insurance policies on behalf of their employees and to pay all or part of the policy premiums on a pre-tax basis. The life insurance policy may also be “portable”, meaning that the employee can keep the policy if they ever leave their employer. Employers are also allowed to deduct premiums for employee life insurance coverage from the employee’s salary, and may even require employees to contribute to the premiums. These policies are generally less expensive than policies purchased directly by the employee, and they often provide higher coverage amounts. The type of life insurance policy offered to employees may vary from employer to employer. Some employers may offer group term insurance, which provides a predetermined amount of coverage at a very affordable cost. Other employers may offer more expensive, whole life policies which provide more coverage and accumulate cash value over time. Some employers may also offer universal life policies, which offer more flexibility with varying premiums and coverage amounts. Employers must make sure that their life insurance policies are in compliance with California state law, including making sure the policy is non-discriminatory and not excessively costly for their employees. Employers should also make sure that employees are properly notified about the policy and their rights under it.

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