Boss wants to pay for my insurance under the table...(?) (credit, work)

[Fimeg]

I'm 19, and I work at a local IT shop (5+ years), and yesterday my boss asked me if I had signed up for the oregon-care insurance. Today, he informed me that he is going to pay for my insurance under the table, and that I am to report that I pay my own insurance.

I wasn't looking for health insurance, and so I'm thinking to myself... why does my boss want to pay my insurance? Why did he come up with this idea? Is there a benefit to him paying, AND not reporting it? I'm baffled.

To top it off, he is paying me tomorrow (during work hours) to go to the local office and sign up for insurance.


Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[notoriouskelly]

Ask Him.

I have no idea but it makes me uneasy so I'd hesitate to do it.

[RoadWarrior12]

Based on your income, you would qualify for a subsidized rate - much lower than what he would be able to get as an employer.

Plus, you'll be able to write off the out of pocket expense.

And, you'll help the risk pool!

I'd do it.

[jaekn]

You weren't planning on getting insurance so it can't hurt. I would definitely ask him why though.

[Fimeg]

I'm quite skeptical... He has some really shady business practices... He recently asked me if instead of writing down 70 hours every two weeks to write down 65, and he'd pay me $100 cash. He did some sketchy quick math and showed me I'd make about $30 dollars more... I don't feel right about this, but perhaps I'll do it.

So, do you think that I should sign up with the insurance agency here in town, or do some online investigating for the best price, or something else entire?

Thanks for the responses!

EDIT: My gross pay rate is $12.50 an hour. I work 9-5, monday-friday, except 12-1.

[BirdieBelle]

So you've been working there since you were 15?

[texdav]

Basically he is tell you to not report income and then take tax credit.

[fishbrains]

I don't know why he would do it, but I would not stick around somebody who is doing shady stuff like this.

They simply are not trustworthy and are likely to throw you under the bus one day.

[debtmonger]

I think this guy wants to do more than just pay your health insurance under the table. I would look for another job, hopefully one where they keep everything on the table.

[Fimeg]

Moderator cut: orphaned

Originally Posted by Wmsn4Life

So you've been working there since you were 15?

Yes.

As for what I do: I maintain, build, and repair computers in the local town. Sometimes that includes wifi setup for motels, Yachts, and other times it involves remedial email support, or iPad help.