Medical Malpractice

I received my W2 for 2009 but the consulting firm that handles our payroll is listed as my employer?

My employer changed payroll firms in January 2009, which came as a surprise to most employees when many who did not have bank accounts could not cash their paychecks because the company did not have an established history in our area (grocery store check cashing, payroll cashing services, etc.). This consulting firm/payroll processing company is now handling our health insurance, which has been a nightmare from the beginning. Many of us did not have coverage under the new policy effective November 1, unknown to us until one of the employees had surgery the beginning of December. She was told by our human resources manager to keep her receipts and all her expenses would be covered by the employer if insurance was not figured out. This same employee also was to have family coverage as of November 1, had payroll deductions for this coverage, and then was told her family was not covered (a violation of her new husband's divorce agreement as he canceled his coverage to coincide with hers taking effect in November). She also was not going to receive a reimbursement of her premiums paid. As of 2 days ago, we received a fax with our group policy number on it effective January 1, but still do not have individual cards. This has been very fishy from the beginning to most of us as the coverage has changed several times from November to now (promised coverage, co-pay, participating physicians & hospitals, deductibles, etc.) We have also now been informed that the old policy had not been canceled in November, so all of our claims would have been covered under the old policy as the HR mgr did not stop paying the premiums on the old policy. Now, we have received our 2009 W2s, but the payroll/consulting firm is listed as our employer. Is this legal? If not, who do I need to contact here in Ohio? Thank you!

Public Comments

1. It's not unusual at all for companies to outsource their HR and staffing functions. It's perfectly legal. As to the issues with your health insurance coverage, contact your state insurance commission. It looks as if the healthcare initiative at the Federal level will tank this year. Too bad for you and folks in your situation. This is exactly the type of abuse that reform was supposed to prevent and now that the idiots in MA have elected a raving lunatic Tea-Bagger to the Senate it is probably doomed.
2. You need to file your w2 as is. In many cases, a temporary services or consulting firms usually list their names, EIN on the employees w2's. This is agency agreement with the employer, the employer pays for others to do the payroll service and being their agent. This should not concerns you. As far you have your w2 match all paid checks, that's fine. Do not trigger sparks. About insurance stuff, in to day difficult economy, every one should be lucky to keep his/her job. Many company's give the employees a certain health coverage forms to be filled correctly and as per the employee CHOICE. I know many individuals did not chose to add their spouses as it cost them extra money, they did Check answer with "NO". If your friend did OPT the husband or the spouse from the coverage, and did not select to pay for the premium, probably will not be covered.