Question: As an employer with 25 employees, do I have to equally contribute towards health insurance premiums for my employees. Currently I pay for single coverage for all employees. I have some very valuable employees that have been here for over 20 years and I would like to give them employee/spouse coverage without a cost to the employee.

Answer: You may vary your employer contribution to the employees’ premium under your company’s group health plan in several ways. You can contribute different amounts (1) for different classes of employees - hourly vs salaried vs management, for example. (2) for different age groups because rates are higher for older employees, (3) for different locations if rates are higher for some because of ZIP codes, (4) for family status - those with dependents more than single employees. You will have to find another way to provide additional benefits on the basis of length of service alone.