Can an employer force you to have health insurance?

I was just wondering if companies are able to insist employees either enroll in the company insurance policy or, in order to opt out, provide proof of coverage through other means? Can a company dictate that all employees be insured? Especially considering it isn't like there was a contract we signed agreeing that we'd keep coverage on us at all times. The state is NJ if that makes any difference.

I'm just wondering about that issue. Please, no comments on whether or not it's wise to opt out of having insurance.

We pay 100% of the plan anyway- no group discounts.

It is currently not a requirement in New Jersey, but may soon be. Many states are requiring it since it takes a load off the state insurance (medicaid).

in massachusettes it is a state law now requiring you have insurance. in nh where i live it is optional and empoyer has no say in it. actually i bet they like it if you dont have insurace because the company pays half where i work.

It's not really the employer that is requiring proof but the insurance company. For the employer to get reduced rates they must have a certain percentage (which, depending upon the size of the company, may be 100%) of their employees covered and the only way to opt out is to have your own insurance. If the employer doesn't show this proof to the insurance company the company will raise the rates for everone in the group or may decline to renew the policy.

Take the health insurance. You are screwed if something happens and you don't have it. Once you opt out you may have to wait a whole year to get back in. Take it and cut corners elsewhere.

The employer cannot require you to carry it, unless they are paying for it.

Of course, if you don't, then they will likely find a reason to fire you.