Korean Job Discussion Forums

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

I'm curious what the standard deductions are from your paycheques. My boss is doing the ol' shuck and jive when it comes to providing the health insurance indicated in the contract. He says that if we opt-in to the national health plan, we (the teachers) will be obligated to pay into the national pension (which he says we have to pay in its entirety; he will not contribute). Currently, we're only having income tax deducted from our pay. With health insuance and pension added as deductions, our monthly deductions will increase by roughly 600%.

The alternative he offers is to not get the insurance or pay into the pension, and that if we get sick, we can 'borrow' his insurance card to visit a doctor who is 'a friend of the hogwan.' Presumably, this doctor won't be disturbed by the insurance fraud we'd be committing. Needless to say, we're not overly thrilled by this option.

So this leaves me wondering what the standard rates are that one pays for health insurance and into the national pension program. Also, is the boss obligated to contribute to the pension? Lastly, is one able to opt-out of these programs? Are they not compulsory?

Any info, especially with specific percentages, would be appreciated.

Alkiwi · Joined: 22 May 2003

we also don't have health insurance provided, even though it is stated in the contract. We have continued with the arrangement the prior teachers had: that all medical costs of teachers would be shared 50:50 with the boss. Was a little wary about this, but seeing I never get sick I went along with it. Presented my first receipt today for a blood test to my boss and he handed over the money without a second glance. Also know that the prev teachers had sugery done and he paid half too.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

If you have to pay 100% of the pension that is a lot of coinage. I pay 120,000 per month and my employer pays 50%, so if they didn't I'd be paying 240,000 a month. I pay 55,000 a month for the national insurance scheme, and I think the reason I pay so much is I have my wife and kid on it as well.

You could always try for private insurance...

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

justagirl · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Cheonan/Portland

If your boss has more than 6 employees he is by law required to pay into the pension plan for his employees. Of course he won't want to do this. Rolling Eyes

If you get the health insurance, it automatically notifies the pension office. This is why he doesn't want to give you the health insurance. Here is my question: does your contract state he will give you health insurance? If so, he owes it to you--not this "go to this doctor" sort of stuff. You have the right to go to ANY doctor for any reason. What if you had to go to a girl doctor (if you're a girl like me)? Do you really want to hand in your GYN receipt? Yeah, right!

As far as paying the entire pension yourself, that is a crock. Your boss is LEGALLY required to pay his half. The only problem with all this stuff is that if you raise a stink about what you rightfully deserve, it causes "issues" with the boss and he might end up disliking you a LOT. The labor board is totally on your side about these sort of things, though.

Medical dedection is about 9% of your reported income. NOTE: your boss probably reports your income as less than it really is to save him money on taxes, etc. He should pay 50% of it, and you 50%. The same is true of the pension plan. You should pay approx. .045 of your salary and he should pay .045. If you are making 2 million a month:

medical: 180,000
pension: 180,000

You can see if he pays for half, it will cost him an extra 180,000/month for you. Of course you are legally entitled to it, but he will make it uncomfortable for you to push for it.

Start asking for monthly statements, so you have a record of what he is taking for deductions.

Luckily for me, I insisted on my medical insurance and my boss didn't know they'd contact the pension office. He is paying 1/2 of the pension/medical like he's supposed to. However, he doesn't want my husband to get health insurance cause he doesn't want to pay his pension, too. He told me that my husband could use my insurance card since we were family....uh huh....and the first time I tried that at the doctor's office they weren't too happy with me. I had no clue it was a lie, but the dr. office thought I was trying to scam them. Sad

We're working on that right now, actually.

Good luck. Doesn't it suck to have to fight for what you legally are entitled to, and it makes YOU the bad guy at the hakwon? ARGH Evil or Very Mad

justagirl

Draven · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

kylehawkins2000 · Joined: 08 Apr 2003

I'm pretty certain that your employer is required by law to contribute 50% of your pension. I pay about 100 000 a month and my employer pays the same.

I'd consider threatening your boss with legal action if he doesn't agree to get you the medical coverage and pay his share of the pension.

Guest · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:20 am Post subject:

You can review the pension rules at http://www.npc.co.kr ... you are required to contribute. Your employe only has to contribute when there ae MORE THAN 5 employees at the work location ... this has been covered in previous threads and thus I won't dwell on the details again.

Health insurance, there is a web site that deals with that as well and I can't seem to find it. You CAN opt out of health care coverage though.

justagirl · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Cheonan/Portland

Draven, you're welcome--I hope it helps!

justagirl