Purdue delays health care changes for employees’ spouses

Purdue University has delayed a policy limiting health care coverage for working spouses of faculty and staff.

The university's newly approved health care plan had included an exemption for spouses of Purdue employees who are employed by a business that covers 50 percent or more of medical premiums. Under the plan, such spouses would not be eligible to receive primary health insurance through the university starting Jan. 1 unless the spouses also worked at the university.

Purdue treasurer and chief financial officer Bill Sullivan sent a letter to employees Tuesday saying the university would "review outright elimination of coverage or merely requiring a surcharge for continued coverage" over the next six months, The Journal & Courier reported.

The plan approved by Purdue trustees on Oct. 12 met widespread opposition from faculty and staff.