Elena Smithson, HR Director at Paradise Grand, a casino and resort was 10 minutes into a meeting with Sienna Harper, Director of Housekeeping before Sienna got around to explaining why she asked to meet with Elena. “I’m getting divorced” Sienna said softly. “And I need a raise.”

Sienna explained that her husband was leaving for a job in another state after months of unemployment had taken a toll on their marriage and finances. “I’m getting a smaller apartment and have cut all the expenses I can, but with two kids under eight, daycare is going to eat up a big percentage of my pay.” She went on to tell Elena, “On top of that, my youngest has asthma and our insurance doesn’t cover all of his treatments and medication, so I have to pay for that out‐of‐pocket.”

Giving Sienna a raise isn’t an option for at least 6 months, so Elena suggested that Sienna might switch to the company’s Consumer‐Driven Health Plan (CDHP) with a lower monthly premium and a slightly larger monthly paycheck. Elena also explained that starting to contribute to a flexible spending account would also result in a bit more take home pay. Sienna laughed and said, “I had no idea we have all these options and it sounds really confusing.” She went on to state “I appreciate your suggestions, but contributing to a Health Savings Account and a flexible spending account is out of the question. I can barely pay my bills!”

Questions: 

1. Evaluate Elena’s suggestion that Sienna change to the CDHP. What features does Sienna need to consider when selecting her health insurance plan?

2. What expenses can Sienna pay out of a flexible spending account? Explain how the account can save her money.

3. Suggest ways that Paradise Grand can communicate employee benefit options more effectively to employees like Sienna.

4. Research: Paradise Grand belongs to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Research the services that local EAPs provide that might help Sienna? Determine whether your college offers a Student Assistance Program.