The college gives employees "Flex Benefit Dollars" to offset their premium, or to be taken as cash.

Employee$-$only $($single$)$ coverage is free, so these dollars can be used to pay for dependent premiums. Any flex dollars not used for premiums are added to the employee's paycheck.

a$.$ Why does the amount vary depending on the medical plan the employee chooses? $($The Flex Benefit Dollars are higher if employee chooses HMO Essential, lower for the other plans$).$