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Paige Claus, benefits manager for McLane Co., a convenience store distributor, said her firm saved an estimated $3.5 million in future health-care costs as a result of removing 10% of dependents from its rolls following an audit earlier this year. This “enables us to not have to increase our employee contributions for next year, or make any type of plan design change,” said Ms. Claus.

You've Got Dependents? Prove It

Audit firms say companies are often surprised by the savings. While a large company's audit might cost $20 to $30 per worker, the average annual health-care cost is about $3,000 per dependent.

Updating your health plan

"Dependent eligibility is a huge issue. There are huge dollars involved," Watson said.

Some employees have their nieces, nephews and grandchildren signed up on their health insurance plans, Watson said, even though those relatives typically aren't considered dependents, absent a legal guardianship.

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You've Got Dependents? Prove It

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