<prompt> Human: Have been working at my company for 4 years, first 3 years as a contract worker. The past year I got hired full time and that included health benefits and vacation time. This week I had my review and asked for a pay increase havent had a raise in 3 years, other companies in my field pay more. My boss denied my pay increase, saying that I recently acquired health benefits and that equals my pay increase. I feel it doesnt, because if I dont use my benefits, I get no savings out of it. I really love my job and the people there. I dont want to leave my current workplace. Can my boss really use the benefits against me? What can I use to get my raise? TIA  <response>: If theyre giving you benefits, they are spending more money on you as an employee. This is the same as if youd gotten a raise you were unhappy with, you need to negotiate back and forth or maybe look for other offers. 