which of the following is an example of discretionary benefit

employer taxes
social security
medical insurance
medicare

Medical insurance

An example of a discretionary benefit among the options you provided is medical insurance. Discretionary benefits are typically optional benefits that employers provide to their employees, above and beyond the legally required benefits like employer taxes, social security, and medicare. Medical insurance is one such discretionary benefit that employers may choose to offer to their employees, but it is not a mandatory requirement.

To determine which of the following options is an example of a discretionary benefit, let's first understand what discretionary benefits are. Discretionary benefits are additional perks or amenities that employers offer to employees beyond what is legally required. These benefits are not mandated by law, and employers have the freedom to choose whether or not to include them in their employees' compensation package.

Now let's consider the options provided:

1. Employer taxes: Employer taxes are not discretionary benefits. They are mandatory payments made by employers to government authorities based on employment regulations and tax laws. Employers have no discretion in deciding whether or not to pay these taxes.

2. Social security: Social security is also not a discretionary benefit. It is a government program wherein workers pay into a fund throughout their careers, and then receive benefits upon retirement or in certain other circumstances. Both employers and employees are typically required by law to contribute to social security.

3. Medical insurance: Medical insurance can be considered a discretionary benefit. Employers often offer medical insurance coverage as an additional perk to attract and retain talented employees. While not legally mandated in all cases, many employers choose to provide this benefit to support the health and well-being of their workforce.

4. Medicare: Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance program primarily for those aged 65 and older or with certain disabilities. It is not typically an employer-provided benefit, so it is not an example of a discretionary benefit.

Based on this analysis, the example of a discretionary benefit from the options provided is "medical insurance."