How self-funded insurers cover high claims

Are you an employer or business leader considering self-insuring your company’s health plan? Some employers believe that because they wouldn’t be able to sustain very high medical claims, self-insurance isn’t for them. However, stop loss coverage protects self-insured groups against these high costs, and can make this a good option for groups that might otherwise not consider it.

Here’s what you should know about stop-loss coverage when considering a self-funded health plan.

New regulations create more options for employers

The U.S. Department of Labor announced on Tuesday it plans to allow small businesses to join together and offer association health plans.

The plans would not have to adhere to some of the stricter standards required under the Affordable Care Act. This could result in cheaper insurance options for small businesses and their employees, though some consumer groups warn some patients may lose access to care.

Here’s what employers need to know.

Planning to offer group benefits?

Are you a small business owner considering your options for group health insurance coverage? While employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not required to offer health insurance to employees, many still choose to do so. Offering group coverage is a great way to improve recruitment and retention, and can sometime be the best option for very small groups, as opposed to having employees obtain individual coverage.

But how many employees do you need to be considered a group?

Planning to offer group benefits

While businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not required to offer a group health plan to employees, many organizations still choose to do so. Offering a medical plan benefit is a great way to improve recruitment and retention and can sometimes be the best coverage option for employees. But how much does a group health plan cost, especially for small businesses?

Health plan costs vary pretty substantially depending on the type of plans offered, the region in which your business operates, and the demographic makeup of your employees.

That said, on average, annual premiums for single coverage for small businesses total $6,163 and annual premiums for family coverage total $16,625, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Planning to offer group benefits?

If you are planning to offer group benefits to your organization, the first step is to evaluate and select a group benefits broker to help design and implement a cost-effective, valuable benefits strategy.

But what do group benefits brokers actually do, and how do you find one?

There are many different strategies for providing health, dental, vision, and other ancillary benefits to your employees. There are multiple funding methods, types of coverage, and numerous ways to structure these plans. Group benefits brokers are experienced in the spectrum these strategies, and work with employers to develop the best strategy for the business and their employees.

Nonprofits face challenges in building benefits plans

Do you have the right strategy for your group health plan? Nonprofits face particular challenges when it comes to finding the right approach to building a sustainable benefits package.

Bernard Health has a decade of experience working with nonprofits, and we offer a suite of innovative products and services to help your employees make the best choices when it comes to healthcare.

Here are three areas of need that nonprofits face when it comes to benefits. To learn more about this approach, click here to download the “Benefits Guide for Nonprofits."

The restaurants and hospitality industries face challenges in building benefits plans

Do you have the right strategy for your group health plan? The restaurant and hospitality industries face particular challenges when it comes to finding the right approach to building a sustainable benefits package.

Bernard Health has a decade of experience working with restaurants and hospitality companies, and we offer a suite of innovative products and services to help your employees make the best choices when it comes to healthcare.

Here are three areas of need that restaurants and the hospitality industry face when it comes to benefits. For more, download the free “Benefits Guide for Restaurants and Hospitality.”

Manufacturers face challenges in building benefits plans

Do you have the right strategy for your group health plan? Manufacturers face particular challenges when it comes to finding the right approach to building a sustainable benefits package.

Bernard Health has a decade of experience working with manufacturers, and we offer a suite of innovative products and services to help your employees make the best choices when it comes to healthcare.

Here are three areas of need manufacturers face when it comes to benefits. For more, download the free “Benefits Guide for Manufacturers.”

Construction companies face challenges in building benefits plans

Do you have the right strategy for your group benefits plan? The construction industry faces particular challenges when it comes to finding the right approach to building a sustainable benefits package.

Bernard Health has a decade of experience working with the construction industry, and we offer a suite of innovative products and services to help your employees make the best choices when it comes to healthcare.

Here are three areas of need construction companies face when it comes to benefits. For more, download the free “Benefits Guide for the Construction Industry.”

Medical practices face challenges in building benefits plans

Do you have the right strategy for your group health plan? Medical practices face particular challenges when it comes to finding the right approach to building a sustainable group benefits package.

Bernard Health has a decade of experience working with medical practices, and we offer a suite of innovative products and services to help your employees make the best choices when it comes to healthcare.

Here are three areas of need medical practices face when it comes to benefits. For more, download the free “Benefits Guide for Medical Practices.”