- Providing world class service and value for employee benefit group plans since 1987
One of the ideal ways to demonstrate to your employees that you value their well-being and that of their families is by offering a comprehensive employee benefits plan. Robust benefits plans are proven to improve success in attracting and retaining high-quality workers. In addition, as an Alabama-based business, you can use your benefits plan to stay ahead of the competition and distinguish your company from others.
If you own or manage a large business in Alabama, offering your employees high-quality group health plans has never been easier or more affordable. You have more options for supporting your team with programs that allow each worker to choose the best coverage option for themselves and their families.
In addition, you may save money because the risk per person is less for a large employer. Since Alabama health insurance costs are based mainly on risk exposure, your per-person price will likely be less than it would be for a smaller company.
Furthermore, your insurance broker can help you examine cost-saving plans like a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and determine the best level for deductibles and copayments.
Compliance requirements and financial assistance for small businesses are constantly changing as continual refinements are made to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Therefore, seeking expert guidance is crucial to help your small company develop a compliant but affordable small-group health insurance plan for your Alabama business.
The Affordable Care Act makes it easier than ever for small firms to offer health insurance competitive plans to support their workforce—which helps you attract and retain the best talent. As a small company, you need to know what the ACA requires, including the essential elements of coverage and what constitutes affordability, plus what assistance is available in tax credit. Ask your Taylor Benefits Insurance health plans consultant for the latest updates.
A potential employee often evaluates the wages offered for a new position. However, studies indicate that recruits also strongly consider the value of the benefits provided. Workers care about other benefits, including paid time off, affordable Alabama health insurance, family leave, flexible working schedules, and locations. Among the most sought-after perks are:
A business or any other employer usually provides employees access to a group health insurance plan. That’s because individual consumers can’t get the same plans a group can contract. In many cases, an insurer will require that as many as 70 percent of the potential subscribers enroll in the coverage. If you offer health plans to 100 eligible employees, 70 will need to participate for the policy to be issued.
The employer is responsible for selecting the plan they offer their team. Often, the employee will have a choice between multiple plans. This strategy allows the subscriber to choose a minimum essential coverage that costs less or select a more comprehensive policy with more features.
Insurance spreads the risk across the group of insured covered by the same plan through a process insurance companies call underwriting. The result is that individuals generally pay a higher rate for their plan compared to the rates that small businesses can offer. So most people save money by getting access to insurance through their company, especially if the small business absorbs part of the expense.
Offering workplace-based group health insurance is a benefit to the company and the employees. While your company size may impact the cost, any company can enjoy the advantages of offering insurance to its workers.
It’s stressful, and your employees are likely balancing work with their family obligations and financial concerns. While good health insurance policies may not transform your workforce into completely stress-free individuals, they can ease at least one worry. Of course, health insurance can’t prevent illness, but good access to care can improve the overall health of everyone on your team.
When your employees know that they don’t have to worry about the cost of healthcare they may need, they can focus on other things and might be happier and more productive.
Depending on the number of employees you have, and other variables like the average wages, you might be eligible for a federal tax credit from the federal government in return for implementing an insurance policy for your team. In some cases, the cost savings are significant.
Often, the pay level is the primary consideration when people accept a new position. Still, many also evaluate the company culture and its advantages. For example, suppose you offer an attractive health insurance program. In that case, you may influence a decision on whether to join your firm (or for current employees to stick around.)
You want your company to maintain a positive reputation with employees and within your industry and community. You can enhance that reputation by making quality products, being a good corporate citizen, and offering good coverage options.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone. Here are some ways in which providing a company-based plan can help your team:
A good health insurance program may motivate your workforce. The support of quality insurance helps your workers feel valued, which in turn may increase employee engagement and productivity.
Since group health insurance is typically less costly than an individual or family plan, your employees will most likely save money by getting their coverage through your group plan. Since premium levels are based on risk, being a group plan member is usually a financial benefit.
For some workers, managing the acquisition of various individual health insurance and those of family members can be challenging. They can instead opt for employer-sponsored health coverage that works for the entire family. In that case, they will also eliminate the hassle and likely save money.
Plus, even though coverage options vary, the worker can ensure that the benefits they need—like maternity services, prescription coverage, dental plans and other medical options like physical and mental therapy are included.
When you have an individual policy, you may have to pay for your medical care upfront and then submit claims to the insurer to see what they will cover while waiting for reimbursement. This process can be a real financial burden for employees. A group plan often eliminates the need for advance payments, decreasing the employee’s financial stress.
Sometimes people with inadequate insurance may delay getting treatment for pre-existing conditions until the matter worsens. This hesitation is typical because they don’t have the money to pay the deductible or are concerned about whether their care will be covered. Participants don’t have to worry about expenses with group plans sponsored by the company. Instead, they have peace of mind knowing that their insurance plan covers their needs.
Small business owners and managers should consider offering group health insurance for their employees. However, make sure you consider these variables before you commit:
Of course, you have a budget to stick to, and that’s an important consideration when determining the right insurance plan. It’s also helpful to evaluate what your competitors are doing.
Still, remember that surveys show that many small business employees don’t think their company is doing enough to help them. Also, remember that some workers may rely entirely on the policy they can obtain from your business. That’s a good reason to ensure that your small business health insurance is comprehensive and provides overall good coverage.
In the past, it was common for companies to require new hires to work for 60 or 90 days before enrolling in the company’s health insurance plans. The result is that people have to delay getting needed treatments, which can worsen some conditions. Today, it’s more common for new hires to be eligible for enrollment immediately or after a shorter waiting period of 30 days.
Adding dependents to the plan will increase the premium costs, but it’s worth doing if possible. Not only will your employees appreciate the opportunity to include their family members, but the move will also enhance your corporate image and talent retention strategy.
When evaluating the various plans, ensure that the most well-respected hospitals and doctors are available for your subscribers to select. Your employees may want minimum participation in the policy if they can’t choose the service providers they trust.
When choosing a policy for your employees, consider the services and options they want. Then, you can customize the plan so that your subscribers can have access to the various services they need. It’s helpful to talk to workers beforehand to know their priorities before committing to a policy.
Some employees will hesitate to rely on their employer’s health insurance plans. Here are some of the reasons for that reluctance on their health plans:
If you have health insurance through your company, changing jobs will disrupt your access to that coverage. Whether you leave work due to termination or by choice, it can be challenging to replace the policy.
Some people hesitate to take advantage of company-based health insurance because of the cost. Whereas they might be able to buy a bare-bones policy on the individual market, the company coverage is already set up with included benefits.
This concern may also include those planning for retirement who want continuity in their care. If you retire, you will most likely need healthcare reform.
Health Insurance plans
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Short and Long Term Disability
401(k)
Retirement and Pension Plans
Section 125 Cafeteria Plans
Long Term Care
Life Insurance
Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Options
HSA and FSA
HMO and PPO
Worker’s Compensation
ACA Compliance
The above insurance and benefit options can be combined to design the right employee benefits package for your company and its employees. Going through an insurance broker like Taylor Benefits gives you a larger variety of options. Not to mention, you’re likelier to find a plan at a price your business can afford to offer to its employees. We will even make sure your plan is in consistent compliance with the Affordable Care Act. Your business will be eligible for yearly tax credit breaks if you comply with local, state, and federal laws.
To learn more about Taylor Benefits and our insurance and benefit health plans, call us for a free quote. We will gladly help you find exactly what you want in flexible group health and employee benefits plans. We’ll even give you a FREE estimate when you call to discuss your options!
The following are some answers to frequently asked questions about Alabama health insurance coverage.
One of the ideal ways to demonstrate to your employees that you value their well-being and that of their families is by offering comprehensive coverage options. Robust insurance plans have proven to improve success in attracting and retaining high-quality workers. In addition, as an Alabama-based business, you can use your health plans to stay ahead of the competition and distinguish your company from others.
Small business owners in Alabama can choose among various insurance plans to meet their business needs.
The first option is a group health insurance plan. Employers offer specified health plan premiums in exchange for medical coverage benefits for their employees and, in some instances, their families.
Another option is a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA). Employers can offer employees a specific amount to help with the cost of a qualified plan that the employee obtains independently.
You can also purchase a Group Coverage Health reimbursement plan. In this scenario, the employer would offer a broad selection of Alabama health plans and a monthly allowance to cover deductibles, copays, and other costs.
Some companies opt for a self-funded health plan, which can pose a financial risk to the organization. With this plan, the employer contribution directly pays the expenses incurred for medical care and prescriptions.
Another popular choice is an Associate Health Plan (AHP), which may also be risky for smaller companies. An AHP is created when small businesses within an industry or location join forces to procure larger group plans.
Alabama companies generally offer health insurance that covers most medical treatments and equipment, including prescription medications, doctor’s appointments, and surgeries.
Other services, like plastic surgery, may not be included because it is considered elective for the employee. In addition, dental and vision plans must be purchased separately because most health insurance policies do not cover these.
With a group health insurance program, the sponsoring employer can determine the employer contribution (however, large businesses must abide by the ACA affordability rules). With a group health plan, an employee can save a bundle on health insurance compared to the cost of individual health insurance. The individual coverage expense is often three times as much as the worker will pay for a group plan.
Todd Taylor oversees most of the marketing and client administration for the agency with help of an incredible team. Todd is a seasoned benefits insurance broker with over 35 years of industry experience. As the Founder and CEO of Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency, Inc., he provides strategic consultations and high-quality support to ensure his clients’ competitive position in the market.
Todd Taylor with Taylor Benefits gives our small business the kind of personal service we need. Insurance benefits are important to our employees and Todd helps us find a balance between benefits and value. Todd responds immediately to my phone calls & e-mails. He has even gotten in touch with me on a Sunday when we were in need of coverage answers immediately. We are very pleased with the hands-on service Todd and his staff provide.”
-Ken and Linda Orvick, Orvick Management Group, Inc.
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