- Providing world class service and value for employee benefit group plans since 1987
Des Moines, Iowa, has built a reputation as a Midwest powerhouse — home to top players in insurance, agriculture, finance, healthcare, and an emerging tech sector. As a result, the job market is thriving, but so is the competition for top-tier talent. In today’s workplace, employees value more than a paycheck. They want healthcare coverage, retirement support, and work-life balance — and they often expect these through their employer. That’s why offering comprehensive group health insurance and employee benefit plans has become essential for businesses in Des Moines.
At Taylor Benefits Insurance, we specialize in helping companies throughout Des Moines — from local banks to tech startups and farm service providers — build tailored group health plans that retain talent, control costs, and improve workplace satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to enhance your current benefits or start a new plan from scratch, we help you deliver a solution that fits your workforce and bottom line.
Des Moines’ status as a leading insurance and business hub means that job seekers often compare multiple offers. Companies that offer robust group health insurance are in a stronger position to compete. Here’s why it’s so valuable:
Hire More Competitive Talent: Benefits attract skilled professionals — especially those relocating to Des Moines from other major cities.
Retain Loyal Employees: Workers who feel supported are less likely to look elsewhere for better coverage or security.
Reduce Absenteeism: Access to care and preventive services keeps employees healthier and on the job.
Tax Savings: Employer contributions to health benefits are generally tax-deductible and reduce payroll tax liability.
Taylor Benefits Insurance helps Des Moines companies create sustainable benefits strategies that work for both employers and employees.
With inflation rising fast, it isn’t a surprise that health insurance costs are also going up. In recent surveys, human resource executives for major companies expressed their concerns about holding down insurance expenses. For example, a study by HR consultant WTW recently found that their clients don’t want to increase the employee’s cost for health insurance because of the potential effect on competition for talent. So instead, group insurers are implementing some of these cost-management methods:
Small companies with less than fifty employees aren’t obligated to provide health insurance to their workers. Still, some do because it matters to workers and can give the business a competitive advantage in recruiting. In addition, some small firms are very generous, with almost thirty percent paying the total cost of coverage for their employees. Surprisingly, another ten percent also pay the entire premium for employees’ family members.
Small companies interested in health insurance can benefit from exploring SHOP (the Small Business Health Options Program). This ACA-created platform offers plans that may help companies provide affordable coverage to their workers. Taylor Benefits Insurance can help your business evaluate the options.
Benefit plans are not just health insurance and sick leave. Employees often expect those as a fundamental part of the package. Still, many companies add more to attract the workforce they need. MetLife’s completed a survey of workers in 2022 about benefits. The survey results showed that three-quarters of workers say a better selection of benefits would keep them at their current employer longer and reduce their stress. Not surprisingly, the MetLife survey also found that satisfied employees are likelier to stay loyal to their company.
Employers endeavoring to design a benefits package to help their workers maintain financial stability and plan for the future may consider adding life insurance, making contributions to a retirement savings plan like a 401(k), and perhaps offering assistance finding or paying for childcare. Other popular perks include dental and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, and remote work.
Taylor Benefits has been in the healthcare insurance industry for the last 30 years. We are a leader in providing group health insurance and we focus on giving you the most affordable but comprehensive employee benefits plans. While we offer versatile benefits options, we customize plans with your unique needs in mind. Our licensed insurance agents offer top-notch services and are always available to respond to all your insurance needs.
At Taylor Benefits, we specialize in the following group insurance and benefit options:
Offering group health insurance in Des Moines means meeting both federal and state regulations. Taylor Benefits Insurance ensures your plan remains compliant with:
Affordable Care Act (ACA): Employers with 50+ full-time workers must offer affordable, minimum-value coverage.
ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act): Ensures fair and transparent administration of health and retirement plans.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Protects the privacy and security of employee health data.
Iowa State Mandates: These may include specific coverage requirements for mental health, maternity, and telemedicine services.
We handle compliance for you, providing updates, guidance, and full support to avoid penalties or audit risks.
With over 30 years of experience in employee benefits planning, Taylor Benefits Insurance has become a trusted advisor to businesses across the country — including right here in Iowa. Here’s why Des Moines employers count on us:
Customized Solutions: Every plan is tailored to your workforce, industry, and financial goals.
Independent Broker Advantage: We shop multiple top-rated carriers to find the best coverage and rates.
Clear, Honest Communication: We break down your options and keep things simple — no jargon, no hidden terms.
Year-Round Support: From setup to renewals and ongoing compliance, we’re with you every step of the way.
Whether you’re building your first benefits package or upgrading an existing one, we help make the process easier and more rewarding.
Offering high-quality group health insurance and employee benefit plans is one of the best investments you can make in your team and your business. At Taylor Benefits Insurance, we help Des Moines employers design smarter benefits that promote loyalty, reduce turnover, and support lasting success.
Contact us today for a free consultation and get started on building a custom benefits plan that works for your company and your people.
Health plans can contribute to workplace culture and the employee experience in several ways:
● Providing comprehensive health benefits: Health plans can help employees feel supported and cared for in all aspects of their health by offering a range of health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, mental health, and wellness programs.
● Promoting a culture of wellness: Health plans can offer resources and programs that promote healthy lifestyles, such as fitness challenges, nutrition education, and stress management workshops. This can help employees feel valued and supported in their efforts to maintain their health.
● Supporting work-life balance: Health plans that offer flexible scheduling, telecommuting options, and paid time off for wellness activities can help employees better balance their work and personal lives. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being.
● Providing access to mental health resources: Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and health plans that offer access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or employee assistance programs, can help employees feel supported and cared for in times of need.
● Encouraging preventive care: Health plans can incentivize employees to participate in preventive care activities, such as annual check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. By promoting a culture of prevention, health plans can help employees stay healthy and reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions.
● Overall, health plans that prioritize employees’ well-being and support a culture of health and wellness can contribute to a positive workplace culture and enhance the overall employee experience.
Yes, it is possible to have more than one health insurance policy. This is known as having dual coverage. However, having multiple health insurance policies can sometimes lead to coordination of benefits issues, where the two policies may overlap in coverage or have conflicting rules. It is important to carefully review the terms of each policy and communicate with both insurance companies to ensure you are maximizing your coverage without any issues.
Des Moines residents can determine if a specific medical service is covered by:
● Contacting their health insurance provider: Residents can call their insurance company or check their policy documents to see if the specific medical service is covered under their plan.
● Checking with the medical service provider: Residents can also contact the provider directly to inquire about coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
● Utilizing online resources: Many insurance companies have portals where members can log in and check coverage details for specific medical services.
● Consulting with a healthcare professional: Residents can also consult with their healthcare provider to determine whether a specific medical service is covered by their insurance plan.
● In Iowa, how much do large-group health insurance plans cost on average?
Here’s what we can find on health insurance costs in Iowa:
● Individual plans: Data suggests an average cost range of $249-$548 per month depending on age, metal tier (bronze, silver, etc.), and carrier
● Family plans: Costs rise with family size. Averages range from $1097 for a couple to $2082 for a family of five.
Finding large-group plan costs:
● Contact insurance brokers or carriers. They can provide quotes based on your group’s specifics, such as industry, location, and employee health.
● Employer-sponsored plans: If you have employer-sponsored insurance, consult your HR department for plan details and costs.
Healthcare benefits can help with employee attraction and retention in several ways:
● Competitive advantage: Offering comprehensive healthcare benefits can give employers a competitive edge in attracting top talent. Job seekers often prioritize health care benefits when considering job offers, so having a strong benefits package can make a company more appealing to potential employees.
● Employee satisfaction: Providing health care benefits shows employees that their employer cares about their well-being and values their contributions. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately increasing retention rates.
● Improved productivity: Employees who have access to quality health care benefits are more likely to prioritize their health and well-being. This can lead to fewer sick days, increased productivity, and better workplace performance.
● Reduced turnover: Employees who are satisfied with their health care benefits are less likely to leave their jobs for better benefits elsewhere. This can help reduce turnover rates and save employers the costs of recruiting and training new employees.
● Overall, offering health care benefits can be a valuable investment for employers looking to attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market. By prioritizing employee health and well-being, companies can create a positive work environment that fosters loyalty and long-term commitment from their workforce.
Key features of Des Moines large group health insurance plans typically include comprehensive coverage options such as preventive care, hospitalization, emergency services, prescription drugs, mental health services, and maternity care. They often offer lower premiums due to the risk spread over a larger group and may provide wellness programs and chronic disease management.
Des Moines large group health insurance is offered by employers to their employees as a benefit, covering many individuals under one policy, often resulting in lower premiums and broader coverage. Individual health insurance is purchased personally, tailored to one’s health needs and financial situation, usually costing more with varying coverage levels.
To be eligible for large group health insurance in Des Moines, a business typically needs 50 or more full-time equivalent employees. However, specific criteria can vary by insurance provider, including the nature of the business, the industry, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) impacts Des Moines large group health insurance plans by enforcing coverage of essential health benefits, prohibiting lifetime and annual limits on these benefits, and implementing employer-shared responsibility provisions. Employers with 50 or more full-time employees must offer health insurance or face penalties.
Managing Des Moines large group health insurance plans involves challenges such as navigating complex regulations, ensuring compliance with the Affordable Care Act, managing rising healthcare costs, customizing plans to meet diverse employee needs, handling administrative burdens, and negotiating with insurance providers to secure competitive premiums and comprehensive coverage.
The best health insurance in Iowa depends on individual needs and preferences. However, Taylor Benefits Insurance, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare are among the top choices, known for their comprehensive coverage options and high customer satisfaction. These providers offer a range of plans to meet diverse healthcare needs, making them strong contenders for the best health insurance in Iowa.
The average health insurance cost in Iowa per month can vary widely, typically ranging from $200 to $600. This variation is influenced by factors such as age, plan type, and coverage level. To find the most accurate and up-to-date rates, it’s essential to compare plans tailored to your specific needs.
The largest health insurance provider in Iowa is typically Taylor Benefits Insurance, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, renowned for holding the majority market share and serving the highest number of enrollees in the state. Their extensive network and comprehensive coverage options make them the leading choice for many Iowans seeking reliable health insurance.
The most common group health insurance plans in Iowa are PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans. These types are popular among employers due to their flexibility in provider choice and comprehensive coverage options, making them a preferred choice for offering benefits to employees.
Yes, Iowa participates in the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, allowing residents to access, compare, and purchase health insurance plans through Healthcare.gov. The Iowa health insurance marketplace serves as a centralized platform for individuals and families to find coverage options that meet their needs and budget.
Determining which health insurance company has the best benefits depends on individual healthcare needs and preferences. However, companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare are often recognized for offering the best health insurance benefits, including comprehensive coverage options and additional perks, making them popular choices among consumers seeking quality care and value.
The difference between small group and large group insurance in Iowa hinges on employee count, with small groups having fewer than 50 employees and large groups having 50 or more. This distinction affects pricing and plan options, making the choice between small group vs large group insurance in Iowa crucial for businesses considering their health benefits strategy.
Iowa’s healthcare ranking places it favorably among other states based on recent national comparisons. Factors contributing to Iowa’s healthcare ranking include its access to quality care, efficient health outcomes, and preventive services. This reflects Iowa’s commitment to maintaining a high standard in healthcare services and patient satisfaction.
Many Des Moines employers face the challenge of balancing affordable healthcare plans with benefits that attract and retain quality employees. One effective way to manage costs is by working with an independent insurance broker who can compare multiple carrier options and customize a group plan that fits your company’s budget and workforce needs. Employers can also explore options such as high-deductible health plans paired with health savings accounts (HSAs), wellness initiatives to encourage healthy habits, and self-funded insurance arrangements for greater flexibility. These strategies can help control expenses without reducing the quality of employee coverage.
Premium costs usually depend on workforce size, employee ages, coverage levels, and chosen provider networks. Companies also consider deductible options and employer contribution amounts when selecting plans that balance benefits with manageable long term expenses.
Small employers in Des Moines often control rising premiums by adjusting plan design, increasing deductibles, and encouraging preventive care. Many also review carrier options annually and work with advisors to structure cost sharing effectively strategically.
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.
We just started working with Taylor Benefits and could not be happier. Todd gave us quite the education as well as some time saving tools to help us manage our HR and save money too. We are looking forward to a long relationship!”
-Carol, Accounting Manager, recruitment marketing company, Campbell, CA
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