- Providing world class service and value for employee benefit group plans since 1987
Offering the right group health insurance and employee benefits package is one of the most important decisions a business owner in Rhode Island can make. With the cost of living rising across New England and healthcare costs remaining a top concern, employees are placing more value on workplace benefits than ever before. About 90% of large firms and 56% of small firms offer some form of health insurance to employees, showing that benefits are now a standard expectation in the workplace—not a bonus.
In Rhode Island, where small businesses make up a major portion of the local economy, providing comprehensive and affordable group health plans can be the key to keeping and attracting great talent. Employees want health coverage that includes preventive care, prescription drug coverage, mental health services, and more. On the other hand, business owners are looking for solutions that are budget-friendly and simple to manage.
This is where experienced providers like Taylor Benefits Insurance step in, offering customized solutions for employers of all sizes across RI. Let’s dive into what Rhode Island employers need to know about employee benefits and how group insurance plans can work in their favor.
Health insurance in Rhode Island is more than just a safety net—it’s a tool for business growth and stability. With many companies competing for skilled workers, offering solid employee benefits sets a company apart. Here’s why it matters:
Retention and Recruitment: A good benefits package can help keep top employees from leaving and draw new ones in. According to a MetLife survey, 73% of employees say better benefits would keep them at their current job longer.
Improved Productivity: Healthy employees are more focused and miss fewer days at work. Coverage that supports preventive care and wellness programs helps reduce absenteeism.
Tax Advantages: Employers can often deduct the cost of group health insurance premiums. Offering benefits may also allow a company to qualify for small business health care tax credits.
Positive Company Culture: When employees feel cared for, they’re more engaged and loyal. Health coverage shows a commitment to staff well-being.
Especially in a close-knit business environment like Rhode Island, reputation matters. Word spreads fast—businesses that treat their teams well tend to earn long-term trust and community support.
Group health insurance in Rhode Island can take different forms depending on the size of the business, budget, and coverage needs. Below are the most common options that employers in RI consider:
Fully-Insured Plans: These are traditional plans where the insurance company takes on the risk. Employers pay a premium, and the insurer handles all claims and administration. These plans are simple to set up and manage.
Self-Funded Plans: Larger companies sometimes opt to pay for employee health claims directly. This option can offer cost savings but also brings higher risk.
Level-Funded Plans: A hybrid of the above, these offer fixed monthly payments like a fully insured plan, with the chance to receive a refund if claims are lower than expected.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO): HMO plans require employees to use a network of doctors and get referrals. PPOs allow more flexibility, often with higher costs.
Many Rhode Island businesses also explore Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) as part of their benefits strategy. These tools help employees save money on medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.
One significant change to RI large corporate health insurance contained in the ACA is that all health coverage must include ten minimum essential coverage benefits to comply with the law. This requirement is an integral part of ensuring comprehensive assistance to the insured, including workers and members of organizations.
These health coverage services include:
Employer-sponsored insurance must also meet affordability standards, including limits on premium expenses and requiring the plan to cover a set level of potential subscriber costs. These are considerations that are set in place to protect the wages earned by employees. Some states, like Nevada and Georgia, have added other provisions to the list of mandated benefits. In Rhode Island, insurers must offer these additional services:
While small business employers (with fewer than fifty workers) don’t have an obligation to offer health assurance to their eligible crew members, they may want to. Health insurance is a top wish-list perk for full-time employees and recruits. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that almost half of small businesses offer protection to their workforce, but enrollment is low. That might be because the workers get health coverage from another source or find the cost too high. Regardless of whether your business is based in Rhode Island, Nevada, or Georgia, we’re here to help find an affordable plan that suits your needs and fits within your budget.
A good group health insurance plan is just the start. Rhode Island companies that want to truly compete for talent also consider a broader benefits package that may include:
Dental covers and Vision Coverage are typically not included in basic health insurance but are highly valued by employees.
Life Insurance and Disability: Group life and disability insurance help support employees in difficult life events, offering peace of mind.
Mental Health Support: With mental health becoming a top priority, benefits that include therapy or counseling are increasingly common.
Paid Time Off (PTO) and Family Leave: In RI, employers must also be aware of state leave laws, including the Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act.
Retirement Plans: 401(k) plans or IRAs help employees plan for the future. Matching contributions make the offering even more appealing.
Wellness Programs: Onsite wellness activities, gym memberships, and even access to nutritional guidance are great add-ons.
By combining these options, employers in Rhode Island can build a benefits package that not only supports their staff but also helps them stay competitive in their industry.
Understanding state-level rules can help employers stay compliant and avoid penalties. Rhode Island has a few specific requirements related to health insurance:
Small Group Coverage: In RI, small businesses are defined as companies with 1–50 employees. Insurers must offer coverage to these businesses if they apply, regardless of employee health conditions.
State Exchange: Rhode Island operates its own marketplace for health coverage called HealthSource RI. This can be an option for small businesses looking for ACA-compliant plans.
Mandates: Some services, like mammograms and mental health coverage, are mandated by state law to be included in all health plans offered in Rhode Island.
Partnering with a licensed insurance consultant like Taylor Benefits Insurance ensures that business owners stay on top of current state requirements and changes that may affect their plans.
With over 25 years of experience in employee benefits and group health insurance consulting, Taylor Benefits Insurance understands what Rhode Island employers need. Here’s why companies continue to trust Taylor Benefits:
Customized Plans: No two businesses are the same. Taylor Benefits tailors each plan to fit the budget, company size, and goals of each client.
Access to Top Carriers: Taylor Benefits partners with all major insurance providers, allowing clients to compare multiple group plans and find the best deal.
Compliance Support: From ACA regulations to COBRA and ERISA, Taylor Benefits helps employers stay compliant without the stress.
Cost Control: By analyzing usage and providing cost-saving alternatives, they help businesses lower premiums while improving coverage.
Ongoing Service: Unlike some agencies, Taylor Benefits continues to support clients year-round, assisting with renewals, claims issues, and updates.
For businesses in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, or anywhere else in Rhode Island, Taylor Benefits offers peace of mind and dependable service.
If you’re a business owner in Rhode Island looking for the best group health insurance or employee benefits package, the team at Taylor Benefits Insurance is ready to help. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing plan, they’ll walk you through all your options and provide tailored guidance based on your unique situation.
Contact Taylor Benefits Insurance today at 800-903-6066 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Discover how affordable and flexible group health insurance can be for your Rhode Island business.
For a better understanding of what your employees are looking for in their healthcare benefits, peruse our informational menu. Begin by visiting the “Learn the Basics” section of Healthsource RI, Rhode Island’s official state healthcare marketplace. Apart from RI, we also extend our customer service to states like Colorado and Virginia. We offer shopping advice for suitable plans and assist in managing your company’s healthcare account, no matter the place of operation.
The most significant benefit of subscribing to a large group health insurance plan is the opportunity for all subscribers to pay lower premiums than they would pay for individual policies. This is possible because the insurer can spread the risks among more participants regardless of gender, allowing lower per-person costs.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Rhode Island health protection:
The most significant benefit of a large group health insurance program is that all subscribers will be able to pay lower premiums than they would pay for individual policies. This is possible because the insurer can spread the risks among more participants, allowing lower per-person costs.
Rhode Island employers may want to consider incorporating these elements into their benefits plan:
The employer can choose the benefit elements that resonate most with their workers. Offering a generous plan will help ease your workers’ financial stress and may enhance their loyalty and productivity.
Small employers may pay a higher price than large businesses, but often less than the cost of individual coverage. The average employer contribution for individual employee coverage in Rhode Island is $5,795 annually, which covers 79 percent of the typical premium.
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.
We’re ready to help! Call today: 800-903-6066