Employer benefits questions, answered simply

With a conversation, not a proposal. We talk with the owner or HR lead first to learn about your team, your budget and what isn't working today.

Only after that do we put options in front of you.

It depends on the type of plan and the insurance company. Some options are available to very small groups. Others require a minimum number of employees.

We'll tell you honestly which options a business your size can actually get.

It varies by insurance company and plan. A simple group setup can often be in place within a few weeks after you choose a plan.

We'll give you a realistic timeline for the option you pick.

Group plans usually have eligibility and participation rules. Examples include full-time versus part-time status and a waiting period for new hires.

These rules are set by the insurance company, not by us. We'll walk through who is eligible under the plan you're considering.

That's up to you, within the insurance company's rules. Some employers pay the full premium. Others split it. Some let employees choose richer coverage and pay the difference.

We'll lay out a few ways to share the cost so you can see what each one means for the business before you decide.

Often, yes. But the details depend on your business structure and how the plan is set up.

We're not tax advisors. We'll point out where a tax question may come up, and we recommend confirming the details with your CPA or tax professional before you decide.

With a fully insured plan, you pay a set premium and the insurance company pays the claims.

With a self-funded plan, the business pays claims directly, usually with stop-loss coverage above a certain amount. Costs can be lower in a good year and higher in a bad one.

Which one makes sense depends on your group size and how much risk you're comfortable with. We'll explain both.

No. As Licensed Independent Insurance Agents/Brokers, we're paid by the insurance company when a group plan is placed, not by you.

Reviewing your current setup and putting options together costs nothing, whether or not you move forward.

Yes. A second look costs you nothing. We can review your current group plan and either confirm it still fits or show you other options.

There's no obligation to switch anything.

Yes. Some businesses build a full package from scratch. Others already have a medical plan and want to add dental, vision, life or disability coverage.

We plan around what you already have.

Yes. We help coordinate employee enrollment and answer your team's questions along the way.

We also stay involved for renewals, plan changes and issues that come up during the year.

No. We work with several insurance companies, and appointments vary by state. We'll tell you plainly which options we can and can't offer for your group.