By Judy Ture
Chances are everyone has an insurance
plan. Whether it is through your employer or
you are retired and have a policy directly with
a carrier, there are professionals available to
help you buy coverage.
Maybe you own a small business or maybe
manage a large business with over 50 employees.
How are your benefits purchased? Looking
at all of your employee services, payroll,
benefits, handbooks, etc., is a big job.
With all of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
controversy and the multiple aspects of insurance,
some businesses may not know what to
do and need assistance.
Agencies around the area are staffed with the experts to assist with all of the details involved with buying employee benefits. Looking at all the options and clearly defining what matters most to you and your staff is what a good agent does.
Let’s face it health insurance is expensive. However going into the hospital or facing a cancer diagnosis is going to cost plenty of money and time off from your normal life style. So the protection received from a good valued plan is top priority. Looking at your network of providers and out-of-pocket maximums, should there be a year with medical events, is important.
Where do you find the sufficient levels of coverage and premiums that meet your budget? Adding deductibles and more out-of-pocket costs are what most people do when faced with health insurance premium increases. No one wants a $2,500 deductible, but how else do we budget for what the future holds and the care we all will need?
There are many plans available and many new options soon to be released for sale with the New York State Exchange programs. Now you can shop online and buy a health plan, but maybe you still want a person to help you. Agents throughout the Capital District are your number one choice.
Businesses should research the other programs that work nicely with your health insurance plan, group life insurance, group disability, group dental, and group accident/ cancer plans. Packaging your benefits is easy when you have a knowledgeable agent.
Also, a good agent is there when you have questions regarding the personal side of insurance. Life insurance, home and auto–whatever it is–there are professionals that are worth their weight in gold as assist with all aspects of the insurance market.
Whether you have one question or have a need for special services, agents are ready to give attention and cater to the needs regarding, senior plans, health insurance, life, dental, disability, vision, and many other insurance needs.
Some of the small local agents have the same rates as the larger more complicated agencies and offer the personal service that is perfect in today’s markets.
Businesses spend a great deal of money on health insurance and are probably still paying high deductibles and co-payments when using the services. What is best for a business and what is happening with the entire industry should be an agent’s top priority.
Judy Ture is managing partner with Employee Benefits Center LLC in Saratoga Springs.
Photo Courtesy of Employee Benefits Center LLC