New year, new cover: view your insurance with JC Lewis

Posted on

http://tipsbisnisku.biz.id//

The end of the year is the perfect time for small business owners to take stock of their operations, including one of their most crucial investments: health insurance. Employee needs, business growth, and healthcare regulations change from year to year, making it essential to review your current health insurance plan to ensure it still meets the needs of your business.

Even if you have already come to the conclusion that you are satisfied with your current health insurance, you will almost certainly have to make a choice for the new year. According to the website on Healthcare.gov,

“If you want to continue or change the insurance you offer your employees, you usually have to renew it every year. You may receive a notice from your insurance company when your company is approaching its renewal date, but this may vary by insurance company.”

At JC Lewis Insurance Services, we understand the importance of aligning your health benefits with your company’s goals. Let’s see why an annual review is crucial and why most important factors to consider when you reassess your coverage.

a human hand holding a holographic family figure under an umbrella

Why annual health coverage reviews are essential

Sometimes what seemed like a great plan a year ago no longer meets the changing needs of your business and workforce. For example one source suggested four “signals” you may need to change your subscription options for the new year:

  1. You are having difficulty paying for your current plan: One of the first signs that you may need to switch is when your health insurance premiums become too expensive for your business.
  2. Your employees are not satisfied: High employee turnover can be a sign that your employees are unhappy with your healthcare plan.
  3. Your business has grown: Growth is the heartbeat of any business, and that’s especially true for any startup or small business just getting off the ground.
  4. New and better options are available: If you take out your health insurance directly, without going through an intermediary, this could mean that you miss out on new, innovative health insurance products and competitive rates.

In addition to these indicators, there are several valid reasons why it is essential to review your care plan every year.

Employee needs evolve

Your team’s circumstances may have changed over the past year. New employees may have joined your company, others may have experienced life events such as marriage or the birth of a child, and some may now need expanded health care options.

By reviewing your health insurance plan annually, you can ensure that your offering meets the needs of your employees, increasing satisfaction and retention.

Healthcare costs are rising

Health insurance premiums often increase year over year and coverage options can change as providers update their plans. As one company recently noted,

“Health insurance premiums generally increase every year to keep pace with rising medical costs. And this year is no different. According to a KFF survey of 324 insurers planning to offer plans to the market in 2025, you can expect an average premium increase of 7%.”

By conducting an annual review, you can assess whether your current plan is still cost-effective or if there is a better option available.

Continue to comply with regulations

Healthcare laws and regulations evolve frequently, especially at the state level in California and Arizona. An annual assessment ensures that your company remains compliant with current laws, avoiding potential fines and penalties.

Change plan options

Providers often update or introduce new health insurance plans that may offer better coverage, lower premiums or additional benefits. An assessment allows you to stay informed and make adjustments that can save you money or improve employment conditions.

Business growth or downsizing

If your company has expanded or reduced its workforce over the past year, your healthcare needs may have shifted. For example, if your company now employs more than 50 full-time employees, you may have additional legal obligations under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Important factors to consider during your annual health insurance review

At JC Lewis we understand that it’s not just the health care considerations can be overwhelming at times, but most business owners or HR managers have very little time for these types of projects each year. One of our goals is to help you simplify and streamline the process. So here is a list of the five most important factors to consider when considering changes to the care plan.

  1. Employee feedback

One of the most important steps in assessing your coverage is gathering feedback from your employees. Ask questions like:

  • Are employees satisfied with the current plan options?
  • Do they feel that their healthcare needs are being met?
  • Are they facing issues with network providers or out-of-pocket costs?

This feedback provides valuable insights into whether your current plan is meeting expectations or whether adjustments are needed.

  1. Cost analysis

Examine your total health insurance costsincluding premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses for employees. Compare this to your company’s budget and assess whether the plan provides sufficient value.

If premiums have increased significantly, consider whether switching to a different provider or plan type can save money while maintaining the quality of coverage.

  1. Network availability

Healthcare provider networks can change from year to year. Make sure your employees’ preferred doctors, specialists and facilities are still in-network. If not, explore plans that better suit your team’s needs.

  1. Coverage gaps

Check your current plan to identify any gaps in coverage. For example:

  • Is mental health care adequately covered?
  • Does the plan include dental and vision benefits?
  • Are the costs of prescription drugs manageable for your employees?

Addressing these gaps can improve your benefits package and improve employee satisfaction.

  1. Legal and tax implications

For small businesses, offering health insurance often comes with tax benefits. Check to see if you qualify for tax credits, such as the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, and make sure you take full advantage of these benefits.

Additionally, confirm that your plan meets ACA requirements and other state-specific regulations to avoid costly fines.

The important role of JC Lewis in your annual review

At JC Lewis Insurance Services, we specialize in simplifying the process of reviewing and updating health insurance for small businesses. This is how we can help:

  • Extensive plan analysis

We evaluate your current plan with new options from top providers so you have access to the best coverage available. Our goal is to help you maximize your investment while meeting the needs of your team.

Every company is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for health insurance. We provide personalized recommendations based on your company’s size, budget and demographics.

It is critical that we comply with health care laws. Our team stays informed regulations in California and Arizonaso you can navigate the complexities of healthcare law with confidence.

We help inform your employees about their employment benefits, so they understand the opportunities and how to maximize them. This reduces confusion and helps employees make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Our commitment doesn’t end once you select a plan. We provide ongoing support all year round, assisting with renewals, claim issues and any changes that arise.

insurance files

Four common subscription types to consider

When looking at your health care coverage, it is essential that you understand the options available to you. While the specific details and features will vary from plan to plan and provider, the basic plan structures remain unchanged:

  1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

Healthcare organizations offer lower premiums and predictable out-of-pocket costs, but require employees to use a network of providers and obtain referrals for specialists.

  1. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

PPOs offer more flexibility by allowing employees to see suppliers outside the network, although this typically comes at a higher cost.

  1. High deductible health plan (HDHP) with HSA

These plans combine high deductible insurance with a Health Savings Account (HSA)with tax benefits and lower premiums. They are an excellent choice for companies with younger or healthier employees.

  1. Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

EPOs combine elements of HMOs and PPOs and offer lower premiums than PPOs but require employees to remain within the provider’s network.

Your partner for informed choices for health insurance

Choosing the right health insurance policies in the new year requires careful consideration small business. This includes understanding your employees’ needs, evaluating plan options, managing costs, ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting wellness. With expert guidance, companies in California and Arizona can continue to provide valuable health care coverage that increases employee satisfaction and supports overall business growth.

Working with a specialist insurance company like JC Lewis Insurance Services can provide the expertise and support needed to navigate these complex decisions successfully.

Start the new year with confidence

The start of a new year is a new opportunity to ensure your business is on the right track. Reviewing your healthcare coverage will not only help you stay competitive in attracting and retaining top talent, but will also ensure you manage costs effectively and stay compliant with ever-changing regulations.

At JC Lewis Insurance Services, we are here to guide you through this crucial process. With our local expertise in California and Arizona, we provide customized solutions that meet the unique needs of small businesses.

We also work with seniors seeking additional Medicare and prescription drug benefits. If you have questions about Small Group Insurance (1-50 employees), Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), or other concerns an employer may face, JC Lewis can guide you to the ideal solution.

Contact us today and let our team help you find the ideal solution that meets your unique needs, creates a thriving workplace, and achieves your business goals for the new year.

JC-Lewis-Benefits-CTA

thanks to visit http://tipsbisnisku.biz.id/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *