
Health Insurance works by distributing the costs of medical services over the number of members in any plan. These plans work on the law of averages…the larger the number of people, the lower the costs.
Group Health insurance plans compound savings because they are generally offered through an individual’s employer, meaning the company has contracted with an insurer to cover each worker. Family members and spouses are generally covered by the employers’ plan, until the age of the majority(typically 18, unless a full time student) for children in most states. Regulations differ, however, and a licensed insurance agent will be able to provide the proper information about coverage limits.
Group health insurance plans may also cover workers and their families if one of them has been diagnosed with a chronic condition. If insurance coverage is maintained over time, an insurer will be required to pay benefits according to plan guidelines. All pre-existing conditions are covered under a group policy. Those who are in between jobs or otherwise lose their group health insurance coverage for longer than 61 days may not have this option/benefit available. Depending on the carrier, certain pre-existing conditions may not be covered under one’s next group health insurance policy for customers who have not been diligent or not conferred with a licensed insurance agent.
Freelance, contract, and other self-employed workers generally do not have the same access to group health plans as those in traditional employment situations. Similarly, employees in small businesses with less than 20 workers may not have group health options available through their company’s human resources staff. Many times, at employees’ request, a small business owner will provide insurance options to their employees.
Several options exist for these employment types, including some group health insurance options. An individual policy may make sense for some part-time or contract workers because the plan will be portable and flexible to match their changing employment situation. Those who have membership in some professional situations may be able to have the best of both worlds.
If you pay dues to an alumni association, a society of professionals or other private membership organization, you may be able to find group health insurance plans as one of the benefits of being a paying member. It may be necessary to comply with a set of guidelines that is more stringent than regular membership, and may also require a medical exam for those looking to enroll. However, by getting coverage along with hundreds or thousands of their peers, premiums may be lower than individual plans with similar or possibly increased benefits.
Small business owners may also be able to create their own group for health insurance purposes. In most states, two or more non-related employees who have formed a company may be able to apply for group health insurance coverage with their new firm. The savings may not be as great as those offered to larger firms, however it can be a benefit to attract new workers or obtain coverage for individuals who might not be able to obtain coverage separately because of a pre-existing condition. It may also offer health insurance options to those who may not have found the right individual health insurance option or those looking for a tax deductible expense for their company.
Due to the multiple members and families involved in a small group quote, it is impossible for a online comparison. Filling out a quick, one page questionnaire below will allow our licensed health insurance agents to create multiple custom quotes and options for your group.