Arkansas Group Health Insurance & Employee Benefits Plans

Trying to rise above the competition as an Arkansas-based business means you need to find a way to stand out, not just in this state, but also potentially across states. One great way to attract and retain hard-working, qualified individuals is by offering them comprehensive health insurance and employee benefit packages. As a business owner, it’s important to care for your employees so they can better care for health themselves and their families at home. You might consider implementing an easy-to-use app to make benefits management simpler. Employees could shop for healthcare providers, check their account details, and access frequently asked questions and forms about dental and pharmacy services. All this can be part of a blueprint portal for member rights and health benefit information. Of course, you need to accomplish this while staying within your benefits budget, which is where Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency can assist. They can provide all the necessary information relating to enrollment, copay, and other plan details.

When you have the support of a licensed insurance broker at Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency, you can expect to get precisely what you need from a group health and employee benefits plan. Our professionals will network with some of the leading insurance carriers, from various states, to identify the right approach for you. Leveraging the rights outlined in your member forms, they’ll modify your plan as necessary, even negotiating costs to get your company’s workers an even lower insurance premiums, based on accurate quote comparisons.

Group health insurance coverage is a plan covering a number of people under the same contract. With this blueprint in place, a convenient portal for managing benefits can be of immense help. All members of the group will get the same level of coverage, regardless of their occupation, age, and gender. This plan is an excellent tool for creating a united front among individuals in your business. Large group health insurance will eliminate the hassle of buying a separate insurance plan for every member of the company.

What is Group Health Insurance Coverage?

Often, employers offer group health insurance coverage to their employees as part of their compensation and benefits, providing valuable assistance to their workforce. Imagine a scenario where your employees can simply log in to an app, and within a few clicks, shop for health care providers, check their account details, and understand their rights and member forms. In many cases, the plan is also available for participation by spouses, kids, and other dependents of the group members.

A group insurance plan may offer services to the following groups:

Types of Group Insurance

The eligibility requirements for group health insurance plans will depend on the insurer, but typically include these:

  • Formal groups are typically the employees of a corporation or other organization (like a nonprofit.) The employer of the group selects and purchases the group health insurance policy, according to their budget and their employees’ needs. The company might choose an indemnity health insurance plan, a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, or a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. The company is the sponsor and determines the coverage and how to share the cost with subscribers.
  • Informal groups share a common affiliation other than an employer. It might be that they hold the same credit card, belong to a cultural organization, or are members of a social group or even an alumni association. The group’s administrator buys the small business health insurance plan on behalf of the group members.

Who Can Be a Part of a Group Health Insurance Coverage?

Today, large or small business health insurance is more widespread than ever across many states. Most people realize the importance of health insurance, and the need to offer enrollment options that allow employees to choose the one that works best for them, possibly through a bespoke app designed for seamless account management and rights understanding.

  • The minimum number of members may range from 2 to 50. Some small groups with just ten employees may be able to benefit from a group insurance discount. In other cases, the insurer may require 50 or more participants. Also, some insurers require a specific percentage of eligible subscribers to enroll.
  • The members of the group should be a minimum of 18 years old.
  • All members should be full-time and active members of the company or other sponsoring organization.
  • There may be an upper age limit for participation. A few plans come with a maximum age limit of 60 years, while others allow entry till 80 years.

How can Employers Benefit from Group Health Insurance?

Let’s take a look at how the plan is beneficial for employers:

The salary you pay to your employees is often a primary inducement for hiring and retention, but it might not always be enough. You need to show your employees that you care for them, and one way to achieve that is by providing robust benefits. When you sponsor an Arkansas small business group insurance cover, it’s a significant step in the right direction for creating a positive work environment. Adding a convenient app to manage their benefits could be the icing on the cake.

Positive Work Environment and Improved Performance

Satisfied employees are more productive and more likely to stay with the company. One crucial contributor to employee satisfaction is a good benefits package, which can often tip the balance for job-seeking individuals. Comprehensive care health coverage and easy access to FAQs about dental and pharmacy benefits, all through an intuitive app, could make all the difference.

Having a cover provides financial security for your workforce, as they can seamlessly handle their health and dental needs, consult their rights, and fill necessary forms, all through the integrated blueprint portal.This, in turn, will help boost employee retention as the employees get the assurance that their healthcare costs are going to be taken care of. Employees can reduce their financial stress when they aren’t worried about medical expenses and are protected by the ACA essential benefits that allow them to take care of their health concerns. This also includes alleviating grievances related to administrative forms, which for travelers and citizens alike can often be a significant headache.

Boosts Employee Retention

Creating a positive impression in your industry helps build strong, lasting relationships with customers and vendors. Offering comprehensive group insurance plans can be a significant factor in this image. These plans could have additional cybersecurity protections against potential cybersecurity attacks, reflecting an awareness of modern realities. Providing small business health insurance or health savings accounts demonstrates your goodwill toward your employees. This helps foster loyalty among the employees towards the organization and will pay off in a better reputation in the community as well. It is of no surprise that such actions can cultivate a positive image in the area, making your business a coveted place to work.

Creates a Good Impression in the Industry

Related articles indicate that Arkansas companies offering qualified health insurance may be eligible for Medicaid or tax credits to cover some of the premium and administrative costs. These could include medicare and medicare related costs. Group plans could be a good option too, depending on the number of employees, the average wage paid, and the amount of the premium subsidized. In addition, collaborations with pharmacies could lead to further savings, countering costs and ensuring that employees receive their necessary medications. Several coverage options are now available to cater to the unique demands of each small business.

Offers Potential Tax Credit Benefits

If a potential or current employee has a choice between similar positions with two companies, they’ll consider factors including the salary, incentives, and perks. To make your offer more enticing, consider presenting an attractive benefits package that rivals your competitors. This may include factors such as worker’s compensation, grievances redressal mechanisms, and even a lower health insurance bill for the employees. Additionally, extending health coverage to the employee’s family members will cast a positive light on your business and further distinguish you from competitors.

Gives You an Edge Over Your Competitors

Since health coverage policies include individuals with a range of health conditions, the risk is distributed across the participant group. The more participants there are, the lower the overall financial risk. This risk distribution allows the sponsoring company to save money compared to the cost of a comparable policy for an individual. Highlighting how small business health insurance plans can be as much as 30% cheaper than individual health plans due to favorable rates by law can also be a compelling selling point in recruitment.

Value for Money

Because of changes prompted by the ACA, Arkansas small business owners can now provide healthcare benefits to their employees at a more affordable price. A small business health coverage may enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, thus contributing positively towards the overall health of the organization.

How can Employees Benefit from Group Health Insurance?

Here are some of the top benefits of group insurance for employees as extrapolated from reliable articles:

One of the primary benefits for employees is knowing that they are covered in case of an emergency. You may be very healthy, but that doesn’t eliminate the potential for an accident or illness that requires hospitalization or other care. In that situation, knowing you have medical coverage makes a difference in your outlook, whether it’s the financial ability to afford prescription medications from approved pharmacies, or the peace of mind knowing you’re protected against unforeseen health issues.As a covered employee, you don’t have to worry about how to navigate the complexities of medicare basics, eligibility requirements, or figure out how to pay for medical services you need. Nasco, for example, is one of the many websites where you can get reliable insurance information. If your employer is paying all or part of the premium, simply press enter and access your coverage, a financial benefit that also complements your salary.

Financial Savings on Coverage 

Being able to include your dependents in your employer coverage is a tremendous benefit, a veritable exclamation mark in your password-protected coverage package. With this, you can avoid the expense and stress of finding adequate protection for your family on insurance menu providers. Of course, coverage varies according to the specific components of your policy, but you can enjoy the convenience of including everyone in the same insurance policy, which is imbued with the spirit of the law.

Health Coverage for Families

For consumers holding individual health insurance policies, having to pay for services initially and then seek reimbursement from their insurance company can be a burden. But using websites like MoveIt to manage the digital aspect of this task can relieve some stress. However, when your business offers group plans, you greatly alleviate such financial stress for your employees. With coverage through a small group policy, you typically pay only your deductible and any coinsurance amount. Thus, you get to enjoy a stress-free experience without worrying about whether you can afford a doctor’s visit.

Easy Claims

Arkansas small business employees spend a lot of time scrutinizing content and examining health cover details on various sites, such as the ‘arhome’ portal. It can be challenging to navigate through different notices, understand the variable costs and advantages of each plan, and then decide which products are the optimal fit.

Tips to Get the Best Group Health Insurance Policy

Insurance companies, acting as adept sales agents, concentrate on making the sale, hence, as an employee or employer, you should take this sign as a signal to consider these tips: When evaluating health coverage, don’t simply select the plan with the cheapest price. A broader view may reveal that cheaper insurance plans often do not offer complete access to healthcare services, Instead, ensure the plan includes everything your employees need.

Dont Automatically Select the Least Expensive Option

Healthcare service costs are escalating every year, often much more than household income, posing a significant concern for you and your employees. Although your ‘arhome’ small business employees can opt to get individual coverage through the ACA (Affordable Care Act) marketplace, it’s often more advantageous for small companies to provide sufficient coverage.

Seek Adequate Coverage Limits

When considering the choices on site, ensure that the plan you contract has adequate coverage and offers affordable premiums for your workforce.

The network size of the small business health insurance plan will have an effect on the number of options employees have when they view the list of healthcare providers and the amount they have to pay out of their pocket.

Network Structure and Size

Regarding PPO and HMO options, some plans have a limited network of hospitals, specialty care, and doctors. Subscribers receive maximum benefits by choosing providers within the network. That doesn’t mean they can’t use out-of-network providers, but they might have to pay more for the doctor or hospital they prefer.

It’s a better idea to choose a plan that includes a broader network of providers.This way the members of the health plans will have the option to view and choose from more hospitals and doctors through the ‘arhome’ site, which functions much like a member portal. Here, members will have access to plans resources insights on a range of healthcare providers, adding an exclamation mark sign of assurance to their choices.

When employees are sick, is it convenient to get medical care? Does the health plan offer telehealth options or other convenient service delivery choices? Check if the plan has a 24/7 nurse care line for answering questions from subscribers and an online chat with medical personnel. These plans are convenient for the employees and help in keeping the cost under control. It’s like having an NDRS (Next Day Resolution Service) at your disposal.

Questions to Ask When You are Choosing Group Health Insurance 

Does the Plan Help the Employees Get the Care They are Looking for?

A good small business health coverage plan isn’t just about the treatment of illness and injuries. It is also designed to promote good health and wellbeing. When your employees are healthy, it is good for your business. If they are healthy, they don’t take unexpected days offs, and they may be more productive. Consider choosing a plan that includes free employee health assessments, wellness incentives, and the resources like a magazine, to keep employees engaged and healthy. It can be a great way for them to partici(pate in their own health journey).

How will the Health Plan Keep All My Employees Healthy?

Prescription drug expenses can be a significant challenge for some workers, and the high cost is often hidden in an insurance policy. Some insurers have complex formulas for covering essential drugs, so make sure you inquire about the coverage tiers, deductibles, and copayments. If the plan has a large number of excluded drugs, that could be a red flag. It is essential to consult with the board of directors and HR to have these particulars examined and addressed.

What Kind of Pharmacy Benefits Does the Health Plan Provide?

When you compare group and individual health plans on the ‘arhome’ site, it may seem that the group plan gives less flexibility. But remember, your ultimate aim as an employer should be the overall health and satisfaction of your employees. Navigating the health insurance industry can often feel like deciphering a complex menu of options. That could reflect the need for coverage that is appropriate for a wide range of individual needs. Just as one might scrutinize a menu to order the perfect dinner, you might notice the same requirement with insurance plans. Sometimes an individual plan is customizable to match the preferences of the subscriber in a way that a group plan can’t meet. High-quality customer service, available over the phone, can guide you through the choices. Still, choosing the employer-sponsored group plan is likely to be a more significant benefit overall, saving you time, money, and stress. If your employer also pays part of the premium, that’s an added benefit.

What are Potential Concerns for Employees?

Limited Healthcare Benefits

As a subscriber of the employer-based health insurance plan, you forego the ability to customize your coverage much like ordering from a set menu – you won’t have all the options, but the quality could still be satisfactory. Some companies do offer a choice between a basic and a more comprehensive plan providing you with a little room to place an order matching your preferences. If yours does, you may have to pay more to get the specific options you prefer.

Lack of Control

When you are getting group life insurance coverage from your employer, you should not just limit yourself to knowing the benefits it has to offer. It’s worth putting on a customer service hat and noticing the finer details. Just like perusing the pages of an informative magazine or logging into a user-friendly member portal, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek answers. You should dig a little deeper to make the most of the health plan.

How to Make the Most of Your Health Insurance Plans

Here we are going to discuss some tips provided by customer service experts, which will help you maximize the benefits of your health plan:

It’s a great idea to take advantage of the insurance coverage that your employer offers you. However, if you have access to coverage from another source (for example, if your partner’s company provides insurance for dependents), consider maintaining both. If the premium cost isn’t prohibitive, there are times when dual coverage can be beneficial.

Keep Secondary Health Insurance

The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to offer preventive care without a deductible. That includes appointments for vaccines, mammograms, blood pressure checks, dental and vision checks, and other services that help subscribers stay healthy. It is available with no copayment, and taking advantage of it can help you improve your overall health.

Make Use of Preventive Care Offered by the Policy

Much like a dining experience where ordering off the menu can get expensive, with a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) you are encouraged or even required to use medical service providers within the network. If you seek care from a doctor or hospital outside the network, you will definitely pay more for the service.

Stick to the Service Provider Network

Understanding insurance policies can seem like learning a new language on the phone with a customer service representative-all the while flipping through a confusing menu of choices. Two of the most common types of health insurance are group and individual health insurance. Here is a look at some of the differences:

Group Health Insurance vs. Individual Health Insurance Coverage

Group insurance is provided to you by your employer or another organization and is sponsored by the company. Because the policy covers a group, the premium is based on the risk of all the participants, not just yours. In contrast, if you buy an individual or family policy, the amount you pay depends on your medical history, age, gender, and the selected plan. Like ordering a specific dish from the menu, you control it and can cancel at any time. With employer-based coverage, you will lose your insurance if you change jobs or retire.

What are Group and Personal Health Insurance?

One of the significant advantages of a group health plan is cost. Since the overall premiums are often lower and the employer may pay all or at least some of the expense, it can usually save you money, much like going for the set menu option in a restaurant.

Affordability

One of the significant advantages of a group health plan is cost. Since the overall premiums are often lower and the employer may pay all or at least some of the expense, you can usually save money. On the other hand, an individual plan may be more costly, and the expense will likely increase as you age.

Health Insurance and Employee Benefit Plan Options

  • Group health insurance
  • Group dental insurance
  • Group vision insurance
  • Group short and long term disability insurance
  • Group life insurance
  • Long term care
  • ACA compliance
  • Section 125 cafeteria plans
  • Group 401k
  • Group retirement and pension plans
  • Workers compensation
  • Medicare
  • Prescription plans
  • PPO, HMO, HSA and FSA health plans and accounts

Relevant Statistics

  • Over 80% of employers in Arkansas offer group health insurance to their employees.
  • The average annual premium for group health insurance in Arkansas is $6,500 per employee.
  • Approximately 90% of Arkansans with employer-sponsored group health insurance have access to preventive care services.
  • Group health insurance coverage in Arkansas includes over 3,000 healthcare providers within the network.
  • The average deductible for a group health insurance plan in Arkansas is $1,200 per year.

General Facts

  • Group health insurance in Arkansas provides coverage for a group of people, such as employees of a company or members of an organization.
  • It helps to protect individuals against high medical costs by sharing the risk among a larger pool of people.
  • Arkansas law requires certain employers to offer group health insurance if they meet specific criteria.
  • Group health insurance plans in Arkansas typically include coverage for essential health benefits, such as preventive care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.
  • Employers often contribute towards the cost of group health insurance premiums, making it more affordable for employees to access healthcare services.
Arkansas group health insurance plans

Arkansas group health insurance plans

If you’re interested in learning more about Taylor Benefits and how our experienced brokers can help your business thrive, give us a call today at the number listed at the top of this page or visit our offices. We will discuss your options and even provide you with a FREE estimate! With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, we know we can help you get exactly what you want from a comprehensive group health and employee benefit plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance And Employee Benefit Plans in Arkansas

These are concise answers to frequently asked questions about Arkansas health insurance coverage.

What Are the Benefits of Large Group Health Insurance Plans in Arkansas?

A large group health insurance plan is the best option for large businesses with more than 50 employees in Arkansas. The advantages of large group health insurance plans are that they offer insurance at a lower cost. Other details include:

  • Deductibles
  • Coinsurance
  • Employee dental programs and coverage
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  • Employee vision insurance and care
  • Employees’ drug coverage
  • Comprehensive healthcare strategy
  • Employees’ major medical expenses
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Employee wellness initiatives

How Do Small Business Group Health Insurance Plans Work in Arkansas?

There are several ways that insurance plans work for small businesses in Arkansas.

First, small businesses can insure themselves with a simple group health plan. The company selects the insurer and the structure, negotiating for the coverage and premiums. The employer and the employees often share the cost.

The second option is the Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA). Employers can offer a certain amount of money in benefits each month to employees who purchase insurance individually.

It is also possible to invest in a health reimbursement plan such as Group Coverage Health. The company would provide a group health plan and a monthly allowance to cover to cover for the expenses. 

The riskiest options for small business health coverage plans are self-funded plans. Instead of making a monthly payment, employees submit their medical bills or prescription medications, and employers compensate them accordingly. 

Lastly, Associate Health Plans (AHPs) are another option for small businesses. An AHP is when a group of smaller firms within an industry or location join forces to purchase coverage from an insurance company for a larger insurance policy.

What Benefits Do Employers Offer in Arkansas?

Most Arkansas companies provide health plans that cover the majority of medical treatments and equipment, including prescription medications, doctor’s appointments, and surgeries.

Dental and vision plans must be purchased separately because most health insurance policies do not cover these.

How Much Do Employers Pay for Health Insurance?

The amount the employer will pay to provide a health plan depends on multiple factors. The larger the company is, the lower the per-person price is likely to be. However, large companies with over fifty employees must ensure that the employees’ share of the policy premium is not more than 9.12 percent of their income. That could result in the company paying a greater share.

Written by Todd Taylor

Todd Taylor

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.



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