What's the Best Group Health Insurance Plan for Your Employees:

Each of your employees will have different needs and concerns when it comes to selecting an insurance policy. Not everyone will be able to afford the same type of insurance and many may have specific concerns or requests for their health insurance plan.

Before you purchase a group health plan, it is important to sit down with your employees and ask them what they would like to see in their individual health insurance plan. Even though you may not be able to please everyone, you will have a better idea of the needs of your employees and you can shop for the plan that meet the majority of these needs.

Here are some helpful questions you can ask your employees before you select your group health insurance plan. Make sure to take notes so that you can keep track of what they feel is important to their health coverage. When you have completed your question and answer session, you can compile the answers to get a snapshot of what your employees will need.

1. What type of insurance plan would they prefer? The three main types of group health insurance policies are: HMO, PPO and POS. Each type of plan has different requirements and offerings for level of care. You may need to help your employees understand each of the different types of health insurance policy so that they can make an educated decision. Be prepared with a fact-sheet from your insurance representative or from our other articles that will assist you in helping your employees find the best fit.

2. What is more important: Lower deductibles or lower monthly premiums? If your employees need a health plan that is HSA eligible, they will need to pay higher deductibles. Or, if they prefer to keep their initial costs lower, they will need a plan with a lower monthly premium.

3. Do your employees wish to open health savings accounts? As we mentioned previously, if your employees want to use an HSA to pay for their medical expenses, they will need to have a high deductible health insurance plan. This means that their deductible must be greater than $1000 annually. It is important that your employees understand all of the implications and benefits of using a health savings account.

4. Do your employees need additional benefit riders? If your employees need dental and vision care in addition to their regular health insurance policy, you will need to purchase additional benefit riders to fill these needs. Some of your employees may wish to add-on maternity care or other benefit riders to their plans. Try to make a list of all the benefit riders your employees may need.

5. Do your employees need life insurance riders? Many group health insurance companies are now offering additional life insurance policies for their policyholders. Is this something that your employees would be interested in?

6. Do your employees need a non-cancelable policy? Many group health plans have hidden provisions that allow a health plan to be cancelled. If your employees are concerned about this issue, you will need to find a health insurance plan that does not arbitrarily cancel policies.

7. Do any of your employees have specific health insurance needs? In addition to benefit riders, your employees may need specific coverage for certain conditions. Keep in mind that you cannot discriminate against any of your employees or applicants if they have a pre-existing condition. However, it is helpful to know what your employee’s needs are in this area.

8. How quickly do your employees need coverage? Insurance companies typically have a waiting period before coverage takes affect. This may be shorter for certain companies. If your employees need coverage quickly, you may need to narrow your search to companies that offer shorter coverage wait periods.

9. Can your employees get a health exam for coverage? Certain group health insurance companies require employee physicals before coverage can be approved. Are your employees willing and able to schedule a physical if this is required?

These are just a few of the questions that you can ask your employees to determine what type of insurance policy they need. You will also need to figure in your own requirements and costs before making your final decision.


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