Group medical insurance, which provides coverage for a group of people, such as employees of a company, has undergone significant changes in recent years. Here are some trends that have emerged in the group medical insurance market:

1. The shift to high-deductible plans: One trend in group medical insurance is the move towards high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) also know as HSA qualified plans. These plans often have lower premiums, but require individuals to pay a higher deductible before insurance coverage kicks in. While HDHPs can save companies money on premiums, they can also place a financial burden on employees who may have to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses.
   
2. Increased focus on wellness: Many group medical insurance plans are now incorporating wellness programs to encourage healthy behaviors and prevent chronic diseases. These programs may include incentives for employees to exercise, eat well, and participate in health screenings.
3. The rise of telemedicine: Telemedicine, or the use of virtual consultations with healthcare providers, has become more popular in recent years. Many group medical insurance plans now offer telemedicine as a way for employees to access healthcare remotely, which can be especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Changes in drug coverage: The cost of prescription drugs has been a hot topic in the healthcare industry, and group medical insurance plans have had to adapt. Some plans now have tiered formularies, which categorize drugs into different cost tiers and require higher copays for more expensive drugs.

Overall, group medical insurance has evolved to meet the changing needs of employees and employers. While some trends, such as the shift to HDHPs and the rise of telemedicine, have been driven by cost concerns, others, like the focus on wellness, aim to improve the overall health and well-being of covered individuals.

​Are you going to the HR Conference on Monday? 

Lets make an appointment  to review a new group benefits plan that:
- Gives More Plan Options to Employees
- Lowers Costs for Employees and Companies
- Integrates Cloud Admin, HR Support, Payroll and time off

Text me at (714) 900-2363 for an Appointment or for more info.

What can you do to stay healthy and avoid getting sick? You can get certain preventive care, take medicines and practice healthy behaviors. 
When you go for your next checkup, talk to your doctor or nurse about how you can stay healthy, no matter what your age.

​1. Do you have the same Insurance company year over year?
Most times it best to change companies for savings. Check back for the last few years, have you been with Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, the whole time? You should probably look for other options.
  
2. Is the Insurance Invoice varying each month?
Look out for Employee Terminations, New Hires, Added Family members, etc.  Some employees are left on for months after being terminated, and you are still paying for them.
 
3. Are payroll deductions unchanged?
Look out for premium increases on each employee birthday. Are Dental and vision being deducted from payroll? Are the deductions pre-tax? Make sure you set-up a 125 plan to make benefits pre-tax for employees and the company.
 
What we do:

• Shop coverage every year. It is in our clients best interest.
• Track new hires and terminations
• Create a worksheet with Employee name, plan, rates and deductions
• Help set up a 125 plan for pretax treatment of benefits.

 

​It’s summer and you don’t want anything to get in your way. That makes this an especially good time to get up-to-date on your immunizations. This month you can learn more about protecting yourself with vaccines, which ones to get and when to get them! 

​Make sure you know exactly which vaccines you should get. The CDC schedules simplify immunizations with clear recommendations by age and gender.  To keep track of your child's immunizations, use the Childhood Immunization Record below!
​

ERISA sets standards for employee benefits plans to ensure they are fair to employees and are financially sound.  ERISA does not require all business to offer benefits plans; however, for those that do, it does require you to do so in a fair manner, and communicate the benefits clearly to employees.

An important part of following ERISA standards is to provide a Summary Plan Description to employees within a certain time of employment at the company. Annual Benefit Report and other notices.

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), together with the Department of the Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has the statutory and regulatory authority to ensure that workers receive the promised benefits.

How does this affect your business?  ERISA applies to companies of all sizes that have employee benefits.  Compliance violations can be steep; however, it is very EASY to comply.  Contact us or your benefits broker to find out how to easily comply with ERISA.
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For more information: ​http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/elg/erisa.htm
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​BLUE LIGHT IS FORCING US TO CHANGE THE WAY WE LOOK AT OUR DEVICES

Digital technology has changed the way we live. From our phones to our computers, today’s devices simplify our lives, allow us to be more efficient, and keep us connected. But with all the benefits of modern digital technology comes a significant concern.

WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?
Blue light is a high-energy range of light within the visible light spectrum. Light within the visible light spectrum is measured in nanometers (nm), with shorter wavelengths representing the highest energy. Blue light resides in the space between 400-500nm where the shortest wavelengths are located.

​WHO NEEDS BLUE LIGHT PROTECTION?
Who needs to be protected against blue light? Everyone! Whether you spend your days at home, in a classroom, an office, or on an assembly line, blue light pervades every sphere of daily life. However, some individuals are more vulnerable than others.

oBLUE LIGHT PROTECTION YOU’LL FEEL CONFIDENT WEARING
Until now, choosing blue light protection has meant walking around with colored lenses. Lenses that absorb blue light tend to have a strong yellow or orange appearance. Coatings that deflect blue light produce a purple color on the surface.

Sharper Image® TechShield both absorbs and deflects blue light. And with a near-clear appearance, you’ll never have to worry about compromising your looks to protect your eyes.

No Prescription? No Problem!
Blue light doesn’t discriminate. Protection is essential whether you need corrective lenses or not. That’s why Sharper Image TechShield is formulated to work as well on non-prescription lenses as it does on corrective eyewear.

Use your VSP Vision Benefits to save up to 40% on Sharper Image® TechShield
Reduce your exposure to blue light and save! Your VSP benefit provides a savings of up to 40% on Sharper Image TechShield. TechShield is an advanced anti-reflective coating that helps combat digital eye strain associated with blue light exposure from smartphones, tablets, and computer monitors, as well as LED and CFL lighting.

Contact us for a VSP and TechShield provider. Don't have VSP, its easy to sign up, just contact us!

Contact us if you have any questions:  (800) 846-5902