Benefits Buzz
Just like a certain beloved movie from the ‘80s that used a DeLorean to take us to the future, we now have a vehicle that can be used today, in 2014 and well beyond – defined contribution health benefits.
Health insurance producers and consultants should educate their clients on the defined contribution benefits strategy now because this trend is not going away anytime soon. In fact, nearly 50% of employers “definitely or probably will” switch to defined contribution in 2013.
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), the year-end FSA frenzy is here. FSA participants that may have contributed too much money may be in panic mode, but it does not have to be that way for you. Let’s take a look at some ways to use your FSA money.
Visit your:
- Doctor to make sure to get all immunizations done.
- Dentist/Orthodontist to get a check up on those pearly whites.
- Optometrist to get an eye exam! Buy a new pair of eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, or even stock up on contact lens solution.
- Dermatologist to get prescriptions, such as acne treatments.
Opportunity's always knocking. Just open the door.
If everyone knows that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, then why isn’t cross-selling a universal practice? Cross-selling is a great tool for client retention, as well as prospecting. Your clients and prospects may not be aware of the full portfolio of your offerings.
So, don’t think twice about reviewing all options during the renewal/enrollment process. This is your opportunity to suggest how they can enhance their benefits program. And yes, even if they feel satisfied with what they offer currently.
More and more, employers are starting to offer high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) in their benefits program. Correspondingly, the rate of employees enrolled in a HDHP has grown year-over-year. Even though this isn’t the standard health plan option you might be used to, here are four reasons to be thankful for your HDHP this enrollment season:
- Covers 100% - Just like a traditional health plan, basic preventive services such as vaccinations and wellness exams are covered at 100%! You can stay proactive with your health care and save money.
In their own words, politicians on either side of the fence agree that the middle-class is hurting.
“Middle-income families are being crushed.” – Mitt Romney
“The Middle Class has been buried.” – Joe Biden
A hot topic during the 2012 presidential election has been health care reform and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). American workers are paying more out of their pocket for health care expenses than ever before. No matter which party line you side on – everyone seems to agree that the financial burden carried by the middle class is disproportionate in one way or another.
The Affordable Care Act may have some health insurance producers feeling anxious, but the proactive producer will stay educated and know every option out there to remain a key player in the distribution of health insurance. From timely topics such as Medicare, and trending topics like consumer driven health plans (CDHPs) and our own private insurance exchange, which was designed with the producer in mind – we are discussing what matters most to your future – right now!