In most instances, group health insurance is usually fairly affordable, however it does come with some “must do” provisions.
As one may expect, the term “group health insurance” implies that all workers at a certain company must ‘opt in’ for the coverage provided. In most instances as well, the employee is expected to pay the first of their premiums within a 30-day time frame or they will not have automatic coverage.
The other thing an employer would need to know about buying a group health care plan is that there are a couple of choices when it comes to the sponsored Employee Retirement Income Security (ERISA) plans. Those choices are insured and self-insured. There are also non-ERISA plans, but these are more applicable to groups such as church organizations.
Employees will usually find that group insurance is normally the least expensive kind, although many companies do offer a variety of other plans that range from a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) to a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Other companies prefer to just stick with the tried and true group health plan coverage and that is it.
In the case where the employer offers PPO, the worker is expected to pay a monthly premium. However, this type of plan does not allow the choice of a physician for the major reason that they use massive doctor networks that provide medical care. The options here allow choices (from the network) of a primary care doctor. The choice of hospitals is also limited in a PPO to those in the network only. It is highly likely a co-payment will be demanded when services have been rendered.
Basically a PPO is a group of doctors, hospitals and/or other health care service providers that offer services at a lower price. This isn’t to say there is no choice to go to a doctor outside the network. However, the cost to you personally would be much higher than using a PPO network doctor.
While the various choices of which group health care plan to choose may be confusing, talking to a local health care insurance agent will sort that out quickly and efficiently. The advice is free and their information is tailored to meet the needs of the organization seeking group health care benefits.
To learn more about Florida group health insurance, Tampa group health insurance, Sarasota group health insurance, Miami group health insurance, or Orlando group health insurance, visit Grouphealthflorida.com or call 1-800-873-5713.
