Frequently Asked Questions
10–99 Employees
What do you mean by “10 – 99” direct new business sales?
Are there any preexisting condition clauses?
How many options are we qualified to offer?
How are other small employer groups trying to control their health care costs?
What if I choose to work with an agent or broker?
What type of group administrative help is available to me as a small business owner, who “wears multiple hats”?
If we offer a dental option, must all employees who enroll in the medical insurance accept the dental plan?
How long are the premiums quoted good for?
If an employee chooses not to accept the insurance offered, does that person need to appear on the census?
What other types of coverage can I obtain for my business?
What do you mean by “10 – 99” direct new business sales?
If your company employs from 10 to 99 eligible full time employees, it fits into the market segment this dedicated sales unit supports. Our account executives can provide you with an accurate, no obligation health care quotation based on the group census information you provide. The turn-around time for a group insurance quote can be as fast as several hours.
Are there any preexisting condition clauses?
There are many advantages in obtaining small-group health insurance coverage for your employees through Independence Blue Cross (IBC). One advantage is that IBC continues to serve as the insurer of last resort for the Philadelphia five-county region. What this means to small employer groups is that IBC will not turn a group application away due to any medical condition. In fact, not only does IBC waive preexisting conditions for group health insurance, but we also do not use medical questionnaires, medical underwriting, or medical history when determining rates for group sizes 2 – 99.
You can have the confidence to know that once you have decided to offer your employees the quality of IBC insurance coverage, you will be able to offer that plan to all of your administratively qualified personnel, regardless of the group’s or individual’s medical conditions.
How many options are we qualified to offer?
Groups of 10+ eligible employees can select a maximum of three medical plans with no more than two from each product line (PPO vs. HMO/POS) and a maximum of two Select Drug Program® options. This means groups of 10 or more eligible employees have the flexibility to offer up to three packages of combined medical and prescription drug benefits.
Groups of 2 – 9 eligible employees may offer two medical options, one from each product line (PPO vs. HMO/POS), along with one Select Drug Program.
How are other small employer groups trying to control their health care costs?
In an attempt to address the increased cost of health care, industry trends have shown that small and large employers alike are shifting some control of health insurance purchasing to their employees. This is mainly accomplished by presenting ‘cafeteria style’ benefits that the employees can pick from.
First, the employer determines which plans they want to offer to their employees. Then the employee can choose the plan that best fits his or her personal needs and pocket book. Smaller monthly premiums would have higher service copays; conversely, lower service copays may require contributing higher monthly premium copays.
Groups that are able to pay 100 percent of their employees’ premiums are using this same process in determining how to control health care costs. This is one of the reasons IBC developed the Flex Series. The Flex Series is a unique packaging of health benefits that allows employer groups to design a plan that fits all needs. Learn more about the Flex Copay Series and the Flex Deductible Series plans.
What if I choose to work with an agent or broker?
IBC greatly values the services provided by brokers and agents throughout the region. We provide you direct access to an experienced and licensed IBC account executive, but will be happy to honor a broker of record request should you choose to make a purchase through an agent outside the company.
What type of group administrative help is available to me as a small business owner, who “wears multiple hats”?
You can easily manage your group’s benefit administration through ibxpress.com, IBC’s secure website that provides you with 24-hour access to group benefits, administration, and billing information and capabilities.
If we offer a dental option, must all employees who enroll in the medical insurance accept the dental plan?
Dental enrollment is voluntary. There are participation requirements on the higher option “flex plan.” The plus (HMO) dental plan allows more flexibility and as few as two can enroll in the plan.
How long are the premiums quoted good for?
After final underwriting approval, your rates will be good for a period of one year from the quoted effective date of coverage. Initial filing deadlines must be met in order to receive a specified effective date of coverage.
If an employee chooses not to accept the insurance offered, does that person need to appear on the census?
Yes, all current employees must be accounted for on the census. They would simply fill out a Waiver of Coverage Form.
What other types of coverage can I obtain for my business?
In addition to health, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage, life & disability programs are available. These additional benefit options enable you to provide a fully comprehensive benefits package to attract and retain quality employees.
null