While the Affordable Care Act has helped over 20 million people get health insurance, it’s not always the best choice. Although it’s been a tremendous asset to millions of self-employed, part-time employees, and others who weren’t covered before, it’s not always right for employers. If you’re a medium-sized (or larger) employer or administering a medium-sized or bigger group, Obamacare isn’t for you. Here’s why.

An inconsistent approach to health plans

There are dozens of plans available on the ACA marketplace. Although this choice is a great thing for individuals, when it comes to understanding and implementing this across your business, it’s going to be an administrative nightmare.

There’s a huge variance in the types of plans, benefits, premiums, copays and deductibles offered by all the different plans and insurers. Combine this with confusion over networks and coverage, and your HR department will spend much of their time just trying to understand the myriad differences.

If you can offer your employees a simple and defined set of health insurance plans, it’s much easier for them to get the right information and understand all of the various benefits and payments they need to make for health insurance coverage. This means less confused, happier employees.

Obamacare may not offer the most cost effective plans

Premiums for ACA marketplace plans have been increasing year on year, and subsidies vary depending on an employee’s income. This combination of variable premiums and subsidies means an employee may not necessarily be getting the best deal through the open marketplace.

A dedicated health insurance broker can negotiate prices on health insurance plans on your behalf, and pass the cost savings onto you and your employees. If you’re employing more than a few employees, you can get good discounts for “economies of scale.”

You’ll lose your free health insurance broker

Don’t underestimate the value a good health insurance broker can provide. As experts in health insurance they can:

• Provide helpful information to you and your employees.
• Answer any questions about health insurance, premiums, and coverage.
• Work closely with your HR department to give employees the information they need.
• Negotiate better prices with insurers on your behalf.

Increased worry and confusion among your employees

No one wants to spend too long worrying about their health plan. Most people just want to know they’re properly covered, that their premiums are reasonable, and that their health will be taken care of. When you offer a clear and defined set of health insurance plans, that makes things easier for everyone. The combination of a single point of contact in HR, proper information about health insurance, and support from a broker, gives your employees the confidence they need.

As you can see, the combination of a simple and consistent approach to health insurance is better for you and your people. When you combine that with better pricing, expert support, less administration, and more confident employees, it just makes sense to talk to your health insurance broker. They’ll help you decide which plans are best for your people, and give you the service and expertise you and they need to make an informed choice.

Jill Goulet
Risk Management Consultant
jgoulet@srfm.com