The length of time it takes to have a plan approved varies from carrier to carrier. However, if complete documentation is provided up front, two weeks is a typical time frame to have a plan approved. If there are individuals who have medical conditions a carrier finds serious, extra time will be needed to review medical records.

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Can I offer an HMO and a PPO to my employees at the same time?

Yes you can. There are a number of carriers that allow a group to offer both an HMO and a PPO to their employees. This is an excellent opportunity for small employers to offer their employees a choice in the type of coverage they want. These types of plans allow an employee who is looking for a low cost, high benefit plan and an employee who wants a higher cost, less restrictive plan to
each get the plan they want.

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The plan must be offered to all full-time employees. Depending on the carrier, the employer can determine the amount of hours one must work to be considered full-time. You also may be able to
exclude certain classes (e.g. management, line workers, office staff) from coverage. For example, if you have both union and non-union employees you could offer the plan to one group and not
the other.

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IMPORTANT—NEVER CANCEL YOUR EXISTING COVERAGE UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY A NEW CARRIER, RECEIVED THE NEW CONTRACT AND APPROVED OF THE COVERAGE.

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Setting up a plan is a fairly simple process. After providing us with the necessary information, we will shop the market for the carriers that meet your requirements and offer our recommendations. After you have decided on a plan, you will need to submit applications for each employee and one for the group itself. Upon receipt of the completed applications, we will submit them to the carrier for approval.

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Yes. Group health insurance contracts are "unilateral." The employer agrees only to pay the premium and the insurance company is obligated to provide the benefits as stated in the contract. You can terminate your coverage at any time without penalty.

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Would it be less expensive to buy directly from the insurance carrier?

NO. In fact, some will not sell directly to businesses. The rates that you receive directly from a carrier are the same rates we can provide for you. That means our professional expertise costs you nothing! No more calls to the 800 number and spending time in voice mail. We will do that work for you and free you up to spend your time growing your business.

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What are the advantages to working with a local broker over a national web site?

Health insurance is a state regulated industry. That means each state has a unique set of rules that must be followed. A East Coast broker won't know all of the Illinios state regulations. A West Coast broker will not know who the strongest companies are in the Chicago market. By focusing our business in the greater Chicagoland area, we can provide our clients with superior knowledge of the marketplace and expert personal service.

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