Health insurance introduction
Company Health Insurance
Employees consistently rank health insurance as the most important of all their benefits. Not surprisingly, U.S. companies spend hundreds of billions of dollars on health insurance every year.
There's no question that over time, the landscape for company-provided health insurance has changed considerably -- conventional indemnity plans have almost vanished, and consumer-driven plans have widely taken hold. The three most popular varieties of company health care plans offered today are health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and point of service plans (POSs).
But as premiums continue to rise, it's becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to manage costs. Small businesses in particular are faced with the tough choice of stretching their budgets to absorb the entire expense or passing some of the burden to employees.
Further complicating the issue is the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka health care reform), which continues to be a hot topic of debate, leaving employers feeling uncertain about the rules around company health insurance plans.
It can be tough to figure out which plan is best for your business. With so many variables at work, it's highly advisable to work with a health insurance agent or broker. These professionals can help you understand current laws and regulations, evaluate available plan options, and find the right solution for your company. And since company health insurance is so important to your employees and such a huge expense for your business, it's worth taking the time to make the right choice.
This BuyerZone Health Insurance Buyer's Guide will walk you through the various types of coverage, describe how to shop for a plan, and give you some tips on getting the most out of your health insurance coverage. We can also put you in touch with health insurance vendors or brokers in your area - free.
