BCBSKS Small Group Health Insurance Decision Guide

BUILDING A HEALTHY BUSINESS: A DECISION GUIDE

Boost your bottom line and help keep your employees healthy with a Blue Care insurance plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS).

We’ll show you how.

2 –9 EMPLOYEES

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

5-20 08/15

SMALL GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE GUIDE 2-9 EMPLOYEES

Call 1-800-874-1823 to speak with a Small Group Account Specialist.2

I need help understanding my plan options, benefits,

deductibles and premiums.

I know what my business needs and I know what

I can afford.

I already offer health insurance coverage to my employees. Why should I switch to BCBSKS?

DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? You’re not alone. Follow along as we guide you through three familiar small group scenarios and answer your most common questions.



Kriste Hafenstein SMALL GROUP ACCOUNT SPECIALIST 35+ years serving Kansans

No problem! We know, you’ve already got a lot on your plate. Understanding the ins and outs of health insurance can be overwhelming. At BCBSKS, it’s what we do. When you contact us, we’ll walk you through your options step-by-step.

Some of your questions may be answered in the FAQs section of this Guide. The best way to tailor a small group health insurance plan for your business is to contact us. We’re here to help!

I need help understanding my plan options, benefits, deductibles and premiums.



Cindy Robitaille SMALL GROUP ACCOUNT SPECIALIST 23+ years serving Kansans

Super! When you call, we’ll ask you a few questions so that we can swiftly get you a quote for the plan that best fits your needs. For example:

How many employees do you have?

How many of your employees work full-time (30+ hours a week)?

How many of your full-time employees will participate in your health plan?

What are the out-of-pocket deductibles and co-pays you are looking for?

Will you offer dental, life, disability or other insurance as well?

Getting a quote is that easy. Let’s get you on the fast track to a health plan that your employees will appreciate. Contact us for a custom-tailored small group health insurance plan for your business. Let’s get started!

I know what my business needs, and I know what I can afford.



Shelley Pittman VICE PRESIDENT - SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTS 42+ years serving Kansans

Great Question! Along with providing affordable health insurance, we know GREAT service matters to businesses like yours. We’re Kansans, just like you! Our top priority is to serve our members every day. And we don’t stop there.

GREAT service extends to our provider networks. You simply won’t find another plan network like ours. It includes 96 percent of all providers in our service area, with 99 percent of all medical doctors and 100 percent of all acute care facilities.

It takes only a few moments to discover which Blue Care plan fits your needs. When you contact us, you’ll get personalized support and access to resources to help you lower costs and keep your employees healthy.

I already offer health insurance coverage to my employees. Why should I switch to BCBSKS?



What service areas does BCBSKS cover? BCBSKS serves all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte (103 of 105 counties).

What providers participate in BCBSKS plans? For 2015, 96 percent of all providers in the BCBSKS service area, with 99 percent of all medical doctors and 100 percent of all acute care facilities.

Can I decide the amount I’d like to contribute to my business’ small group health plan?

Yes! When you purchase group insurance with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, you have the choice and flexibility to decide the amount you’d like to contribute. Plus, we don’t dictate minimum premium contributions like many other health insurance companies do.

How will my employees’ health condition affect their eligibility to enroll?

You can add new employees regardless of their medical conditions.

Is my small business eligible to enroll in a BCBSKS Small Group plan?

EMPLOYERS: There are federal requirements to consider. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) indicates that a business must be operating on a full-time basis and enroll at least one common law employee. EMPLOYEES: Any employee who works for personal gain that averages 30 or more hours per week for the employer is eligible.

FAQs for Small BusinessesFor decades, our dedicated Small Group Account Specialists have been working hand-in-hand with small business owners like you. They know, firsthand, the struggles and questions you face and work hard to ensure you understand everything you need to know to make a smart, informed decision for your business. Here, you’ll find the most common questions we hear from small businesses like yours. If you don’t find an answer to your question, contact us. We’re here to help!



Who is the right person at a small business to handle the enrollment process?

The person at a business that handles enrollment is designated by the employer. For small businesses this is usually the person who is authorized to make a purchasing decision, usually an owner or officer of the company. We understand you’ve already got a lot on your plate. When you contact BCBSKS, we’ll walk you through your options step- by-step. Start by contacting us.

What plan options does BCBSKS offer groups of 2 to 9 employees? We offer a variety of health care plan options as well as dental and other ancillary products. Contact us, and we’ll help you to find the right plan for your needs.

All BlueCare options offer an outstanding value with an extensive provider network and excellent, accessible service and benefits, including:

• Direct access to a dedicated, local representative • A variety of plan options, all of which meet federal requirements • Choice and flexibility to decide the amount you’d like

to contribute • A worry-free plan that allows you to add new employees,

regardless of their medical condition • Comprehensive benefits including preventive care paid in full,

prescription coverage and more

I keep hearing about the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare). Does this impact small group health insurance?

Yes, everything is mandated by ACA. However, you still have options. We’re here to help you select the right coverage for your insurance needs.

When can a small business enroll in a BCBSKS plan?

You can enroll your small group in a BCBSKS plan throughout the year. Our effective dates begin the first of the month.

How long does it typically take to get coverage? In just a few minutes, we can help you decide on the plan and coverage that’s right for you and your employees. Once you approve the quote and decide to enroll, we’ll send you the paperwork for completion. The effective date is typically the first of the month following receipt of your paperwork.

What information do I need to have on hand to get a quote or enroll? On page 4 of this Guide, BCBSKS specialist Cindy Robitaille shares the questions we’ll ask to help you swiftly begin the process. Getting a quote is that easy! Contact us to get started.

My business is enrolled in a different small group health insurance plan. How easy is it to switch?

It’s as easy as picking up the phone. By contacting us, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right plan for your business’ needs. BCBSKS offers a variety of health care plan options as well as dental and other ancillary products. And, because we’re owned entirely by the people we insure, we help our members get the most for their health care dollars.

FAQs for Small Businesses (Continued)

We’re here to help! Contact a Small Group Account Specialist at BCBSKS today. CALL 1-800-874-1823In Topeka, 291-4303Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.

BCBSKS Small Group Health Insurance Decision Guide

Healthcare

Transcript of BCBSKS Small Group Health Insurance Decision Guide