Business Insurance | Bernardini & Donovan

January 1, 2014September 8, 2016

The Value of an Agent When Finding the Right Large Group Health Insurance Plan

The value of an agent is apparent when you need answers to questions concerning large group health insurance plans and policies. A reputable agent doesn’t just sell you a policy. They explain it in the finest detail so you understand exactly what you are getting for your money. Your agent is the one you contact when you have to file a claim or if you need to update your policy. When the insurance company has questions concerning an accident or health claim, your agent is the one who acts on your behalf to make sure all of your insurance needs are meant.

Large group health insurance policies are designed to provide the best possible coverage for individuals who are part of a specific group. Because several people are subscribing as a unit, the cost of coverage can be dramatically reduced. If you have any questions concerning insurance coverage for large a large group of individuals contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services. They can answer your questions and help you get the coverage you need.

December 27, 2013September 8, 2016

Buying Group Health Insurance for Small Businesses — Why You Need an Agent

Purchasing group health insurance can be a rather intimidating task for any small business owner. This is especially true when you try to do it all on your own without any help. However, the process can be made a lot easier and less daunting when you decided to let a professional agent assist you in choosing the right group health insurance plan for your small business.

The value of an agent is hard to sum up in just a few words or even a couple of sentences. For starters, an agent sells insurance plans for multiple insurance companies, which means they have a variety of options at their disposal. At the same time, however, some agents may only sell for one or two insurance companies and can actually offer a lower premium cost. Agents can help ensure that you pick the right small group health insurance in regards to cost, the plan itself, and more.

For many small businesses, the problem with purchasing group health insurance is the cost. Many small businesses are hanging on by a thread as it is and cannot really afford to purchase health insurance, which is now required. In order to see if you can save money or qualify for a tax credit, considering the new Obama SHOP exchange is a good idea. Group health insurance can be quite expensive for a small business owner, so the SHOP Exchange may assist in lowering costs.

For any questions or help with finding the right group health insurance for your small business, call Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services of Redlands, CA, and speak to a professional and helpful agent.

December 23, 2013September 8, 2016

How an Agent Can Help You Navigate Through the SHOP Exchange

Individuals who are interested in understanding the benefits of having a small group health insurance plan should talk to an agent that specializes in the SHOP Exchange. Customers will quickly learn the value of an agent when they begin considering the many insurance options that are available through the Exchange. Agents who work with the Exchange are familiar with the different policy variations can work with small groups who are looking to purchase the right type of health insurance.

For more information about health plans for small or large groups of people, contact the reputable agents of Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services. They can answer your questions and find the right health insurance plan to meet your group’s individual needs. The company’s agents specialize in servicing the needs of both large and small groups. If you or your group needs assistance navigating the SHOP Exchange, call their office today and speak with one of their qualified agents.

December 18, 2013September 8, 2016

Latest News on Large Group Health Insurance

When it comes to the Affordable Care Act changes are coming not only for those on individual plans but group plans as well. New projections are showing that up to 80 million Americans that previously had group health insurance plans provided by their employers may be without coverage as of January 1, 2014.

The ACA is requiring many changes to the minimum levels of coverage that must be offered as part of a health insurance plan. This means a more comprehensive plan for employees and family members that are covered by each plan. Unfortunately, many small businesses may be unable to provide the new minimum levels of benefits because the cost may be too great.

Individuals and families that become affected by the loss of group benefits must then find coverage through the health insurance marketplace. Many individuals that are navigating through the ACA enrollment period have recently learned the value of an agent to assist in the process. An agent can help break the different policies down and also help ensure you have the proper coverage for you and your loved ones.

For more information on the Affordable Care Act or to contact a certified Covered California agent, visit Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services online today.

December 12, 2013September 8, 2016

Nothing Says More About a Company Than Testimonials!

The following is a testimonial from one of our wonderful clients:

“Bernardini & Donovan has assisted our law firm with our health insurance needs for almost a decade. Right from the start, they impressed us with their efficient and professional manner. Their customer service is top notch and their staff is knowledgeable and experienced. They have consistently taken the time to answer our questions, address our concerns, and search for the best possible coverage to fit our needs while looking for competitive rates.

I sincerely appreciate all the assistance they have offered our firm and would highly recommend their services to anyone.” – Megan B.

October 18, 2013September 8, 2016

Covered California SHOP Exchange

Starting in January, 2014, the Covered America SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) will help California small businesses provide affordable small group health insurance for their employees through the program’s small business health insurance marketplace. The SHOP exchange will make it easy to offer employees a large selection of health plans generally only available to larger employers.

Small-business owners may enroll in the Covered California plans beginning on October 1, when the exchange is launched, for coverage effective Jan. 1, 2014. Depending on which of the 19 pricing regions they reside in, employers and employees will be able to choose between 3 or 4 carriers. SHOP plan choices will have good provider networks, a standardized set of benefits and a choice of insurers at competitive prices.

While rates will vary based on the region, the premiums for Covered California SHOP insurance coverage is fairly comparable to 2013 small-group market rates, which can possibly save small businesses money. There are four levels of health insurance plans offered under Covered California — Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Small-business owners will be able to shop online through the exchange to compare available coverage options for their employees.

Employers will be able to choose the best fitting coverage level, then choose the anchor plan that suits their budget. For more information about choosing the best level and anchor plan for your small business, contact the Redlands, California insurance experts, Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services , today.

October 14, 2013September 8, 2016

How Covered California Will Support your Small Business

Like many small business owners, you probably have questions about Covered California and how it can provide insurance coverage for you and your employees. Covered California is a marketplace developed specifically for small businesses with up to 50 qualified employees.

The marketplace, also called the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP exchanges) will make it easier to compare a variety of competing high-quality, qualified health plans from private insurance companies, including small group health insurance plans similar to those offered to large businesses.

Covered California will support your small business by:

Providing Control. You will be able to choose if or when to participate in Covered California, and to determine your own level of contribution toward your employees’ coverage.
Expanding Employee Options. You will be able to offer your employees their Qualified Health Plan choice from several insurance companies.
Simplifying Options. Covered California will offer the ability to compare health plan benefits, quality and premiums side-by-side.
Making Insurance Affordable. Covered California spreads insurers’ administrative costs, sharing them between more employers. Additionally, if you have less than 25 employees, you may qualify for small business tax credits.

Offering your employees high-quality health insurance, keeping them healthier, happier and more productive is a competitive advantage in the labor market. For more information about how Covered California can benefit your small business, contact the Redlands insurance experts at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services.

October 4, 2013September 8, 2016

Small Group: Covered California Opened for Enrollment Oct. 1st

Due to the signing of the Affordable Care Act, most adults will be required to purchase public or private insurance by the beginning of the new year or face a fine. Under California’s new Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), Covered California opened for small group enrollment on Oct. 1, 2013, for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

California businesses with less than 50 employees can benefit from better choices, online tools and competitively priced, small group health insurance plans similar to those previously only available to large group employers.

While small businesses are not required to enroll in the Covered California’s SHOP, and are not penalized for not participating, the exchanges will allow you to more easily provide health insurance to your employees. In addition, some businesses with less than 25 employees may be able to take advantage of Federal tax credits only available through SHOP.

Small business owners can begin enrolling in the SHOP plans on October 1, 2013, when the health exchange opens. The plans are competitively priced, and will allow you to offer your employees the ability to choose from a variety of plans, while possibly qualifying for federal tax credits.

Are you ready for the new federal health care laws going into effect in 2014? If you have questions about how to provide affordable small group coverage for your employees, or are confused about how an exchange works, contact the Redlands, California insurance experts at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services today.

July 31, 2013September 8, 2016

Large Group Reforms Delayed till 2015

In July of 2013, the Obama Administration announced that it was delaying the large group reforms of its insurance mandate until 2015. That was a significant issue for companies that knew they would have to provide coverage for a significant number of employees. The smaller groups and individuals who are required to purchase insurance will still need to have that in place by January 1st of 2014, however, as the change does not apply to them.

For companies to fall under the mandate extension, they need to have 50 or more full-time employees. However, that’s not as simple as it sounds. These employees are what’s considered to be “full time equivalent” workers. If they have worked an average of 30 hours or more per week in a given month, they fall under that designation. Companies need to keep careful track of their workers’ hours in order to determine whether they fall under the mandate or not. With the large group reforms delayed, many companies that would otherwise have to spend a lot of money for insurance very soon will be able to wait a bit longer.

For more information on large group health insurance in the Redlands, CA area, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services today.

July 24, 2013September 8, 2016

Healthcare Reform: Employer Responsibility

As the fully implemented Healthcare Reform provisions go into effect on January 2014, employer responsibility becomes a national issue. Although there are some pieces of Healthcare Reform that have already started to change, the brunt of the law and its implications are waiting in the wings.

Large groups and their employers play a major role in the effectiveness of the law. While most large group employers do offer health insurance options, they must keep in mind that non-compliance with the law is not an option. If they do not comply, stiff penalties will result. Large group employers now carry a certain amount of employer responsibility that has never been an issue.

Additionally, employers of large groups will now have to report their health care coverage compliance to the IRS, ensure all employees are notified about health care exchanges available, and run the risk of getting into serious trouble if they completely ignore the law. Employer responsibility is no longer a choice, but a requirement that all employers of large groups must adhere to.

For more information on employer responsibility and how your large group organization must comply with the laws, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services.

Category: Business Insurance