small group health insurance | Bernardini & Donovan

April 2, 2014September 8, 2016

ACA Extension to Individual Health Insurance “Keep Your Plan” Rules

Responding to intense consumer (and voter) allegations of promises not kept, the Obama administration announced another extension for those wanting to keep current individual and small group health insurance plans. People can keep current, non-compliant coverage plans for the next two years. During Congressional debate about adopting the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the President promised Americans "if you like your current plan, you can keep it."

However, as the implementation date of the ACA approached, the White House changed its position. After many insurance companies issued termination notices, in November 2013, to insured people and groups, the President allowed a one-year extension of non-compliant healthcare plans.

However, consumer and small employer dissatisfaction continued. In March 2014, the White House announced a further extension increase from one to two years. The Department of Health and Human Services, Treasury Department and the IRS have issued "regulatory guidance" to help you understand this latest policy change.

The two-year extension to the Affordable Care Act allows you to keep otherwise non-compliant plans through October 1, 2016. This applies to both individual health insurance and small group health insurance plans already in force.

For more information about changes in the Affordable Care Act, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance in the Redlands, California area. Their professionals can explain these confusing changes, in simple English, in small group and individual health insurance plans. Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services understands these ACA changes and can help you comply with ACA requirements.

March 28, 2014September 8, 2016

Contact a Certified Covered California Agent Today!

If you are one of the millions of Californians in need of health insurance, you should consider a certified agent as your go-to for the numerous questions you might have lingering about the Affordable Care Act or Covered California.

Certified agents are trained and subsequently certified to help you with your individual or small group health insurance needs. They know the state and federal laws better than anyone, and are ready to answer any quandaries you might have.

Additionally, since certified agents are registered through Covered California, you can verify the identity of the individual you are working with before you hand over your sensitive personal information. This is just one more way to protect yourself from predators who lurk amidst the insurance system. The Covered California Service Center is always available for this kind of verification via their business office: (800) 300-1506.

For more information about individual health insurance or small group health insurance in Covered California, contact a certified agent at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance.

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.

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.

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