The health insurance industry has changed rapidly during the managed care revolution. If and when an employer decides to offer group health coverage to his employees, deciding which type of plan to offer as well as which company to use is no simple task. - Which is the way to go – HMO, preferred provider organization (PPO), point of service (POS)?
- Would my employees prefer going to their own doctors or would the physicians available in an HMO be sufficient?
- Which plans to offer alternative medicine treatment?
- How many people do I need in order to qualify as a group?
Usually, the deciding factor in selecting a plan for most business owners ends up being the bottom line or monthly expense. But just as important as premium, there other more important considerations when selecting a quality health plan for employees. After all, offering a top flight health plan can insure the future of a business. A good health plan can help retain good employees and aid in attracting prospective employees.  |  | | Group Health Plan will protect your employees and their family - a good health plan can help retain good employees and aid in attractive prospective employees. |
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HMO's, PPO's and POS's have many features in common. But in the end, each of the more than 1,000 plans now in existence is distinct in its own way. Benefits offered and premiums charged may be similar - but the quality of the provider selected, responsiveness to patients complaints and general policies that the plans operate under may be worlds apart. Group health plans are categorized as small (2 to 50 employees) and large (50 and above). Prior to July 1,1997, the smallest group allowable was a 3 person group. When the industry realized it was missing out on a significant number of new group cases they reduced the minimum size group to 2. This enabled the growing number of entrepreneurs now working from home to qualify for group rates. Previously, point of service plans were structured so that an insured needed a referral from their primary care physician to see a specialist out of network. Most POS plans now offer Open Access (no Gatekeeper) plans which eliminate the need for referrals. The only significant difference between gated and non-gated plans is cost (non-gated plans are typically 4-5% more than gated plans). Our agency will continue to monitor developments in the managed care revolution and our benefits professionals invite you to call us about health coverage that's affordable and fair. | 
