Last Updated: June 19, 2019
It’s already that time of year again, when small business owners across the country are gearing up to renew their health benefits plans for 2020, or considering offering them for the first time. It’s common for both employers and employees to feel a little overwhelmed and anxious while navigating the various health care plans; however, choosing the right mix of medical plans is just the start.
Once business owners have selected health benefits plans for the coming year, they will need to be properly communicated to employees. Communication truly is key so employees are able to make the best choices and get the most out of their health benefits. A thorough understanding of health insurance terms goes a long way in reducing confusion. What is co-pay? How about co-insurance? What happens when the plan deductible is hit? And how does deductible differ from out-of-pocket maximum? To some, these terms may sound like a foreign language.
Do your employees understand their benefits? A recent study found half of the employees don't understand their employee benefits materials.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, only one in 10 people in the U.S. have a proficient level of health literacy. This becomes problematic when you consider The Institute of Medicine's findings. They found people who don’t understand health and medical insurance terminology, are less likely to make smart decisions about when and where to seek medical care and are more likely to use costly emergency rooms or end up hospitalized. Additionally, health benefits consistently rank as the most important employer offered benefit and has the ability to attract and retain top talent. However, if businesses don’t take the time to educate their employees about basic benefits terms, employees may not realize the value of their benefits or use them.
It takes more than offering your employees a great health insurance plan. To maximize the benefit, employees must fully understand the policy and insurance terms.
Here are eight health benefits terms often used during benefits open enrollment season. A printer-friendly, downloadable version can be found 8 Health Benefits Terms Defined.
A percentage of health care costs, e.g. 20 percent, that the covered employee pays after meeting the deductible.
The fixed dollar amount, e.g. $50, for each doctor visit that the covered employee pays for medical services.
A fixed dollar amount that the covered employee must pay out-of-pocket each calendar year before the plan will begin reimbursing for non-preventative health expenses. Plans usually require separate limit per person and per family.
A list of prescription drugs covered by the health plan, often structured in tiers that subsidize low-cost generics at a higher percentage than more expensive name brand or specialty drugs.
HSAs may be opened by employees, who enroll in a high-deductible health plan. Employees can put money in an HSA up to an annual limit set by the government. For 2019 the limit is set at $3,500 for individuals and $7,000 for family coverage using pre-tax dollars. Employers may also contribute funds to these accounts within the prescribed limit. HAS funds may be used to pay for medical expenses whether or not the deductible has been met. No tax is owed on funds withdrawn from an HSA to pay medical expenses. HSAs are individually owned and the account remains with the employee after employment ends.
An HDHP features higher annual deductibles (for 2019, a minimum of $1,350 for self-only HDHP coverage and $2,700 for family coverage) than preferred provider organization (PPO) or health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. With the exception of preventative care, covered employees must meet the annual deductible before the plan pays benefits. However, HDHPs may have significantly lower premiums than a PPO, HMO or another traditional plan. The 2019 limit on out-of-pocket expenses (including deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance, but not premiums) is $6,750 for self-only coverage and $13,500 for family coverage.
Unlike HSAs, only an employer may fund an HRA, and the funds revert back to the employer when the employee leaves the organization. HRAs are not subject to the same contribution limits as HSAs, and they may be paired with either high-deductible plans or traditional health plans.
Health plans cover a greater share of the cost for in-network health providers than for providers, who are out-of-network.
Axcet HR Solutions has more than 30 years of experience delivering quality medical benefits to Kansas City businesses. When you choose us to administer your business’ employee benefits, you’ll experience these great perks:
Related Reading: Do you know the difference between self-funded and fully insured employee medical benefits? Find out seven important concepts every business owner should know in our free report. Download it toda
Looking for help managing your employees' health benefits program? Turn to Axcet HR Solutions.
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