Checklist: Employee Health
Before constructing or choosing a health plan, find out what your employees want. After discussing options -- and controlling your employees´ expectations -- contact an independent agent or broker who should be able to provide a full explanation of choices.
When reviewing your insurance options with an agent or broker, ask the following questions:
- Is the insurance carrier licensed, accredited, reputable and financially secure?
- Are policies renewed every six months or each year?
- Is the plan easy to administer?
- Are claims processed and paid quickly?
- Does the insurer provide educational and other communications materials to employees?
- Does the insurer underwrite the policy as a group, as individuals or both?
- Does the managed care plan provide sufficient financial incentive to encourage employees to select network providers?
- How much will it cost the company on a monthly basis?
- Should you insure just for major medical expenses or for all medical expenses?
- Are there deductibles to pay before the insurance kicks in?
- After the deductible, what part of the costs is covered by the plan?
- How much more does it cost to see a provider outside the plan?
- What doctors, hospitals and other providers are part of the plan?
- Are there enough of the kinds of doctors you would expect to have?
- Are the providers located conveniently for your employees?
- Does the plan require permission for specialist referrals?
- Are there limits to how much will be covered by the plan?
- Does the plan cover the expenses of delivering a baby?
- Does the plan include prescription drugs?
- Does the plan include drug and alcohol treatment, mental-health care, home healthcare, hospice care, physical therapy and so-called experimental treatments?
- How do independent government organizations rate the plan?
- What do friends say about their experience with the plan?
- What do doctors say about their experience with the plan?
