Although Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) have been a popular group health benefit plan feature since their introduction in the 1980s, their shine is starting to fade.
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PPOs are supposed to be a great way to lower health care costs. Providers agree to a discounted rate in exchange for insurers steering members to their services. The problem is that retail prices charged by hospitals and physicians continue to rise steeply. 

Ned Schaut, President at Agency Leverage, and host of Benefits Influencer - a podcast highlighting thought leaders in the Employee Benefits industry – recently interviewed Allied National Executive Vice President Gary Ashley. 

Mental health is an incredibly broad subject. When you hear someone talking about mental health, what do you think? It is not just about people who have multiple personalities or severe alcohol or drug additions.

The United States’ high-priced health care system, which includes health care and insurance, affects everyone, sick or well. It has reduced individual spending power for several decades. Salaries for American workers have risen, but net pay has stayed the same because of increasing charges for health insurance.
 
So, what exactly makes the health care system in the U.S. so expensive? It depends on who you are asking.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had a profound impact on small group health insurance. Rates have increased significantly as a result of the ACA. These rate increases have been particularly difficult for small groups.

This is where a level-funded health plan could be a good fit for your small business.

It’s that time of year again for many employers. Health insurance renewals may feel like a pain; however, they may be one of the most important decisions you make each year.
 
Your renewal is the time to start a conversation with your agent or broker about whether your current plan is working well for you and what type of renewal options may be available for your small business.

The answer to this question is a resounding “Yes!”
 
Let me start by saying the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was set up as an option to help more people afford, and have access to, health insurance. Though it did increase the number of insured people in the early days of the ACA, small business owners found it increasingly difficult to find anything affordable about the plan. ACA rate increases have made coverage unaffordable for many small employers. Insurance companies responded to this by creating options for small business owners outside of the ACA that still are qualified health plans.
 
A “new” plan that arrived on the scene soon after the advent of the ACA is really not new at all. It’s been around for some time now. The new option available to small business owners is called “level funding” and can save small businesses significant money while still providing an excellent health plan for employees.