By Chris Noffke, GBDS
If you’ve been renewing your insurance policy year after year without researching your options, it’s time to switch strategies because you may be missing new opportunities!
Insurance carriers and networks are changing significantly in Wisconsin, and we can help you find the best option.
WEA Trust – Health Traditions
WEA Trust is expanding its footprint in the state of Wisconsin. The Trust recently purchased the Health Traditions company and network and will now be able to sell a Mayo option in the La Crosse and Eau Claire areas as well as to private sector employers.
United Health Care
Another new option in this region is United Health Care (UHC), which has released a level-funded plan with up to 15 months rate guarantee. Prior to January 1, 2018, UHC had a non-compete with Medica, which made this area a near sales-free zone for one of the largest health insurance providers in Wisconsin.
Level-funded plans can work well for low utilizing or low health care cost groups with 10 or more people on their plan. Additionally, UHC returns up to two-thirds of unused claims dollars, so a group could potentially receive money back at the end of the contract period.
In addition, UHC’s dental and vision rates offer inexpensive options for group benefits portfolios.
Robin
Is it a bird or do we have another network in Wisconsin? At the end of 2017, ThedaCare, Bellin and HealthPartners announced that they would be joining to form a new network (along with some other systems), which has started providing insurance rates and quotes.
The Alliance
The Alliance – a local Wisconsin not-for-profit – is expanding its network statewide and plans to develop a national network option. The changes in The Alliance network include adding health systems like Agnesian, Affinity, Gunderson and many more, which will benefit Western Wisconsin, Marathon County and surrounding areas, Fox Valley and even the Milwaukee area.
This will make the Wisconsin Medical Society Association Health Plan an even more competitive product. Members of our Association Health Plan receive concierge-type networking negotiation from the Alliance.
Several of these changes may create a more competitive market with increased plan options. Wisconsin Medical Society Insurance works exclusively with health care professionals so we better understand your needs and can offer solutions specifically designed for you. And profits generated by Wisconsin Medical Society Insurance go back to the Society to support its mission of advancing the health of the people of Wisconsin.
Contact us today at insurance@wismedassure.org or call 866.442.3810 for more information.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Wisconsin Medical Society, Wisconsin Medial Society Holdings Corporation or its subsidiaries. Nothing in this blog should be construed as legal, financial or clinical advice.Categories:Employee Benefits, Health Insurance, Insurance Basics
Christopher Noffke, GBDS, Insurance Advisor
Christopher has over 10 years of experience in group insurance sales and retention, including six years on the health insurance carrier side. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Chris has completed the National Association of Health Underwriters Voluntary/Worksite Certification and holds a Group Benefit Disability Specialist (GBDS) designation.