Hardwood Floors August/September 2019

FINAL COAT

By Michael Martin President & CEO, NWFA

Healthy Savings in Health Care

NewNWFAhealth care assessment can provide double-digit savings

Last summer, theDepartment of Labor (DOL)finalized regulations toallow associations tooffer healthcareplans across state lines toallU.S.-basedmembers. Up until now, the onlyway an association could offer health care options was to have a separate plan for each statewhere members were based.Themanagement of such a service, with up to 50 separate plans to administer, was just not possible for associations like ours that cross borders. Today, however, the new legislationwill allow small companies and even single employee companies to band together through the purchasing power of their associations to receive better benefits and cost savings. Analysis over the last year, since the legislationwas enacted, indicates that the breadth of benefits nowavailable to small companies is oftenmore than employers could receiveworking directly with providers and, in some cases, even providers. Right now,most of theplans are at the state and regional levels, andplans for programs beyond thatwill take some time tobecome available throughassociations. In themeantime, wehavedevelopeda relationshipwithahealthcare advisor that will not onlyworkwithus asmore formal national associationplans develop, but one that canalso immediately start toharness thebuyingpower ofNWFA’s 3,500 member companies for savings toyou. surpasses large company benefits. This is newground for healthcare

• Implement the plan and keep you compliant with government regulations • Provide ongoing advocacy and support Most importantly, a trusted advisor will consider your overall objectives andwork alongside you to create a successful plan long term. If your assessment indicates significant savings opportunities or additional benefits available, Caravus will workwith you to select health care plan options that meet your needs and fit your budget. For members with two ormore employees, the savings can certainly add up tomore than your annual dues toNWFA. Visit nwfa.org/membership-benefits.aspx to learnmore. g

NWFAnowhas a newpartnershipwith Caravus, a health care industry consultant that understands the health care needs of ourmember companies, and understands the differences and challenges that range in company size. Inmany cases, Caravus can often find additional benefits fromyour existing provider or cost savings based on their relationships with carriers likeUnited and BlueCross. The first step to finding out if you can developmore-comprehensive benefits for your employees, and potentially achieve significant cost savings for your company, is to contact Caravus at NWFA@caravus.com. At no cost to you, you can have your current insurance plans reviewed through an assessment offered toNWFAmembers.As a health insurance advisor, Caravus will ease the burden and domost of the legwork to help build the right plan for you. Caravus will help with the following: • Shop the right plans and present you with premium quotes • Discuss alternative funding options

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