Course catalog

Do we really know our audience?

Why do so many employees decline health coverage even when their employer pays a significant portion of the premium? If people are turning down the solutions we offer, it raises an important question – do we really understand our audience? In this course, written by Mark Bellman, we explore the reasons employees say no to benefits and what brokers can learn from those decisions when designing and presenting coverage options. This course satisfies one hour of the 5-hour recertification requirement for agents with the Texas Small Group Agent Certification through TDI.

Next: Thu, Dec 3

Level-Funded Plans for Small Employers

Under the Affordable Care Act, small group plans must follow modified adjusted community rating rules, meaning carriers cannot price coverage based on factors such as health status, gender, or industry. While this benefits some employers, younger and healthier groups may end up paying more than their actual risk would suggest. This course explains how level-funded plans work, why they have grown in popularity, and which small employers may – or may not – be good candidates for this alternative funding approach. This course satisfies one hour of the 5-hour recertification requirement for agents with the Texas Small Group Agent Certification through TDI.

Next: Tue, Dec 1

MERP - an oldie but a goodie

Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERPs), sometimes called deductible-reimbursement HRAs, were once a popular strategy for employers who wanted to offer strong benefits while controlling premium costs. Although they are used less frequently today, rising premiums have made these arrangements attractive again. This course explains how MERPs work and why they may once again be a valuable option for some employer groups. This course satisfies one hour of the 5-hour recertification requirement for agents with the Texas Small Group Agent Certification through TDI.

Next: Fri, Dec 4

Modified Adjusted Community Rating

The Affordable Care Act dramatically changed how small group health plans are priced by prohibiting carriers from underwriting based on factors such as gender or medical conditions. These modified adjusted community rating rules have raised premiums for some employers while also simplifying the rating process in many ways. In this course, we examine how the rating system works, the impact it has had on small group pricing, and why alternatives like level-funded plans have gained popularity. This course satisfies one hour of the 5-hour recertification requirement for agents with the Texas Small Group Agent Certification through TDI.

Next: Mon, Dec 7

NPNC: The Small Group Open Enrollment Period

Fully insured small groups have a special open enrollment opportunity that many brokers overlook. This course explains how the small group open enrollment period works, the rules that apply, and why it can create valuable sales opportunities during the fourth quarter. Agents will learn how to use this underutilized strategy to approach new prospects and win more small group clients. This course satisfies one hour of the 5-hour recertification requirement for agents with the Texas Small Group Agent Certification through TDI.

Using supplemental products to build a better plan

Supplemental or worksite products have traditionally been offered to help employees replace lost income during an illness or injury. Today, with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket limits, many employers are also using these products to help fill gaps in their health plans. This course explores how supplemental benefits can be combined with medical coverage to create a more complete and affordable benefits package for employees. This course satisfies one hour of the 5-hour recertification requirement for agents with the Texas Small Group Agent Certification through TDI.

Next: Wed, Dec 2

What in the World is a Captive?

Some small employers look to level-funded plans as a way to avoid the modified adjusted community rating rules in the small group market. While these plans can offer savings, they do not always provide the full advantages of traditional self-funding. In this course, we introduce the concept of health insurance captives and explain how they work, including how they can provide many of the benefits of self-funding while offering additional protection for participating employers.