
If you're a professional looking for a group health insurance plan, you're in luck - many professional organizations offer them to their members.
The American Medical Association (AMA) offers a group health insurance plan to its members, which provides coverage for medical expenses, prescriptions, and hospital stays.
The American Bar Association (ABA) also offers a group health insurance plan, which includes coverage for medical expenses, dental care, and vision care.
By joining a professional organization that offers a group health insurance plan, you can often negotiate lower rates and better coverage than you would on your own.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations can offer group health insurance to their members, who often share the same industry or interests. Freelancers, including journalists and writers, tend to join group health insurance plans through organizations like the Freelancers Union.
Some professional associations, like the Writers Guild of America West, provide health insurance benefits to their members. The PEN America organization also offers health insurance resources specifically for writers.
Here's a list of some professional organizations that offer group health insurance:
- Freelancers Union
- Writers Guild of America West
- PEN America
- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH UNDERWRITERS (offers health insurance services)
Professional Employer Organization
A Professional Employer Organization, or PEO, is a great option for freelancers and small businesses to access premium health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
This type of organization simplifies the enrollment process, allowing for year-round enrollment.
With a PEO, you can unlock a range of benefits that might be out of reach on your own, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
By partnering with a PEO, you can streamline your HR and benefits administration, freeing up more time to focus on growing your business.
Simplified enrollment is a key advantage of working with a PEO, making it easier to manage your benefits and stay on top of your administrative tasks.
Professional Organizations that Offer Group Health Insurance
Professional organizations in the health insurance industry can be a great resource for individuals and businesses looking for group health insurance. The National Association of Health Underwriters is a professional association of people who sell and service disability income, and hospitalization and major medical health insurance companies.
If you're looking for a national trade association representing the health insurance industry, consider America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
Understanding Group Health Plans
Group health plans are designed to provide affordable health insurance to employees and their families. These plans are a cost-effective way for professional organizations to offer health benefits to their members.
A group health plan can be customized to meet the specific needs of the organization and its members. This might include choosing from a range of medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
Group health plans can be self-funded or fully insured, meaning the organization can either pay claims directly or purchase a policy from an insurance company.
Finding Group Health Plans
You may already be a member of a group that offers group health plans.
Your local chamber of commerce may have health care programs for small businesses if you own one.
Being a union member can also provide access to group health plans.
Professional groups, such as the Writers Guild of America, may offer group health plans to their members.
They have very strict rules for membership, but it's one of many groups that offer health insurance.
Available Plans
If you're looking for a health plan, you have several options to choose from. There are four main types of plans: HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POS plans.
HMOs provide health care services through networks of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. You must choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get a referral from them to see other doctors or specialists in the network.
In an HMO plan, you usually pay copays for in-network doctor visits, medicine, emergency visits, and hospital stays. You won't pay a deductible or coinsurance.
You're not limited to in-network providers with a PPO plan. You can get health care services through both in-network and out-of-network health care providers.
With a PPO plan, you usually don't need a referral from a primary care physician (PCP) to see other doctors or specialists. You'll pay a deductible, copays, and coinsurance for services covered by your plan.
Here's a quick rundown of the main differences between HMOs and PPOs:
EPOs have features of both HMOs and PPOs, but with fewer providers in their network. You usually don't need a referral from a primary care physician (PCP) to see other doctors or specialists, but you'll pay copays or coinsurance for services covered by the EPO.
POS plans combine the features of HMOs and PPOs. You must choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get a referral from them to see other doctors or specialists in the network.
Membership and Employer Relationships
Membership in professional organizations that offer group health insurance can be a game-changer for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
These organizations often have established relationships with insurance providers, allowing them to negotiate better rates and terms for their members.
As a result, members can enjoy lower premiums and more comprehensive coverage.
Many professional organizations also offer additional benefits, such as access to wellness programs and employee assistance services.
Some organizations, like the National Association for the Self-Employed, even offer tax deductions for members who purchase group health insurance through their programs.
This can be a huge cost savings for small business owners and freelancers who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Industry Associations
Industry Associations play a significant role in the group health insurance industry, providing valuable resources and support to professionals.
The National Association of Health Underwriters is a professional association of people who sell and service disability income, and hospitalization and major medical health insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What employers are required to offer group health insurance?
Employers with 50 or more full-time employees, and/or full-time equivalents (FTEs), are required to offer group health insurance. This includes employees who work 30 or more hours per week.
What is professional group insurance plan?
A professional group insurance plan is a type of health insurance sponsored and purchased by an employer for their employees, offering coverage for themselves, spouses, and dependents. This plan is usually available during designated enrollment periods.
What are the most common group health insurance plans?
The most common group health insurance plans include PPO, HMO, POS, EPO, HDHP, and HSA-qualified plans, as well as indemnity plans. These plans vary in their network and cost-sharing structures, offering different levels of flexibility and affordability for employees and employers.
Sources
- https://freelancersunion.org/insurance/health/
- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/membership-organizations-and-health-insurance-2645660
- https://www.opic.texas.gov/health-insurance/basics/group/
- https://www.iii.org/services/directory/company-categories/lifehealth-insurance-industry-organizations
- https://dillonhealth.com/association-programs/
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