Common Employee Questions

Benefits can be confusing. That's where we come in. Our Benefits Guys meet with your employees 1-to-1 and answer all their questions-giving you one less thing to worry about. Here are some of the most common questions we hear around the country from employees just like yours.

• How do I pay for my voluntary benefits?

  You will pay for your voluntary benefits through payroll deduction.

• Can you explain how a co-pay works?

  A co-pay is a fixed dollar amount that an insured is expected to pay the medical provider at the time of service.

• What's considered a pre-existing condition?

  In general, a pre-existing condition is a medical condition for which you received treatment, medication and/or medical advice in the year prior to the effective date of your policy. Please ask your benefit counselor for the exact wording of the policy you are referencing, as definitions and time frames may differ by state.

• What exactly is co-insurance?

  Co-insurance is the percent of covered expenses the insured is expected to pay each year after meeting the deductible and copayment.

• What is the difference between short term and long term disability benefits?

  Short term disability has a shorter if any elimination period as well as a shorter duration of coverage. Long term disability has a longer elimination period and usually provides benefits for a longer time period, often at a reduced benefit amount. Short and long term disability definitions may vary by policy and state.

• What is coordination of benefits?

  Reducing benefits by any amounts provided through other insurance plans. We pay all applicable benefits directly to you unless you specify otherwise, and do not coordinate with other insurance plans.

• What are voluntary benefits?

  Benefits that are offered by an employer but paid for by employees, if they choose to purchase the benefits.

• What is an elimination period?

  Specified amount of time, beginning with the onset of a disability, during which benefits are not payable.

• What is portability?

  In insurance terms, the capability to take insurance protection, purchased as a member of a group or employer, with you when you leave the group or employer. There may or may not be a change in premium.