Well:Covered
Insights and Highlights
from the Health Connector
Vol. 1, Issue. 2
September 2024
Highlighting the Health Connector for Business
Health Connector for Business (HCB) makes a difference for small businesses and brokers across Massachusetts. HCB was created to simplify how small businesses offer their employees health and dental insurance. We understand that navigating insurance options can be overwhelming, so we’ve built a platform that makes it easy for employers and employees to shop for, compare, and choose the right health insurance plans.
How We Help Small Businesses
The Health Connector is committed to making health coverage accessible and affordable. Small businesses can access our services directly or with the help of certified brokers, all without membership fees. The online enrollment process is quick and straightforward. This efficiency allows businesses to focus on what they do best while ensuring their employees have the coverage they need.
Flexible Options for Everyone
We offer flexible plan options that cater to the diverse needs of businesses and their employees. Employers can set a “reference” plan by benefit level or carrier, providing a clear understanding of monthly costs. Employees then have the freedom to choose from a variety of plans that best fit their individual needs, ensuring everyone gets the coverage that suits them best.
Partnership with Brokers
Our partnership with certified brokers is a cornerstone of connecting small businesses to coverage with HCB. These brokers are essential guides, helping employers navigate the complex world of health and dental plans. They ensure each business finds the right coverage, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Looking Ahead
As we continue our journey to best support small businesses in Massachusetts, we’re committed to enhancing our services and value proposition. We plan to continue to offer health plan choices with improved online tools for employers, employees, and brokers. Initiatives include live and recorded webinars to support small businesses and brokers. These efforts aim to help small businesses and brokers navigate health care options more effectively.
At Health Connector for Business, we provide quality health and dental coverage and support to small businesses and their employees. We’re excited to continue serving and improving our offerings for Massachusetts small businesses.
*As of August 2024
“With the Massachusetts Health Connector for Business, people can choose whatever plan is best for them and their families because they’re all different.”
Mario Campos
Owner
Blue Field Services, Inc.
Unlocking Flexibility: How Employee Choice Transforms Small Business Health Benefits
A highlight of Health Connector for Business are the Employee Choice models and is a game-changer for small businesses aiming to offer competitive health benefits. The three Choice options—One Plan, One Level, or One Carrier—provide flexibility for employers to tailor insurance offerings to their needs.
Cost control is another advantage, as employers can lock in their premium costs, ensuring budget predictability. Employees benefit from the variety, having the freedom to choose plans that meet their specific health care needs.
The program also simplifies the enrollment process, often with broker assistance, making it easier for businesses to manage their health insurance offerings.
Employee Choice empowers small businesses to provide customizable and affordable health benefits, boosting workforce satisfaction and retention.
One Plan
Employer chooses a plan and company contribution amount.
One Level
Employer chooses a benefit level and company contribution amount.
One Carrier
Employer chooses an insurance carrier and company contribution amount.
Gabi’s Testimonial
“With the Massachusetts Health Connector for Business, we can offer different plans across different carriers at different prices.”
Gabi Guimaraes
Vice President of Operations
Brabo Payroll
ConnectWell and the Power of Workplace Wellness Programs
Workplace wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular, with research showing their positive impact on employee health and productivity. These programs often include activities like gym memberships, nutrition counseling, and smoking cessation support, all aimed at improving employees’ well-being.
ConnectWell and the Power of Workplace Wellness Programs
Workplace wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular, with research showing their positive impact on employee health and productivity. These programs often include activities like gym memberships, nutrition counseling, and smoking cessation support, all aimed at improving employees’ well-being.
Studies reveal that employees who participate in wellness programs tend to have better health outcomes, take fewer sick days, and report higher job satisfaction. For example, a comprehensive review found that wellness programs can lead to healthier lifestyles, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, these programs help create a supportive work environment where employees feel motivated and part of a community working towards better health.
One study highlighted that workplace wellness programs can also result in cost savings for employers by reducing health care expenses. Companies with active wellness programs often see a return on investment through decreased medical costs and improved employee performance.
While the ConnectWell wellness rebate program offers specific incentives, it’s just one example of how businesses can encourage employee wellness. By implementing wellness initiatives, companies can enhance their workforce’s overall health and well-being, leading to a more productive and positive workplace.
Workplace wellness programs are more than just a perk—they are a strategic investment in employees’ health and the company’s success. By fostering a culture of wellness, businesses can ensure their employees are happy, healthy, and ready to thrive, benefiting everyone involved.
The Health Connector for Business ConnectWell rebate program offers an innovative approach for businesses to cut costs while championing employee wellness. By participating, employers with 1 to 25 full-time employees can save up to 15 percent on their contributions to employee health insurance if at least a third of their workforce engages in a qualifying wellness activity. Meanwhile, employees stand to gain a $100 reward, creating a win-win situation that fosters a culture of health and productivity.
“[Health insurance is] a complicated thing. If we can help [employees] them navigate that kind of complexity, and give them some options that are easy to choose from, and allows them to afford health insurance that’s something that makes me feel very happy as a business owner.”
Matt Elder
Owner
Untold Brewing
Matt’s Testimonial
Broker Insights with Larry Mayone
Understanding health insurance can be a challenge for small business owners. That’s where Larry Mayone, with 30 years of experience at Massachusetts Life and Health Insurance Agency, steps in. Based in Shrewsbury, he focuses on group benefits, helping clients navigate their choices with a friendly and knowledgeable approach.
In the video interview, Larry details his work with the Health Connector for Business which helps him find competitively priced plans for his clients, as well as savings with the ConnectWell rebate program to promote employee health. He shares success stories like helping a firm save 23 percent on health insurance and aiding employees moving to Medicare.
Brokers like Larry are crucial for businesses. They help owners understand complex insurance options and choose the best plans for their needs, helping them make smart insurance decisions that benefit both employers and employees.
“Knowledge is power and when you have someone that can communicate that, that’s a good thing because when you know what you’re getting into, you have a tendency to be more happy with the choice you make.”
Larry Mayone
Owner
Massachusetts Life and Health Insurance Agency