We’re excited to share some fantastic news that could make managing your small group employee benefits easier than ever. Did you know that SBAM has its own team of experts dedicated to navigating the intricacies of employee benefits just for you? Meet the SBAM Member Care Team, your go-to experts who understand the challenges Michigan small businesses face in providing competitive benefits to their employees.
In a world where talent competition is fierce and the costs of employee benefits continue to rise, SBAM Member Care is your ally in staying ahead. Our team is not only well-versed in all things related to health, life, dental, vision and COBRA insurance, but we’re also committed to finding innovative solutions for our members. We understand the unique struggles that Michigan businesses—particularly those with fewer than 50 employees—face in establishing fair contribution strategies, especially since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
SBAM Member Care comes to the rescue with a solution designed to simplify the process at the time of open enrollment and throughout the year. All you need to do is provide your agent or the Harmony team with a copy of your current census and the total of your monthly health premium. Our Composite Rate Calculator will then work its magic, providing you with a premium calculation that is consistent and fair for all your employees.
Let’s break it down with an example:
- Single Employee A’s Monthly Premium = $250.00
- Single Employee B’s Monthly Premium = $500.00
- Single Employee C’s Monthly Premium = $575.00
- Single Employee D’s Monthly Premium = $450.00
- Total Premium: $1775.00
SBAM Harmony Composite Rate Calculator Output:
Based on the above calculations, all single employees will have a monthly premium of $443.75. This means that all employer contributions can be based on this flat dollar amount, offering a fair and equitable opportunity for all employees, regardless of their age.
Now, here’s the best part: SBAM Member Care can take this calculation and set up your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and/or Blue Care Network (BCN) bill to reflect the composite rate structure. This ensures that your monthly health insurance premium bill aligns seamlessly with your employer contribution strategy. No more monthly recalculations or worrying about quoting rates for new employees or those experiencing qualifying life events. Your rates are your rates!
Ready to make the transition? Here are the next steps:
- Contact your agent or the SBAM Member Care Team at (877) 949-7226 or MemberCare@sbam.org.
- Pull your current BCBSM/BCN enrollment census information and rates.
- Sign a contract with SBAM.
- Allow a 30-day lead time to set up your bill.
Simply visit sbam.org to download and submit your rollover letter.
At SBAM, we are dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible for you and your employees. Our goal is to eliminate the pain, hassle and time associated with employee benefits, allowing you to focus on what you do best—thriving as a Michigan small business.
Cheers to a simplified and stress-free future with SBAM!
By Michelle Beebe, originally published in SBAM’s January/February 2024 issue of Focus magazine
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