That question comes up sooner or later in almost every visit with our small group clients and prospects. 

Before employers decide to pass on all or some portion of ever rising health plan costs – vis a vis higher deductibles, co-insurance or premiums – they want to know if they’re competitive in this market.

For years, and several times in these Tips, I’ve offered the Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey as a bench-marking reference. (Latest is HERE.) In my opinion, it’s one of the best resources. 

That said, one might assume Kaiser isn’t surveying a 20 life company located in Bay View!

Two observations that might surprise you.

The premiums illustrated in the Kaiser survey are not significantly different than those paid by our clients. (Remember: “A Pool Is a Pool Is a Pool.”)

The premium sharing arrangements and plan design options of our clients also compare favorably with the large employers surveyed by Kaiser.

What is different locally (or for small businesses)?

46% offer no group coverage at all.