Among all the benefits a Vermont employer might offer to its employees, medical insurance is by far the most expensive and thus can be the most challenging.

It has frequently been stated that Vermont has few options when it comes to health insurance carriers and plans. While this may be true, many more alternatives aside from the traditional PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans are available to both the larger and smaller employers than most business owners and benefit managers realize. Here is a sampling of other options available in Vermont:

• Large Group Medical Insurance (over 50 employees)
• Community-Rated Plans for Small Group Medical Insurance (under 51 employees)
• Association Medical Plans
• Health Insurance for Self-Employed Individuals at Competitive Rates
• Non-Referral HMO Plans
• Supplemental Health Insurance Plans (SHIP) or Section 105 Plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Medical Plans with Tax-Favored Accounts
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Plans
• Partially Self-Insured or Self-Funded Medical Plans

Benefit Design & Strategies represents all the licensed carriers in Vermont in the small and large group arenas and works with most of the local and regional Third Party Administrators serving Vermont.