7 things every business should look for in a health insurer

Business Journals

a day ago

1. Personalized service & responsiveness:
Managing your company's health insurance should be simple and hassle-free. One of the most important things to consider when evaluating health insurers is the service they provide to your team. Helpful, accessible support and easy-to-use tools can simplify enrollment, plan changes, claims, and employee questions—saving your team time and hassle. Look for insurers with strong online resources, responsive support, and a reputation for service. Ask how they manage member care and how current customers rate their experience.
2. Plans that are easy to implement:
The best health insurers make enrolling your whole team simple. Instead of leaving you to figure it out alone, top insurers provide enrollment teams to guide you through the process and answer questions along the way. This support ensures a smooth transition and helps employees understand and use their coverage effectively from day one, making the entire experience hassle-free for everyone involved.
3. Use of online portals & technology:
The right health insurer should make managing coverage easy. Look for insurers that offer online portals where you can pay bills, access claims information, and find answers fast. Employees can access their information, show digital ID cards at appointments, and manage their benefits on the go. Technology like this streamlines everyday tasks, saves time, and helps everyone get the most out of their coverage.
4. Look for ACA-compliant plans:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all new health insurance plans for businesses to include Essential Health Benefits (EHBs)—services like prescription drugs, emergency care, maternity coverage, and pediatric dental and vision. These are the minimum every plan must offer. But don't stop at the basics. When comparing options, look for plans that go further—with added benefits like chiropractic care, acupuncture, or personalized service. These extras can make a real difference in your team's health care experience.
5. A large, flexible provider network:
A health insurance plan is only as useful as the access it provides. Is it a PPO or HMO? Can your team keep their current doctors? Are referrals needed for specialists? Will they be covered while traveling? Look for plans with large networks that make it easy to get quality care when and where it's needed. A large network offers your team more options for affordable, timely care—and a better chance they'll get personalized, effective support from trusted providers.
6. Wellness & preventive care services:
Health care isn't just about treating illness—it's about preventing it. Choose a health insurer that offers online resources, education, and preventive services like screenings and immunizations. Wellness programs like UHA's Active&Fit Enterprise™, included with no additional cost to employers, help keep employees healthy, engaged, and productive. These resources can reduce costs and boost satisfaction. Understanding what's offered helps HR and leadership make informed decisions that support long-term employee well-being and organizational success.
7. Choose an accessible health insurer:
It's equally important to choose a health insurer that makes it easy to know who you should contact for different types of needs or concerns, and who provides the information you need and how best to reach them. A toll-free number is great for general inquiries, but for an ongoing relationship, a direct contact can save a lot of time. It's also much easier to deal with the same people every time, rather than having to initiate a new relationship every time you have a question.
With UHA, Hawai'i businesses can save up to 10% on premiums* compared to other major providers. Request a quote today. For more information on choosing a health plan, contact our sales team at [phone].
Founded by physician educators from the University of Hawai`i John A. Burns School of Medicine, UHA offers one of Hawai'i's largest physician networks, serving nearly 4,300 employers and 57,000+ members with medical, drug, and vision plans. We're large enough to serve, small enough to care. Learn more at uhahealth.com.
As sales manager, Grace Nushida is responsible for driving growth through strategic planning, effective team management and cultivation of strong relationships with clients and partners. She oversees a sales organization with a goal of ensuring exceptional member satisfaction.