If you're an employer dedicated to attracting and retaining talent or boosting employee productivity, offering a valuable health benefit is important. After all, accidents happen every day. And then, out of nowhere, you're sideswiped by another motorist. Having great health insurance coverage is essential in such scenarios. That's especially true in South Carolina, where group health insurance stands out as a key consideration for businesses. Not only does a comprehensive insurance plan safeguard the health and wellness of your employees, but it also plays a key role in drawing in and keeping top talent.
While you might be most familiar with traditional group health plans, making that your go-to option may not always be the best fit for your organization in today's ever-evolving healthcare landscape. How can you determine if it's truly the right choice for your business? If you've been asking yourself that question, you're not alone. Many small businesses are in need of a group health insurance agency in James Island, SC, to help them weigh their options. That's where working with Grey Cardinal Insurance Group starts to make a lot of sense.
At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, we understand the importance of providing flexible, personalized, comprehensive, and cost-effective health benefits. Our knowledgeable group health insurance agents are ready to help you assess your needs and figure out the best group health plan options for your employees and your business.
Whether you're looking to implement traditional group health insurance policies or you're curious about ICHRA, Grey Cardinal Insurance Group is the name you can trust when it's time to navigate the complexities of employee benefits. Let's work hand-in-hand to create a health-benefits solution that empowers you, your business, and your employees.
At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, one of the first questions we answer for our clients usually centers around the benefits of having group health insurance. As it turns out, investing in group health insurance for your company provides you with many benefits, including:
Investing in a group health insurance policy for your business can significantly lower your insurance premiums. When the costs are divided between the business and employees, health insurance is also more affordable for your team.
With group health insurance, your employees will enjoy increased access to a wider range of health insurance options due to reduced costs. With employers partially funding group health insurance, employees will find it easier to afford the coverage they require.
Small businesses can take advantage of a valuable health care tax credit when they provide group health insurance to their employees. This tax credit serves as a financial incentive, making it more affordable for small business owners to offer essential health coverage. Employers also have the opportunity to deduct the expenses associated with group health insurance premiums from their taxable income. This deduction can significantly lower their overall tax liability at the end of the year, ultimately contributing to improved financial stability for the business.
A recent study conducted by MetLife reveals that an attractive benefits package significantly influences employees' decisions to remain with their current employer or seek opportunities elsewhere. Among the various benefits, health insurance stands out as one of the most essential offerings that employees actively anticipate from their employers. This expectation underscores the vital role that comprehensive health coverage plays in employee satisfaction and retention in the workforce.
What are group health insurance plans for small businesses? Group health insurance plans provide health coverage benefits to a specific group of individuals, usually employees of a company or organization. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a group health plan (GHP) is associated with current employment. Employers with 20 or more employees are also required by law to offer their current workers and their spouses aged 65 or older the same GHP benefits, regardless of their age.
To better understand group health plans or group health insurance policies, it's useful to consider how they differ from individual health insurance. Individuals can apply to enroll in marketplace insurance providers for individual health plans. In contrast, group health plans are tailored specifically for the members of that group. For businesses, these health plans are often referred to as employer-based or employer-sponsored coverage.
A group health insurance plan is typically coordinated with the help of a group health insurance agent in James Island, SC, and is sponsored and purchased by employers for their businesses. During the enrollment period, employees or group members can sign up for the plan. They also have the option to add eligible spouses and dependents, usually at an additional cost. The specifics of the plans can differ in terms of coverage levels, costs, number of participants, and the overall health of the members. Generally, a group with lower health risks tends to enjoy lower premiums.
Employees' contributions toward their premiums are deducted from their paychecks before taxes, making it a more cost-effective option. When a member of the group health plan visits a healthcare provider, the provider submits a claim to the insurance company, which then reimburses them according to the plan's coverage. Any remaining costs are paid out-of-pocket by the member, contributing towards their deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.
Like the menu at Magnolias in James Island, SC, employers have a litany of options to choose from when it comes to group health insurance plans in The Palmetto State. With these different types of group insurance, employers can usually find a health plan that aligns with both their budget and the specific benefits they want to offer. Among the most popular choices are health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
High-deductible plans serve as another option. Employers can also consider self-funded plans, where employees pay their premiums directly to the employer. In this arrangement, the employer takes on the financial responsibility for all health care claims once the employee meets their health plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
Check out this group health insurance plan comparison in James Island, SC:
One of the most traditional options for group health insurance is the fully insured plan. Under this arrangement, your company pays a fixed premium to your insurance carrier annually, based on the number of employees participating in the coverage. The only instances that will cause your payment to change during the year are if an employee opts out or if there are fluctuations in the number of participants. The insurance carrier collects all premiums and handles any healthcare claims as per the policy you selected, while employees are responsible for any applicable deductibles or co-payments.
Level-funded plans, often referred to as partially self-funded plans, have been gaining traction among employers. Although these plans involve taking on more risk than fully insured options, they typically offer a more cost-effective alternative while still ensuring financial predictability. Level-funded plans can also provide greater flexibility in plan design compared to fully insured plans. You can think of them as a balanced option that bridges the gap between fully insured and self-funded plans. At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, your group health insurance agent will walk you through the pros and cons of level-funded plans to help you decide whether they're right for your business and employees or not.
Self-funded plans have traditionally been favored by large companies, but they're gaining traction among smaller businesses as well. In a self-funded arrangement, employers take on the full responsibility for funding and managing the health insurance plan. While this might seem like a disadvantage, these plans often offer more affordable premium rates and greater control over the specifics of coverage compared to fully insured or level-funded options.
Group health insurance plans can differ significantly, but they generally cover a portion or all of the costs associated with medical care. This includes expenses for physician visits, longer stays at facilities such as Indigo Hall Assisted Living and Memory Care, approved inpatient and outpatient procedures, preventive care, prescriptions, and therapeutic treatments like physical and occupational therapy. They also cover emergency care, such as visits to the emergency room or urgent care centers. It's important for members to reach out to their health insurance providers to understand the specifics of what their plan covers and what their financial responsibilities are for both necessary and elective procedures.
Some group health insurance providers have also broadened their offerings to include mental health services and alternative treatments. Employers can further support their employees by providing extra coverage options, such as health savings accounts (HSAs) or health reimbursement arrangements, which can help alleviate some financial burdens.
When comparing individual and group health insurance, several key differences emerge. Like a group health plan, individual insurance covers either a single person or a family. However, the main distinction lies in how these plans are obtained: individual plans are purchased directly by the individual from an insurance provider or through a government marketplace, making the individual responsible for the total cost of their premiums. In contrast, group health plans are often facilitated by a group health insurance agent and share premium costs between the employee and employer.
Because group health insurance covers multiple people, the employer often has more leverage when negotiating premiums and benefits. However, all participants receive the same plan. On the other hand, individual healthcare plans can be tailored to suit a person's specific needs and budget, allowing for greater personalization.
Another important difference is the underwriting process for each type of plan. In individual plans, premiums may be higher for those with health risk factors and existing conditions if they choose not to purchase through a marketplace. Conversely, group insurance offers coverage at the same price for all employees, even those with pre-existing conditions. Individual health plans can also be portable, meaning they remain with the individual if they change jobs. This isn't the case with employer-sponsored plans; once an employee leaves, they must either find new coverage or continue their existing policy through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act).
In today's marketplace, many small business owners go with franchise or "big name" agencies to find group health insurance. While not wrong, this course of action can end up costing your company - and not only from a financial point of view. Working with a local group health insurance agency can provide you with many benefits that big-box options can't provide. What are they, you might be asking? Let's dig in and find out why it's always best to search for "local group health insurance agency near me."
A local group health insurance agent or broker - like those from Grey Cardinal Insurance Group - pulls on years of experience and knowledge to give you in-depth guidance centered around your group health insurance needs.
For a business owner, that includes audits on insurance benefits, group insurance plan recommendations for your employees, meeting with those employees to talk about additional benefits they need, and much more. For example, if you need to add benefits like vision, dental, or life insurance to your enrollment options, a group health insurance agent can walk you through your choices and the process as a whole.
But what about if you're just getting started? Navigating the often-complex landscape of health insurance can be particularly challenging for small business owners in such circumstances. A survey conducted by United Healthcare Consumer Sentiment revealed that only 7% of consumers could accurately explain common health insurance terms. That's why, at Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, we're committed to providing education for both you and your employees during enrollment meetings. Like McLeod Plantation Historic Site in James Island, SC, we stand tall for you and your business when you need us most.
One of the biggest reasons to choose a local agent is the ability to customize your plan. No two group health insurance plans are exactly the same, and with ongoing changes in healthcare regulations, it can be challenging to understand the options available to you.
So, what can businesses do to tackle this challenge? The answer lies in partnering with a local health insurance agent in James Island, SC.
At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group locations, we prioritize listening to your needs and crafting a tailored plan that benefits both your business and your employees. During open enrollment, we take the time to meet with you and engage with your team to better understand the benefits they're looking for. This hands-on approach ensures that employees have direct access to our staff for any questions or concerns they may have. This level of support is something you simply won't find with large corporate insurance firms.
Engaging a local health insurance agent offers numerous advantages, particularly in terms of access to information and support. Local group health insurance agents are readily available to answer any inquiries that may arise. For instance, when a small business owner wishes to modify their benefits packages, they can easily reach out to a local agent to discuss potential adjustments. The agent can provide guidance in developing a well-structured and appropriate employee benefits package that reflects employee feedback. This collaborative approach can enhance employee satisfaction and improve the overall management of benefits options.
This point builds off the last point about local agents being on-call when you need them. Would you rather talk to a real person who you've spoken to before or an automated service when you have questions about your group health insurance? Pressing # to get help with one issue and then being transferred for help and starting the process over is very tedious.
With a local group insurance agent by your side, you'll have peace of mind knowing you'll have quick, quality customer service when you need it, and from a real person, too. If you need to submit a claim, your agent will be able to explain your coverage and options and walk you through the steps to complete your claim.
At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, our health insurance agents live in the same communities you do, so they know what you are going through or dealing with and are likely already on top of it for you. With that added peace of mind, you can focus more clearly on the core aspects of your business.
No matter which group health insurance policy you decide on, Grey Cardinal Insurance Group is here to support you. Our experienced agents will collaborate closely with you to understand your needs and find the best health plan options for your business and employees. Reach out to us today to explore your small business group insurance options and get a quote.
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A James Island IHOP is now permanently closed following inspections that showed multiple health code violations.Located at 771 Daniel Ellis Drive in Charleston, the restaurant has received continuous reports of problematic food safety practices.Reports from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture show that since March, the IHOP has received 11 straight C-grades.The restaurant violated the S...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A James Island IHOP is now permanently closed following inspections that showed multiple health code violations.
Located at 771 Daniel Ellis Drive in Charleston, the restaurant has received continuous reports of problematic food safety practices.
Reports from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture show that since March, the IHOP has received 11 straight C-grades.
The restaurant violated the South Carolina Retail Food Establishment Regulations with the last recorded inspection on May 12, 2025.
Failures included temperature control for food safety, properly cleaned and sanitized surfaces, food in a good or safe condition, flies found in the dish area and utensils and other cleaning materials not properly handled.
Improper food date marking and disposal were noted in the reports, with steak, ham and pancake batter being held longer than seven days. The ham specifically was 14 days old when the inspection was conducted.
A family physician with Roper St. Francis, Dr. Valerie Scott, explained that a C-rating usually indicates there’s some fairly serious issues inside the business that could cause bodily harm.
“I think it is important for us to know when you see a rating, what does that mean to me, because you want to keep safe,” Scott said. “You do need to take a pause and be sure that where you’re eating takes good care to be sure you don’t get ill.”
As for the time and temperature control of food safety, reports state the IHOP was holding the following foods at a violated temperature:
“I think we all think about that in our own homes; when we have Thanksgiving, you’re always careful about not leaving the food out too long. Restaurants, too, have to follow these rules, and there are a lot of good reasons for that because you can get salmonella, E. coli., or even norovirus,” Scott said.
The business was not forced to close its doors by the state, but voluntarily shut down.
Now, the property remains empty and up for sale.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
JAMES ISLAND — A local IHOP has closed its doors following a heaping stack of health code violations.The location at 771 Daniel Ellis Drive off Folly Road received 11 consecutive “C” ratings after visits to the restaurant since March, according to S.C. Department of Agriculture records.IHOP had been in the James Island location ...
JAMES ISLAND — A local IHOP has closed its doors following a heaping stack of health code violations.
The location at 771 Daniel Ellis Drive off Folly Road received 11 consecutive “C” ratings after visits to the restaurant since March, according to S.C. Department of Agriculture records.
IHOP had been in the James Island location since 2014, replacing the Ruby Tuesday restaurant.
The roughly 5,500-square-foot building is now for lease for $38 a square foot.
Mandy Coleman with National Restaurant Properties LLC, who represents the out-of-state owner, said on Friday that IHOP had already removed a number of kitchen equipment items and dismantled several booths before she came to change the locks.
Coleman said the space could be leased to another restaurant or a different user.
The chain's corporate office did not respond to a request for comment on the James Island restaurant’s closure or the health code violation reports.
Violations documented at the James Island IHOP during the most recent inspection on May 12 found expired packaged bell peppers, which were encased in a “bloated” bag and several items not being held to a safe temperature including grits, liquid eggs, butter packets, creamers, and cut citrus, according to the report.
Inspectors also found containers of ham, steak and pancake batter expired by more than seven days as well as unclean silverware, pans on dirty shelves and pans with baked-on food particles.
There were also a number of fruit flies observed in the dishes area.
Records show the restaurant had gotten several “A” ratings over the years. Its only “B” rating in 2025 was received on Feb. 25.
Regular food service inspections by the Department of Agriculture focus on “practices identified as most likely to cause a foodborne illness if they are not done properly.”
For any retail food establishment earning less than 78 points, or a "C" rating, food safety practices "need significant improvement,” the department states.
The state agency did not indicate it was forcing IHOP to close. It scheduled another follow-up visit set for May 22.
Four other IHOP locations remain open in the area, in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston and Summerville. The chain has 27 locations statewide, according to the company.
IHOP had updated its online locations by June 13 to remove the James Island restaurant.
The chain, once known as the International House of Pancakes, has expanded its menu beyond breakfast foods. It's owned by Dine Brands Global Inc., which operates mot IHOP locations under franchise agreements. The Pasadena, Calif.,-based holding company also owns Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar.
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The Little Rock Golf Club is being remembered with a historical marker and ceremony this weekend.The non-segregated course came to be in the 1950s when the Country Club of Charleston was only open to white people.Richard Smalls Sr. made the course in secret. Not even his own son or wife knew about it until it was complete, according to Richard Smalls Jr. That’s because the owner, Smalls Sr., bought the land from told him he had to farm with it.“The owner who sold him the property w...
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The Little Rock Golf Club is being remembered with a historical marker and ceremony this weekend.
The non-segregated course came to be in the 1950s when the Country Club of Charleston was only open to white people.
Richard Smalls Sr. made the course in secret. Not even his own son or wife knew about it until it was complete, according to Richard Smalls Jr. That’s because the owner, Smalls Sr., bought the land from told him he had to farm with it.
“The owner who sold him the property would come by every now and then and toot the horn. My dad used to tell me to go outside and tell them I’m not here,” Smalls Jr. said.
Smalls Jr. says the former owners would come to check on the progress of the land.
“That was in the 50s, so you know at that time what was going on,” Smalls Jr. said.
But soon, the only non-segregated golf course opened. Smalls Jr. has fond memories of when he was 13 years old, watching his father golf there.
“When he opened that up, it was the best thing that ever happened in the neighborhood,” Smalls Jr. said.
Smalls said before then, black people were only allowed to caddy at the other whites-only course. He and the other caddies were only granted permission to play on Christmas when whites were home with their families.
Smalls Jr. said the Little Rock Golf Club was special because it was for everyone.
“You could look on weekends and the same guys and girls, ladies rather, came out and play, so it got real popular.,” Smalls Jr. said.
For about a decade, the course was in its prime, but then the municipal golf course became integrated in the early 60s.
“That’s when it declined and my father’s business went down. Only a few guys would come on the weekends and play. But he didn’t build it to become a millionaire, it only cost $2 to play 6 holes,” Smalls Jr. said.
After the decline in business, Smalls Sr. turned the course into a nightclub and today homes stand in its place.
“There’s a lot of people who move into Charleston lately and they bought homes in there and they don’t know nothing about James Island,” Smalls Jr. said.
He also referred to the history of where the people’s homes are now. His family coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, as well as the Sea Shore Farmers Lodge get the historical marker on Little Rock Blvd. It took about 3 years and is set to be unveiled at a small family gathering this weekend.
“This marker really reflects the program’s broader mission, which is to teach people about South Carolina history through its historic places. What we are really trying to do is to use the experience of being present where history actually unfolded to try to leave a deeper impression on readers and to get them to reflect on the significance of the history that took place at the specific location,” South Carolina Department of Archives and History Historian Edwin Breeden said.
Smalls Jr. admits he didn’t understand the underlying significance of his father’s work as a child.
“I didn’t know how important that was, I didn’t realize it because I was young. Later in life, I understand,” Smalls Jr. said.
Richard Smalls Sr. passed away in his late 50s, but his little secret turned success story lives on.
“I’m sure he’s glad, he’s laughing… he’s laughing,” Smalls Jr. said.
The marker is located at the corner of Little Rock Boulevard and North Grimball Road.
You can learn more about the history of the course on the James Island website.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A new county park is coming to Johns Island.Lowcountry Land Trust and Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission are working to restore waterway access to the public after acquiring 66 acres of land. Just over $2.6 million was part of the land purchase, as well as some being donated to the Lowcountry Land Trust.“It’s no secret that Johns Island is facing a tremendous amount of growth, and so any conservation projects like this that protect natural resources on the island and provide...
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A new county park is coming to Johns Island.
Lowcountry Land Trust and Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission are working to restore waterway access to the public after acquiring 66 acres of land. Just over $2.6 million was part of the land purchase, as well as some being donated to the Lowcountry Land Trust.
“It’s no secret that Johns Island is facing a tremendous amount of growth, and so any conservation projects like this that protect natural resources on the island and provide access to the public to enjoy these properties is a big success,” Charleston County Greenbelt Program Deputy Director Chris Dubuque said.
Right now, the area about three miles north of the Angel Oak is mostly woods, but once it’s converted to a county park, it will allow waterway access as well as opportunities to walk, hike and participate in paddle sports.
The project, involving the land around Simmons Creek, aims to restore the community’s historic access to the water while preserving the area’s natural beauty and ecological health. The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission will manage the property once turned into a county park. The project will also protect the surrounding forests and fields and preserve water quality.
The goal is to keep the area as natural as possible while allowing everyone in the community to enjoy it.
“With the exception of any minimal improvements to make it accessible to the public, what type of improvements would that be? Well, it would probably be parking improvements one day, maybe a restroom, maybe an improved dock to provide access to the waterway. Accessibility is the main concern for our agency, so making sure the trails are accessible for people of all abilities,” Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Senior Planner Matt Moldenhauer said.
Several organizations were crucial in making it all come together. The Lowcountry Land Trust and Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission worked together to develop the project, and the Charleston County Greenbelt Department and State Conservation Bank, along with generous donors, worked to fund it.
With this project, the Angel Oak Preserve, and the recent acquisitions of Main Road Park and Grayson Oaks, the goal is to build a vibrant network of conserved lands honoring the island’s unique character and enhancing the community’s connection to nature.
“Sometimes that means trying to do land protection projects that are side by side, but there is also the ability to do things that are in the vicinity of each other where animals for instance might be able to use multiple of these properties to meet their lifecycle needs,” Lowcountry Land Trust Chief Conservation Officer David Ray said.
Dubuque said it’s a long process, and the application indicated more than five years before it would be open to the public. The county will be taking public input as it goes about designing the park in the future.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A decades-old plan for a Johns Island neighborhood and golf course gets the green light from Charleston County leaders.A plan called the Orange Hill Planned Development project is the works to add a 120-home neighborhood and a golf course is set for about 933 acres of land along Rivers and Bohicket Roads on Johns Island. Project developers, Kiawah Resort Associates LP, are working to use just over 720 acres of that land for the development called ‘Real Property’, ...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A decades-old plan for a Johns Island neighborhood and golf course gets the green light from Charleston County leaders.
A plan called the Orange Hill Planned Development project is the works to add a 120-home neighborhood and a golf course is set for about 933 acres of land along Rivers and Bohicket Roads on Johns Island. Project developers, Kiawah Resort Associates LP, are working to use just over 720 acres of that land for the development called ‘Real Property’, according to plans. The over 200 acres remaining will be under a conservancy tract.
Kiawah Resort Associates LP partner and project applicant, Jordan Phillips, says the project benefits the area as a solution to golf course demands.
“The project will really help alleviate compaction on golf courses and provide additional residential housing units,” Phillips says.
Current proposed plans are a change from an 180-home idea that developers presented to the Charleston County Council in 2005. District 8 Councilmember Joe Boykin says development with original plans would impact Charleston County’s Urban Growth Boundary.
“I think in the end, it was far better than the by-right development plan they already had,” Boykin says. “If this had been done a long time ago, this area would have been out of the Urban Growth Boundary and probably not have been supported, but it predates that.”
Charleston County Council approved to move forward on the development in a first reading on Tuesday. Boykin calls the plan a “win-win” for the area as developers included support efforts towards affordable housing in the area.
The Charleston County Community Development and Revitalization Department, which focuses on housing and communities, will get $1 million in property funds. Those funds will come from the project over the course of five years. Developers say another $500,000 will go towards the Sea Island Habitat for Humanity.
Boykin says the housing contributions are a chance to keep money on the island.
“We have a real problem with workers going to Kiawah to support that, well, one of Charleston County’s largest employers,” Boykin says. “They can’t afford to live on Johns Island, so they come from far off, which causes more congestion on our roadways. So this is a win-win all the way around.”
A second reading of the plan by council leaders will take place on July 22. A public hearing will also take place.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.