Group Health Insurance Agent in Mount Pleasant, SC
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 Mount Pleasant, SC, to help them weigh their options. That's where working with Grey Cardinal Insurance Group starts to make a lot of sense.
Your Partner for Group Health Insurance Plans for Small Business
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.
What are the Advantages of Having Group Health Insurance for Small Business in Mount Pleasant, SC?
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:
Insurance Costs for Employees
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.
More Insurance Options to Choose From
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.
Reduced Tax Burden
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.
Employee Retention and Recruitment
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.
Group Health Insurance 101
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.
How Does Group Health Insurance Work in South Carolina?
A group health insurance plan is typically coordinated with the help of a group health insurance agent in Mount Pleasant, 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.
Group Health Insurance Options in South Carolina
Like the menu at Langdon's Restaurant Wine Bar in Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, SC:
Fully Insured Group Health Insurance Plans
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 Group Health Insurance Plans
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 Group Health Insurance Plans
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.
What Do Group Health Insurance Plans for Small Business in Mount Pleasant, SC Cover?
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 The Artisan Mount Pleasant, 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.
Group Health Insurance Plans for Small Businesses vs. Individual Health Insurance Plans
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).
Why Work with a Local Group Health Insurance Agent in Mount Pleasant, SC?
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."
What Do Local Group Health Insurance Agents Actually Do?
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 Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in Mount Pleasant, SC, we stand tall for you and your business when you need us most.
Personalized Support
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 Mount Pleasant, 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.
On-Call When You Need Them
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.
Exceptional Customer Service
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.
A Business Group Health Insurance Agency in Mount Pleasant, SC, You Can Trust
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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Latest News in Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant restaurant is under new ownership. Prominent hospitality group tapped to take over.
Parker Milner pmilner@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/food/indigo-road-post-house-mount-pleasant-restaurant/article_016fbfac-0121-11f0-b87b-fff4c12e8f34.html
MOUNT PLEASANT — A popular Old Village restaurant is about to go under new ownership — and a prominent Charleston-based hospitality group has been tapped to take over.Post House, led by Ben and Kate Towill’s design and hos...
MOUNT PLEASANT — A popular Old Village restaurant is about to go under new ownership — and a prominent Charleston-based hospitality group has been tapped to take over.
Post House, led by Ben and Kate Towill’s design and hospitality firm Basic Projects, will be sold in a deal expected to close May 1. With the Towills' departure, Indigo Road Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Indaco, O-Ku and Oak Steakhouse, will be in charge of daily operations moving forward.
The Post House was revitalized into an adored boutique hotel and restaurant under the Towills' leadership. Since reopening six years ago, the property has earned multiple hospitality awards, including a Michelin Key for its "unique and memorable" setting.
"The property is an institution, and it was an honor to breathe new life into such a storied building," Ben Towill said in a statement. "The community connections and team we built will remain our greatest successes and we look forward to watching the property continue to grow and thrive."
Indigo Road is stepping in about one month after the hospitality group, led by president and founder Steve Palmer, brought Morrison Drive stalwart Edmund's Oast under its umbrella alongside its roster of 30-plus restaurants. Post House will be the hospitality operator's 35th.
Indigo Road will also assume hospitality operations at the Seabird Inn, a forthcoming boutique hotel at the corner of Hibben and Whilden streets in the Old Village. That project is progressing under the leadership of development partner Jeremy Graves.
Palmer dispelled the notion that the businesses are part of a broader move to take over operations at existing eateries. Before Edmund's Oast, Indigo Road had only operated restaurants it opened.
Palmer pledged to keep Edmund's Oast running as it has for more than a decade. The same applies at Post House, he said, and all employees have been offered their current jobs. Palmer was approached about the opportunity about a month ago, and Indigo Road is a minority investor, he said.
"We're honored to be asked," he said. "Kate and Ben have created an incredible place ... Our intention is to leave it the same."
The Towills, who recently sold their stake in Sullivan's Seafood & Bar to a group that includes Graves, the Seabird Inn developer, and Jason Stanhope, now have just one restaurant in Charleston: Basic Kitchen. The couple plans to refocus their efforts there with "some fresh new dishes, exciting updates to the space and a new events room," Ben Towill said.
"Basic Projects will continue building its portfolio of unique hospitality ventures, experiences and home products," he said. "Kate has a number of exciting design projects in the works, including two local commercial spaces, that we can’t wait to share soon."
Post House, 101 Pitt St., will remain open during the transition. For more information, visit theposthouseinn.com.
Mount Pleasant pickleball club pops up as Reese Witherspoon's clothing brand tours the Lowcountry
Jenny Peterson jpeterson@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/retail/mount-pleasant-pickleball-kingdom-wild-dunes-reese-witherspoon/article_1e13aabe-75e6-4f70-a996-9c3a071bb213.html
Mount Pleasant now has a new place to dink — and drink.Pickleball Kingdom will open March 31 in Belle Hall Shopping Center, with nine full courts and a half court with a simulation game, a mezzanine, a pro shop and a small bar that will sell beer and wine. The chain is leasing the 24,000-square-foot former Tuesday Morning space at 680 Long Point Road.The Arizona-based franchise has 350 U.S. locations. Clubs offer individual, two-person and family memberships with unlimite...
Mount Pleasant now has a new place to dink — and drink.
Pickleball Kingdom will open March 31 in Belle Hall Shopping Center, with nine full courts and a half court with a simulation game, a mezzanine, a pro shop and a small bar that will sell beer and wine. The chain is leasing the 24,000-square-foot former Tuesday Morning space at 680 Long Point Road.
The Arizona-based franchise has 350 U.S. locations. Clubs offer individual, two-person and family memberships with unlimited play as well as clinics, coaching, youth programming, socials, tournaments and leagues. Single memberships start at $109 per month.
“We have close to 200 members already committed,” said general manager Dan Watters, who pivoted to a career running the pickleball club after working at Daniel Island-based technology firm Blackbaud Inc.
Watters said the bar area with TVs will serve as an ideal post-game hangout.
Pickleball Kingdom's hours are from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily except Sunday, when it's open 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
The franchise is eyeing additional Lowcountry locations, with “TBD” addresses online for Charleston, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Members have access at all Pickleball Kingdom courts.
The franchise joins other newcomer to Belle Hall retail center. Aiden Lane, a boutique offering women's apparel and accessories, is now open at 644 Long Point Road.
Wild for Reese
Draper James, the lifestyle brand founded by actress Reese Witherspoon, will kick off its 10-city "The Decade Tour" with a popup brand experience at Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms.
The event runs from March 27-29. The brand announced curated pop-up experiences will be held at hotels in Southern cities to mark its 10th anniversary. Additional stops include New Orleans, Nashville and Rosemary Beach, Fla., where guests can preview the latest collections, sample Witherspoon’s signature sweet tea and take in immersive brand experiences.
Draper James opened a brick-and-mortar location at 489 King St. in downtown Charleston in February. At a previous pop-up, the company's apparel sold out in a single day.
Put 'em up
New York-based Bout Boxing has leased space at Central Island Square on Daniel Island, singing a lease with Continental Realty Corp. for a 2,047-square-foot endcap space.
The studio at 50 Central Island St. is expected to open this spring.
Following the launch of two locations in the New York City area, brother and sister Alek Kucich and Nell Kucich teamed up with Marc Nuccitelli for the Lowcountry venture. According to a statement, the owners frequently travel to Charleston for vacation and saw a niche for a boutique boxing and fitness studio.
“Our routines and programs can train you to be a professional boxer, or you can visit us to get in amazing shape or just blow off some steam,” Nuccitelli said.
Family recipes
A new Mexican restaurant is open near the Park West development in Mount Peasant with a menu inspired by the owner’s mother's original recipes from Oaxaca. Mezcal, at 405 Faison Road, features soups, appetizers and dips, homemade guacamole, rice plates, fajitas, burritos, tacos, entrees, cocktails and lunch specials.
Now brewing
National drive-thru coffee stand 7 Brew has opened its first Lowcountry location at 602 Bacons Bridge Road in Summerville.
The café is open daily from 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m. In addition to coffee, 7 Brew offers smoothies, chillers, teas and an flavored energy drink that can be infused with over 20,000 combinations.
The Fayetteville, Ark.-based franchise has seven other South Carolina locations in Greenville, Columbia and Pawley’s Island.
McD's eyes Nexton
McDonald's has put in an order for a Summerville location.
The burger giant has submitted an application to build a restaurant at 1268 Nexton Parkway. The proposed site is in front of the Harris Teeter-anchored Marketplace shopping center and across from the Publix-anchored One Nexton.
The company filed a public notice with state environmental regulators showing a 3,827-square-foot fast-food restaurant on 1.65 acres with a side-by-side drive-thru configuration.
A Charleston highway project has dragged on for 8 years. It costs $100M more than when it started.
Maddy Quon mquon@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/news/mount-pleasant-sc-highway-41-cost/article_6b88ba48-fdc4-11ef-9438-a3ccd9d4afb9.html
MOUNT PLEASANT — The price tag of a road widening project that has dragged along for years has ballooned by over $100 million.The widening of S.C. Highway 41, funded by the 2016 transportation sales tax, has been in the works since 2017. The expansion will add two lanes to the highway from U.S. Highway 17 to Clements Ferry Road, doubling the number of lanes for most of the route.In a ...
MOUNT PLEASANT — The price tag of a road widening project that has dragged along for years has ballooned by over $100 million.
The widening of S.C. Highway 41, funded by the 2016 transportation sales tax, has been in the works since 2017. The expansion will add two lanes to the highway from U.S. Highway 17 to Clements Ferry Road, doubling the number of lanes for most of the route.
In a transportation sales tax update at the March 6 Charleston County Council finance committee meeting, public works Director Eric Adams said the road projects the county is working on are on schedule. He said the county submitted right-of-way plans to the Army Corps of Engineers for the widening and expects to start construction in 2026.
The project was initially estimated to cost a little over $129 million in 2016 but has since gone up to $245 million.
Devri Detoma, county deputy public works director, said the dramatic increase in cost is largely due to inflation and impacts from COVID-19 pandemic. The project is still covered by the 2016 sales tax as well as funds from the S.C. Transportation Infrastructure Bank despite the rise in costs, Detoma said.
In addition to the price increasing, the timeline of the widening project has extended, partially due to the permitting process which can take years. Adams said during the March 6 meeting construction is often the shortest component of a road project.
While the permitting process is tedious, progress was also impacted by controversy, Detoma said.
The historic Phillips community sits on both sides of Highway 41. Previous plans called to widen the road two lanes to five, which would have made the road come much closer to homes in the community, which residents opposed.
The county held over 150 public meetings from 2017 to 2020 so residents and elected officials could figure out a compromise. Detoma said the back and forth with the public must have taken a year.
County Council voted unanimously in 2021 to adopt the plan the county is using now which adds two lanes, adds a center turn lane in the Phillips community, and the includes the construction of Laurel Hill Parkway, a two-lane road that will run through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park.
Not all residents are happy.
Travis Korson, vice president of the Park West Master Association, said the Park West the community is concerned about the the construction of the Laurel Hill Parkway. Not only would it run through Park West, but it would result in the loss of 12 acres of wetlands. Korson said this would worsen flooding conditions and harm endangered species.
But residents of Phillips community, like Richard Habersham, support the plans. He said the project will both help reduce traffic and make turns into Phillips safer with an added center turn lane.
The county is still meeting with residents who may be affected by the widening as they progress with the project, county public information officer Chloe Field said.
In the meantime, the county has made some interim improvements. Construction project manager Cal Oyer said a signal at the intersection of Joe Rouse Road and Highway 41 was updated to allow southbound traffic to flow freely except when a pedestrian is crossing, and a left turn lane was added from Joe Rouse Road to Highway 41.
Improvements were also made to the intersection of Highway 41 and U.S. Highway 17, by updating the timing of the signal, and restriping and reassigning the lanes to help traffic move more quickly, he said.
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