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 Richmond Hill, GA, 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 Richmond Hill, GA, 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 Sarpa Trattoria in Richmond Hill, GA, 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 Richmond Hill, GA:
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 Station Exchange Senior 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 Richmond Hill History Museum in Richmond Hill, GA, 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 Richmond Hill, GA.
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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The number of teams competing in slow-pitch softball continues to drop, but that won’t deter No. 1-seed Richmond Hill from pursuing its first championship when the state tournament begins Wednesday.Yet this could be one of the final seasons for the sport if more teams don’t begin to field a slow-pitch team. Only 22 schools fielded a slow-pitch team this season.The Georgia High School Association can decide to do away with sports that have fewer than 32 teams. The call will be made by GHSA Executive Director Tim Scot...
The number of teams competing in slow-pitch softball continues to drop, but that won’t deter No. 1-seed Richmond Hill from pursuing its first championship when the state tournament begins Wednesday.
Yet this could be one of the final seasons for the sport if more teams don’t begin to field a slow-pitch team. Only 22 schools fielded a slow-pitch team this season.
The Georgia High School Association can decide to do away with sports that have fewer than 32 teams. The call will be made by GHSA Executive Director Tim Scott after consulting with the GHSA Board of Trustees. Even if the decision is made to eliminate slow-pitch softball, there likely will be at least one more season.
This year’s tournament is Wednesday and Thursday at Twin Creeks Park in Woodstock. The 16-team double-elimination event will conclude with the championship game at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, with another to follow at 7 p.m. if necessary.
Richmond Hill emerged as No. 1 in the power rankings used to determine the tournament seeds. The Wildcats view the seeding as an honor and are eager to test themselves at the state level. Coach Tiffany Gray even is bringing the team up a night before the tournament begins to make the travel less stressful.
“We play in an interesting area where our regular season is not as competitive as what we’re going to see over the next two days,” Gray said. “Being the No. 1 seed is something that we strive for.”
Most of the powers in the state can be found in the Cherokee County, Northeast Georgia and Middle Georgia. The widespread nature of the competition can make it difficult to find competition. Over the past seven competitions (the 2020 season was canceled because of COVID-19), Haralson County has won three times, Creekview (the defending state champion) has two twice, with West Laurens and Hart County winning the other two.
“Most of the competition is up in (North Georgia), so trying to get people to come to us and make room in their schedule is kind of a feat,” said Gray, whose school is located near Savannah.
Most of the girls who play fast-pitch softball in the fall play on the slow-pitch team in the spring, although a few are lost to lacrosse or other spring sports. Other girls stay away from slow-pitch out of fear it will hurt their swing, something Gray said is incorrect.
Other slow-pitch participants stay away from fast-pitch because they aren’t eager to step in the batter’s box to face a 70-mph pitch. Others take part in the slow-pitch game to improve their all-around skills.
But nearly all the girls who play slow-pitch softball do it because it is fun.
“I feel like it’s just a little less intimidating, even in the field,” Gray said. “We have found that getting out there in the spring — throwing, catching, hitting, just doing the fundamentals is really, really helpful for the development of the program.”
Georgia schools played slow-pitch until 2009 when the transition to the fast-pitch game began. The slow-pitch tournament was discontinued in 2009 and not resumed until 2017, with it returned as an open event not broken into classifications.
“I think it’s worth saving,” Gray said. “I think the girls find it’s less stressful, and they’re out there having fun. They enjoy coming to practice. Even when I tell them we can’t practice because it’s rained and the field is a swamp, they want to know where we can go, can we just throw out on the band field. The desire is so much more than it is during the fast-pitch season because it’s just more fun.”
A Richmond Hill woman charged with a host of fraud and theft charges, including defrauding a Booster Club, is accused of using the funds to pay things such as cell phone bills and OnlyFans accounts. Her bond was denied after law enforcement shared that she was preparing to leave the jurisdiction ahead of her arrest.Susan Lynn Nelson was arrested by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office on January 30, 2025. Court documents now reveal that Nelson is accused of stealing more than $81,000 from the Richmond Hill Wild Kicks Booster Club f...
A Richmond Hill woman charged with a host of fraud and theft charges, including defrauding a Booster Club, is accused of using the funds to pay things such as cell phone bills and OnlyFans accounts. Her bond was denied after law enforcement shared that she was preparing to leave the jurisdiction ahead of her arrest.
Susan Lynn Nelson was arrested by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office on January 30, 2025. Court documents now reveal that Nelson is accused of stealing more than $81,000 from the Richmond Hill Wild Kicks Booster Club for her own personal use. The Booster Club is associated with the Richmond Hill High School soccer program.
According to warrants filed in Bryan County Superior Court on February 4, Nelson was charged with seven felony counts and one misdemeanor, including:
Theft by Conversion (Felony) – for lawfully obtaining another person’s funds, that being the Richmond Hill Wild Kicks Booster Club, in the amount of $15,863.52 and then unlawfully converting the property/funds for her own use in violation of the agreement between the period beginning January 16, 2024 and ending October 18, 2024. Nelson was the Booster Club President at the time of the alleged act.
Forgery in the Third Degree (10 or More Checks) – with the intent to defraud, knowingly possessing ten or more checks (transactions) when she changed the name of Richmond Hill Wild Kicks Booster Club to her own name between January 16, 2024 and October 18, 2024.
Criminal Receipt of Goods or Services Fraudulently Obtained – for giving a financial transaction card account number to the provider of the money, goods, services, or other thing of value for billing purposes without the authorization or permission of the cardholder (Wild Kicks Club) and made payments to her Verizon and OnlyFans subscription between January and October 2024.
Records and Reports of Certain Currency Transactions – for defrauding the Richmond Hill Wild Kicks Booster Club by knowingly transferring funds from South State Bank ($15,417.18) and ($5,423.86) to another account knowing that the transaction was designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the control of the proceeds of unlawful activity.
Deposit Account Fraud (misdemeanor) – for depositing South State Bank checks to USAA Federal Savings Bank in the amount of $5,226.58 for cash, knowing that the check would not be honored by the drawee (South State Bank) due to insufficient funds. This was done via 21 instruments/checks.
Damaging, Destroying, or Secreting Property to Defraud Another – for secreting property (cash/money from booster Club) by transferring funds ($20,841.04) from South State Bank to another account.
Theft by Deception (Felony) – unlawfully obtaining $51,199.00 from the Richmond Hill Wild Kicks Booster Club and then failed to disclose the whereabouts of the funds to the Booster Club. The funds were reportedly transferred from South State Bank to Nelson’s USAA account between January 16, 2024 and October 18, 2024.
Theft by Conversion (Felony) – for lawfully obtaining $9,519.75 from the Richmond Hill Wild Kicks Booster Club and then converting the funds for her own use by sending the PayPal transactions to her own business, Sweet Grace Marketing LLC. This occurred between March 14, 2024 and October 18, 2024.
On January 31, 2025, Nelson appeared before a Bryan County Magistrate Judge for her first appearance hearing. At that time, she requested the services of a public defender. The Court denied bond for Nelson on all charges, citing the significant flight risk for Nelson based on testimony from law enforcement.
Bond hearing paperwork filed in the Clerk’s office reveals that Nelson was reportedly in the process of making arrangements to leave town, placed her home for sale, changed her appearance, and had purchased plane tickets.
Since the hearing on January 31, Nelson has retained defense attorney Lloyd Murray to represent her. He has requested a bond hearing on Nelson’s behalf and she is expected to appear in court in mid-March.
As of February 24, 2025, Nelson’s home is still listed ‘for sale’ according to public real estate listings.
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