The Evolved Benefits blog brings together insight from across our leadership team, including Founders and Managing Partners Eddie Murphy and Philip Cannon, Vp of Sales, Tommy Gaffney, and our team of experienced professionals who work to support our broker partners and their employer groups every day.
These perspectives are shaped by real conversations, real plan design challenges, and the evolving needs of today’s workforce. The result is a collection of practical guidance, strategic insight, and clear thinking around benefits, compliance, and cost management that brokers can apply in their own client relationships.
P&C and Benefits Brokers Don’t Cross-Sell. Here’s Why.May 23, 2026 - 9:06 pm
P&C and Benefits Brokers Don’t Cross-Sell. Here’s Why.
ArticlesMost agencies have two teams that rarely talk. Here’s why P&C and benefits brokers struggle to collaborate and what it’s costing your clients.
Why Clients Are Quietly Moving Toward Integrated Agencies
Articles, Broker ResourcesThe Moment That Changed How I Think About Agency Structure I had a conversation recently that stuck with me. A business owner mentioned he was working with three different advisors, none of whom had ever spoken to each other. He wasn’t angry about it. He was just tired of being the one connecting the dots. […]
The Hidden Risk Inside Your Own Agency
Articles, Broker ResourcesThe Risk Most Agency Owners Never Look For Most agencies spend their time helping clients identify risk. Very few stop to ask where the risk is inside their own organization. There is one. And it tends to be quieter than expected. It won’t show up on your E&O policy. It won’t surface in a compliance […]
What is a Captive and Who is it Best For?
Articles, Broker Resources, Self Funded & Level FundedHow to talk to your clients about Captive health plans: A Guide for Brokers. Most employers don’t go looking for a captive. They find their way there through frustration with unpredictable renewals, absence of data, and the persistent feeling that their health plan is something out of their control. By the time captives enter the […]
What Mid-Market Employers Need to Know About Self-Funded and Level-Funded Health Plans
Articles, Broker Resources, Self Funded & Level FundedFor years, fully insured has been the default. But as costs compound and transparency becomes table stakes, a growing number of mid-market employers are asking a different question, not “what does the renewal look like?” but “why are we paying what we’re paying?” That shift in question is significant. It signals that employers are no […]
The Forgotten Workforce: The 20–50% We’re Not Talking About
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThe Employees Hiding in Plain Sight Every employer has them. The employees who show up every day, keep operations running, and yet when it comes to benefits, are almost invisible. They’re the part-timers, the hourly workers, the people who waive major medical because they can’t afford the payroll deduction. In most groups, this forgotten workforce […]
What is Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC)?
Articles, MEC PlansBy Philip Cannon, Evolved Benefits The concept of Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) was established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. The ACA, also known as Obamacare, was a comprehensive healthcare reform law designed to improve access to care and make it more affordable for Americans. The MEC provision of the […]
The 40% You’re Not Talking To
Articles, Broker ResourcesI was on the phone with a broker who lost a client after three years. The CFO’s reason? “You only ever talk about the people on our major medical plan.” Turns out, the majority of their workforce felt invisible. Here’s what happened. The company had 200 employees. Only 120 were enrolled in major medical. The […]
What Are Voluntary/ Worksite Benefits?
Articles, Worksite BenefitsVoluntary benefits show up in a lot of benefits conversations, but they’re often explained in a way that feels more complicated than they actually are. At their core, they’re simply additional options employees can choose through their employer. They’re offered at work, paid for through payroll deductions, and designed to give employees more ways to […]
Brokers: Your Waivers Are Hiding Revenue
Articles, Broker ResourcesExpanding Employer Benefits with MEC Plans: A Practical Strategy for Brokers. Many employer groups include employees who are not participating in the company’s primary health plan. Some workers waive coverage, while others work part-time and may not qualify for traditional benefits. These populations often represent a meaningful opportunity for employers to strengthen retention while expanding […]
MEC vs MVP Plans – What’s the Difference?
Articles, MEC PlansHow Employers and Brokers Build a Compliant, Cost-Controlled Benefits Strategy For Applicable Large Employers, health benefits sit at the intersection of compliance, cost management, and workforce expectations. Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) and Minimum Value Plans (MVP) are foundational components of that strategy. Each serves a defined role within the ACA framework and supports different business […]
Are Worksite Benefits Worth It for Employers?
Articles, Worksite BenefitsFor a lot of employers, the hesitation isn’t about offering more benefits. It’s about what it’s going to cost and how complicated it’s going to become. Worksite benefits tend to change that conversation. They give employees more options, more coverage, and more support in situations that actually come up in real life, without requiring the […]
What Inclusion Feels Like: Expanding Healthcare Access for Hourly and Part-Time Employees
Articles, Broker ResourcesIf you’ve ever watched an employee’s face light up when they realize they finally have access to real healthcare benefits, you know what inclusion feels like. It’s more than a benefits strategy. It’s a human moment. At Evolved Benefits, we see it all the time. Part-time workers. Hourly employees. People who’ve spent their careers outside […]
Organic Growth Hiding in Plain Sight
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThe Growth Strategy Most Brokers Walk Past Every Day Every broker wants to grow their business. Some chase new clients. Others focus on renewals. But here’s what most don’t realize: you’re probably sitting on real growth opportunities right now, hidden in your existing book of business. It’s the employees who waived major medical coverage. It’s […]
Building Benefit Tiers That Actually Work
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC Plans, Self Funded & Level FundedIf there’s one truth every benefits broker learns over time, it’s this: No two employee populations are the same. Yet, too often, we present benefit options as if they are. We talk about “participation,” “affordability,” and “engagement,” but we offer a single major medical plan and call it a strategy. The reality is that approach […]
When “Affordable” Isn’t Affordable: Closing the Real-World Gap
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC Plans, Worksite BenefitsLet’s talk about one of the biggest misconceptions in our industry: affordability. On paper, it looks simple. The Affordable Care Act defines “affordable” as coverage that doesn’t exceed a set percentage of an employee’s income (8.39% of household income in 2025 under the Federal Poverty Level Safe Harbor). But in the real world? For someone […]
The MVP Plan Advantage: Improving Healthcare Access for Low-Income Employees
ArticlesIn today’s challenging economic landscape, providing affordable health plan options for low-income employees remains a significant hurdle for many businesses. Traditional major medical plans often fall short, leaving both employers and employees struggling to find viable solutions. However, there’s an effective alternative gaining traction: Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) and Minimum Value Plans (MVP) are emerging […]
Low Participation & TPA Integration
ArticlesMany employers and brokers face significant challenges when implementing traditional health plans. Two major hurdles often stand in the way: high participation requirements and complex administration. Minimum Value Plans (MVP) offer a solution to these issues, providing a more accessible and streamlined approach to employee health coverage. Breaking the Participation Barrier One of the most […]
The Real Cost of Waivers and the Revenue Hiding Inside Them
ArticlesMost brokers see waiver forms as paperwork. We see them as a roadmap to six figures in recurring revenue.
The Real Cost of Waivers and the Revenue Hiding Inside Them
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC Plans, Self Funded & Level FundedEvery waiver form tells a story. It’s the story of an employee who looked at their paycheck, saw the cost of major medical coverage, and quietly decided, “I just can’t do it.” For most employers, those waivers get filed away. For most brokers, they get overlooked. But we’ve learned that those waiver lists aren’t a […]
Building a Stronger Workforce: The Value of Extended Benefits Coverage
Articles, Broker Resources, Worksite BenefitsMost companies focus their benefits on full-time employees, but there’s a missed opportunity with part-time, variable-hour, and seasonal workers. These employees often get overlooked, yet they’re essential to operations. At Evolved Benefits, we know every company faces different challenges when balancing business needs with employee expectations. When organizations extend benefits to their whole team – […]
Easy MVP Plan Implementation to Revolutionize Employee Benefits
ArticlesQ4 is the perfect time for benefits brokers to analyze their book of business and consider innovative solutions like Minimum Value Plans (MVPs). These plans offer a practical approach to providing health coverage, especially for industries with high turnover and low-income employees. The Power of Integrated Carriers and TPAs To achieve easy implementation of an […]
The Broker’s Role in ALE Qualification
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansInsurance brokers must ensure their clients maintain compliance with Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. Identifying whether a business qualifies as an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) directly affects benefits obligations for full-time, part-time, variable-hour, and seasonal employees. This guide outlines the steps for accurate ALE determination and highlights how brokers can assist clients in meeting compliance […]
Overcoming Objections
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC Plans, Self Funded & Level Funded, Worksite BenefitsEvery “no” presents an opportunity to turn it into a “yes.” Overcoming objections is an essential skill for employee benefits brokers, and we want to share some strategies to help you tackle objections head-on. With a deep understanding of our product and the right approach, you can transform objections into opportunities and make this Q4 […]
Employee Eligibility & Minimum Essential Coverage Explained
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week, we are revisiting an important topic: Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance. Two crucial pillars emerge – employee eligibility and Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC). Accurate determination of employee eligibility, particularly for variable hour or seasonal employees, is paramount to meeting the 95% offer requirement. Meanwhile, understanding what constitutes MEC under the ACA is essential […]
Understanding Employee Concerns During Benefits Enrollment
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC Plans, Worksite BenefitsAs employee benefits brokers, staying attuned to the concerns of employees during the enrollment process is crucial. Understanding their needs not only helps in providing better guidance but also enhances their overall experience. Here’s a deep dive into what’s on the mind of employees during this critical period. Confidence in Choosing Benefits Employees want to […]
Preparing for 2026 Renewal Season: Why Inclusive Benefits Drive Employee Satisfaction
ArticlesPrepare for 2026 renewals with inclusive benefits strategies. Learn how MEC plans and broader coverage help brokers retain clients and attract talent.
Preparing for 2026 Renewal Season: Why Inclusive Benefits Drive Employee Satisfaction
ArticlesSeptember marks the start of renewal season, and employees across all job types expect more than basic compensation. They want inclusivity, fairness, and access to benefits that matter. When employers extend benefits beyond full-time staff, they create workplaces where talent chooses to stay. Covering Your Entire Employee Base Many part-time and seasonal workers feel left […]
How Inclusive Benefits Help Businesses Get More Value From Their Entire Workforce: Planning for 2026 Renewals
ArticlesAs we head into renewal season, now is the time to evaluate whether your clients are truly maximizing their workforce investment. For many businesses, part-time, variable-hour, and seasonal employees play a vital role in operations. Yet, these workers often miss out on benefits packages during traditional renewal discussions. Employers who extend benefits to their entire […]
Enhancing Compliance & Reducing Risk
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansLet’s talk about why helping your clients stay compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about being the broker who genuinely protects their business. What Makes a Company an ALE? If your client has 50 or more full-time employees (or the equivalent), they’re what we call an Applicable Large Employer. This means they have responsibilities […]
Casting a Wide Net Over the Entire Population: Enhancing Compliance & Reducing Risk
ArticlesLearn how Minimum Essential Coverage helps insurance brokers protect ALE clients from penalties while growing their book. Proven strategies for 2025.
Addressing the Benefits Gap in the Gig Economy: A Strategic Opportunity for Brokers
Articles, Broker ResourcesThe gig economy has experienced significant growth, presenting a substantial opportunity for insurance brokers to innovate and expand their client base. With 36% of the U.S. workforce—approximately 58 million Americans—identifying as independent workers, this shift in employment patterns demands attention. Despite their considerable economic contribution, only 20% of gig workers have access to employer-provided benefits, […]
Transforming Employee Benefits: The Impact of AI and Engagement Technology
ArticlesThe employee benefits landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements. For brokers, embracing these innovations is key to enhancing client offerings and maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Engagement Technology are reshaping our industry. AI’s Growing Role AI is significantly improving carrier operations, particularly in claims processing, underwriting, and […]
Outmaneuvering the Competition: Why Inclusive Benefits Matter
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC Plans, Worksite BenefitsEmployers who fail to offer benefits beyond full-time employees are at risk. Competitors with more inclusive benefits packages can lure away key talent, leaving businesses vulnerable to high turnover and operational disruptions. As an employee benefits broker, you have an opportunity to help your clients stay ahead by expanding their benefits strategy. Reducing Retention Risks […]
The Growing Need for Employee Mental Health Benefits
Articles, Broker Resources, VideosEmployee mental health has become a critical issue in the workplace, and it’s time for employers and benefits advisors to take notice. LIMRA recently reported that a whopping 75% of U.S. workers are dealing with mental health problems in 2024. That’s a huge number, and it’s only going to get worse if we don’t take […]
Target Industries for Brokers: Where MEC Plans Drive Results
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC Plans, Worksite BenefitsInsurance brokers often overlook the opportunities that exist within industries employing variable-hour and seasonal workers. Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plans offer brokers a pathway to serve these underserved markets while helping businesses maintain compliance and reduce turnover costs. Understanding the MEC Opportunity MEC plans provide preventive health benefits at affordable rates, making them practical for […]
Protecting Your Clients from ACA Penalties: Strategies for Affordability
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week we want to address the affordability criteria and the potential penalties that your clients may face. The IRS is issuing 226J penalty letters, and as an employee benefit advisor, it’s your responsibility to help your clients navigate these challenges. In 2024, the affordability threshold for employer-sponsored health coverage under the Affordable Care Act […]
Target Industries for Brokers: Where MEC Plans Drive Results
ArticlesDiscover high-opportunity industries for MEC plans. From hospitality to construction, learn where brokers can build successful practices serving employers.
Strengthening Client Relationships Through Inclusive Benefits
ArticlesBrokers who provide comprehensive, long-term benefits solutions earn lasting client loyalty. Evidence shows that extending benefits coverage to all employees—including part-time, variable-hour, and seasonal workers—creates significant value for employers and solidifies broker relationships. The Complete Coverage Advantage When employers limit benefits to full-time staff, they miss opportunities to support their entire workforce. Companies offering inclusive […]
Meeting Employee Expectations: Why Inclusive Benefits Matter
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThe workforce has changed. Today’s employees want more than just a paycheck—they value inclusivity, equity, and access to essential benefits. When employers offer benefits to more than just full-time staff, they show they’re ahead of the curve and they become the kind of place top talent wants to work. Casting a Net Over the Entire […]
Expanding Benefits Beyond Full-Time Employees: A Smart Strategy for Stability
ArticlesMany employers overlook part-time, variable-hour, and seasonal employees when designing their benefits strategy. However, this approach can lead to higher turnover, lower productivity, and missed opportunities for business growth. As an employee benefits broker, you can help your clients gain a competitive advantage by offering strategic benefits that support their entire workforce. Stability Through Retention […]
The Growing Need for Employee Mental Health Benefits
ArticlesEmployee mental health has become a critical issue in the workplace, and it’s time for employers and benefits advisors to take notice. LIMRA recently reported that a whopping 75% of U.S. workers are dealing with mental health problems in 2024. That’s a huge number, and it’s only going to get worse if we don’t take action.
Protecting Your Clients from ACA Penalties: Strategies for Affordability
ArticlesEvolved Benefits offers strategies to protect clients from ACA penalties. Navigate affordability criteria and 226J letters with tailored solutions for your clients’ success.
Working with Evolved Benefits: The Value of Minimum Essential Coverage Health Plans for Low-Income Industries
ArticlesEvolved Benefits is revolutionizing employee benefits through our unwavering commitment to a broker-driven model. Our focus on empowering brokers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed sets us apart in the industry.
In our latest article, we explore the importance of collaboration and how a partnership approach can help brokers capitalize on opportunities and provide exceptional value to their clients.
Untapped Revenue Potential: Strategies for Organic Growth
ArticlesOrganic growth is created by adding new clients or more business from existing clients. It’s essentially expanding your business from within using the resources you have, including skills, knowledge, experience, relationships, and other tools. Organic growth is healthy for an agency and reflects a long-term, solid commitment to building a business. Research your target clients […]
Wondering what MEC plans are?
ArticlesWhat Are MEC Plans? If you’ve ever wondered about MEC plans, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about what exactly minimum essential coverage entails. In this article, we will delve into the concept of MEC plans, explaining what they are and the purpose they serve. So, what does MEC actually cover? A minimum essential […]
Who is Evolved Benefits and Who Do We Help?
ArticlesWhy Brokers Choose to Work With Us: Providing Innovative Solutions for Your Clients When it comes to the insurance industry, brokers play a crucial role in helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex world of insurance coverage. However, brokers often need help finding the right solutions for their clients, especially in niche markets. That’s where […]
Are MEC Plans COBRA Eligible?
ArticlesMEC plans may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, but it depends on the specific plan and the circumstances under which the employee lost their coverage. Under COBRA, employees who lose their job or experience a reduction in work hours that results in a loss of health insurance coverage may be eligible to continue their […]
The Pros and Cons of Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) Plans: Is It Right for Your Business?
ArticlesAre MEC plans worth it? Whether or not a minimum essential coverage (MEC) plan is worth it depends on the needs of the individual or organization purchasing the plan. MEC plans can be a good option for organizations who want to meet the minimum essential coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at a […]
Employers Will See Increased ACA Penalties in 2023
ArticlesEmployers Will See Increased ACA Penalties in 2023:Employers note that 2023 brings heftier IRS penalties for failing to comply with the ACA’s Employer Mandate.Under the ACA’s Employer Mandate, ALEs, or employers with 50 or more full-time and full-time equivalent employees must:Offer Minimum Essential Coverage to at least 95% of their full-time employees and their dependents […]
Understanding the Differences between MEC Plans and Major Medical Plans
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansMEC plans and major medical plans are both types of health insurance plans, but they differ in several important ways. A minimum essential coverage (MEC) plan is a type of health insurance plan that meets the minimum necessary coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). MEC plans provide basic medical coverage for preventive care […]
Top Questions to Expect as a Benefits Broker: How to be Prepared and Provide Value to Clients
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansWhat questions should I ask a benefits broker? When evaluating benefits brokers, you should ask several important questions to help you determine whether they are the right fit for your organization. Here are some key questions to consider: What is your experience and expertise in employee benefits? Ask about the broker’s experience working with clients […]
MEC Plans for Employers
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansMEC stands for Minimum Essential Coverage, a type of health insurance plan that meets the minimum requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). MEC plans provide basic health coverage but may only cover some of the essential health benefits required by the ACA. Employers can offer MEC plans to their employees as a way to […]
What do employees want from their health insurance?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansEmployees want health insurance that provides them comprehensive coverage, is affordable, and is easy to use. Here are some specific things that employees often look for in a health insurance plan: Comprehensive coverage: Employees want health insurance that covers a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, primary care, specialty care, prescription drugs, and hospitalization. […]
What do employers want from their broker?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansWhat do employers want from their benefits broker: Employers typically look for benefits brokers who can provide a range of services and expertise to help them navigate the complex world of employee benefits. Here are some things that employers commonly look for in a benefits broker: Expertise and knowledge: Employers want a benefits broker with a […]
Be the One to Bring Your Group Solutions
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAs a broker, it can be challenging to navigate the current economic climate. The recession has affected the economy in many ways, including the rising cost of insurance. To make matters worse, there are many different entities vying for your clients’ attention. It’s not just the traditional brokers down the street; it’s also payroll companies, […]
The Deep Blue Ocean of Opportunity for Brokers
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAs we enter the second quarter, it’s a good time to reflect on our business strategies and identify growth opportunities. In particular, I want to draw your attention to a deep blue ocean – an area of the market that is largely untapped and offers significant potential for expansion. While our original focus at Evolved […]
Who’s a Good Fit for a MEC plan?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAre you an employer struggling to offer affordable healthcare options to your employees? Look no further than the MEC plan. As someone who always makes myself available to help employers navigate the complex world of health insurance options, MEC plans are an excellent fit for larger employers with low-income employees. But it’s not just for […]
Grow Your Business with a MEC Plan
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAs a broker, you’re likely facing a significant challenge this year.Winning business and growing organically is more critical than ever. It will help if you differentiate yourself from other brokers with unique strategies to achieve this. One option to consider is a minimum essential coverage (MEC) plan. MEC plans typically include around ten basic coverages, […]
How to Keep Your Book of Business from Shrinking in This Recession
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAs a broker, you face a tough challenge in this current economic climate. With the recession and rising insurance costs, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to grow your book of business. But if you’re not growing, you’re shrinking, a risk no one can afford to take. The key to success is to keep your business from […]
State of the Union: 2023 Goals and Challenges
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThe insurance industry is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and strategies is essential for brokers and agencies looking to succeed. The Evolved Benefits State of the Union Address is here, and it’s a must-watch for brokers looking to stay ahead of the game in 2023. This insightful video covers the latest […]
Stay Compliant and Save Money: 2 Secrets for Beating 226-J Penalties
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAre you familiar with the IRS penalty notice, the 226-J letter? In this article you’ll learn what it is and why you need to be aware of it. If you have clients who are considered an ALE (Applicable Large Employer) and are found to be out of compliance with the mandated Affordable Care Act reporting […]
The Evolved Benefits Process
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansDo you want to know how easy it is to work with Evolved Benefits? As an employee benefits advisor, you’re looking for ways to protect your current book and find new clients. To accomplish both, you need to make sure you’re bringing solutions to the table the competition isn’t. That’s where we come in. Consider […]
Uncovering the Truth: A Comprehensive Review of Your Business Process
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansYou know what’s frustrating? Working hard, but not seeing the results. This is the time of year to put down the microscope, pick up the mirror and ask yourself why? It’s frustrating to look back and realize how hard you’ve worked over the past year, but you’re failing to see the growth. Now is the […]
Top Industries Often Overlooked by Insurance Brokers
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansCertain industries struggle to provide affordable health insurance coverage to its employees. Often these are industries who have a high volume of part-time and seasonal staff. However, it doesn’t mean these industries should go overlooked. One such industry is the gig economy. This sector, comprised of independent contractors, freelancers, and gig workers, has seen a […]
What’s the benefit of combining a MEC plan with hospital indemnity coverage?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansIn today’s article we’re going to explore the value of combining a MEC plan with hospital indemnity coverage. First, when you offer a MEC plan with a hospital indemnity plan stacked on top of each other, you’ll want to provide the most robust MEC plan. Here’s why. The MEC plan will give you: Access to […]
Minimum Essential Coverage vs. Minimum Value – What Is The Difference?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansHow do MECs apply to minimum value for health insurance coverage? Let’s dive in. MEC stands for minimum essential coverage and MV stands for minimum value. MEC stands at the lower threshold of minimum value because it only gives you access to basic health insurance coverage for acute services like primary care visits, specialist visits, […]
What are the benefits of having a MEC plan?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansI’ve been spending the last few weeks talking to you about minimum essential coverage (MEC). Let’s get back to the basics. What are MEC plans? MEC plans provide minimum essential coverage as required by the Affordable Health Care Act. In their most basic form, MEC plans are ACA compliant. as they protect against Penalty A. […]
How much can you really save with a MEC plan?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAs a broker, it can be difficult to determine if a Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plan is the right fit for your clients. Do they provide enough coverage? Do they even save money? With so many different insurance products and coverage options available, getting an accurate understanding of the potential cost savings is a challenging […]
3 Components To Consider When Positioning A MEC Plan
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansIt’s no secret that many insurance brokers struggle with positioning a Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plan for their clients. It’s a great solution for the right client, but often gets overlooked. A MEC can be complicated a plan to navigate due to its specialized nature and complexity. Therefore, it’s easy for an experienced broker to […]
Why do MEC plans have a negative reputation?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansIf you’re an employer, you know that offering a comprehensive benefits package is key to attracting and retaining employees. Benefits packages come in all different shapes and sizes, and an employer’s budget can have a big impact on the type of benefit package offered. Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plans can provide an employer the opportunity […]
What Is Different Working With Us
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAt Evolved Benefits, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and efficient benefits solution. We offer a wide variety of services and programs that are tailored to meet the unique needs of you and your clients. Our solutions are distributed solely through brokers, like you, and general agencies. We do not market directly to employers. […]
Lowest Price – Is That What You Lead With?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAre you the type of broker that only leads with the lowest price? When you lead with price it’s easy to get commoditized by your prospects. Price is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. By focusing on your customers and what they actually need, you can set yourself up for success. The […]
How To Be A Hero For Your Clients
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAs you read this, I’m hoping your Q4 renewal season is slowing down a bit for you. Q4 is a time for renewing your existing clients and earning new ones (I hope!). Lately I’ve been finding myself having conversations with advisers about the challenges with revenue growth. It’s hard enough to keep the business you […]
The Benefit of Trusting Your Partners
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansToday I’d like to talk about the benefit of trusting your partners. Hopefully, you have a stable of trusted referral partners who are experts in certain areas that relate to employee benefits. In your circle of partners, you may have a payroll person, a corporate banker who helps out with loans, or someone who provides […]
You’re Busting Your Butt and Not Growing, WHY?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansI love meeting new brokers and continuing my relationship with existing partners, and I know it’s frustrating that you’re busting your butt all year long, but you’re not growing. This is the time of year to put down the microscope, pick up the mirror and ask yourself why? It’s frustrating to look back and realize […]
Who Is Our Ideal Broker?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansEvolved Benefits is a 100% broker-friendly niche GA, and we don’t market B2B. Employee medical brokers are our clients, and I want to identify who our ideal client is. First and foremost, we work best with an employee benefits broker in the blue-collar space. They work with companies with lots of low-income full-time employees and […]
You’re Too Focused On NEW Business To Create Growth
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansOver the last few years, I have found that some brokers are too focused on writing new business to create growth instead of building off existing business. You’re so focused on writing new business that you’re not looking under the hood of your existing book to find out if you’re rounding it out and adding […]
Q4 Is The Perfect Time To Have This Conversation With Your Clients
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansRight now is the perfect time to have this conversation with your clients. You want to bring the best solutions to your groups, and a great first question to ask is, “Have you cast a net over the entire population of employees?” Meaning, does everybody have a health plan? Not just the full-timers that can […]
Brokers and Their Clients Want an Easy Process
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansI ask myself all the time, what do brokers want? I found that the answer is very similar to what their clients want… Things to be made EASY! Your clients want the benefits administration process to be easy. From open enrollment to post-enrollment, implementation, and back end administration… Clients would love these steps to be […]
What Frustrates Brokers the Most?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansAs a broker, what frustrates you the most? We’re talking today about some of the top gripes I’ve heard from brokers in our industry. From no growth to an empty pipeline, read on for the biggest pet peeves and our solutions! 1. First and foremost is a lack of leads. OUR SOLUTION: We have developed […]
New Business: Agency Growth Myths
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansWhen it comes to growing your business, don’t forget the goldmine of potential revenue within your customer base. Building strong connections with current customers is a great way to fuel growth for your business. Moving into Q4, consider these 3 myths that we have debunked. Myth #1 – We think growth must come from new […]
How to Build Employer Partnerships During Open Enrollment
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansQ4 is coming up, and during the open enrollment season it is essential to continue to strengthen your relationships with employers. We’re all strategizing and planning for open enrollment, and I hope you’re also considering how to build some organic growth in your book of business. To help improve your bond with employers, continue offering […]
How Evolved Benefits Supports the Onboarding Process
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansI want to talk today about how Evolved Benefits supports the onboarding process. In my experience, most carriers are very supportive on the front end of implementation, but that support begins to taper off as the process takes its next steps. At Evolved Benefits, we believe in a complete solution that includes implementation, enrollment, administration, […]
If You’re Not Talking About This, Your Competitors Are
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansIf you’re not talking about our solutions with your clients, I promise you your competitors are. Given the continual increase of major medical premiums yearly, MEC (minimum essential coverage) plans are becoming more relevant, and more brokers are learning to position these solutions to their clients. As a broker, you must continue to add value, […]
How to Have a Better Conversation With Your Clients at Renewal Time
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansMaintaining a healthy client relationship is key to a successful business. When it comes time for renewal, you must have an open and honest conversation with your clients about what you can offer them and how you can continue working together. One of the first issues to address are the companies with high turnover rates. […]
Why is Our Product Relevant in The Market
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansWhy is our product relevant in the market? To answer this, I want you to think about the market and analyze where it’s at and where it’s trending. If you’re staying current, you’ll know that there’s a gig economy, and it is one of the places I’ve seen our product do very well. Gig workers […]
Case Study: Print Shop
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week we want to focus on a case study with a print shop. This print shop was only 12 people strong, and it grew to 200 employees in about a year and became an around-the-clock shop. Only six or seven people were enrolled on the group’s HMO plan. This was the health plan they […]
Common Objections We Hear
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week we want to review the most common objections we hear when we’re on the phone with employee benefit advisors talking about our solutions. Objection Number One – This isn’t real insurance. Our Approach – All of our minimum essential coverage plans are in fact a health plan and they are ACA compliant, and […]
Biden Bid to Expand Health Subsidies: ‘Family Glitch’ Explained
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week I want to highlight the Family Glitch Act proposed by the Biden administration. If you haven’t heard of this act, it is in response to a section of the ACA that decreases the ability for families to qualify for health subsidies that make healthcare more affordable. Currently, families do not qualify for health […]
Build Back Better Bill: What Is Driving Enrollments?
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week we are discussing the cause and effect of the Build Back Better Bill. Our current administration has put this into effect because they want to encourage Americans to enroll in the state exchange and receive a subsidy. For some people, this is excellent news! Some people need a subsidy, or they’re not offered […]
WHAT BUSINESS OWNERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ACA BENEFITS IN 2022
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansBenefit advisors need to understand how to help a company that is considered an Applicable Large Employer (ALE), so I want to introduce you to a tool we have on our website, evolvedbenefits.com. Under the Resources tab, you will find our FTE Calculator. This tool will help you in advising companies that are considered an […]
Security Industry
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansToday we are looking at another industry in our educational series for employee benefits advisors. Let me show you where the opportunities are within the security guard industry. Right now, there are over 1.4 million security guards employed in the United States, and the average age of a security guard is about 44 years old. […]
Trucking Industry
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week, we continue our series on industries Evolved Benefits works well with. Let’s talk about the trucking industry, which I hold close to my heart because in my past life, I was a diesel mechanic. I got to know a lot of truckers, and I understand the lifestyle. I understand how much time these […]
Landscaping
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThe landscaping industry is highly underserved. There is a ton of opportunity for employee benefits advisors to bring real value and help employees of these companies get access to quality healthcare. There are over 1.2 million employees in the landscaping industry. That’s a massive opportunity. There are over 604,000 landscaping companies in the United States, […]
Home Care Workers
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansWe are continuing our series on industries we work well in, and this week we’re highlighting the Home Healthcare Workforce. The home healthcare workforce is also referred to as assisted living workers, and these companies have a lot of part-time, variable-hour employees. I believe this industry presents an excellent opportunity for you as an employee […]
Assisted Living
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansNew week, new industry to shine a spotlight on: the assisted living industry. This is another area in which our products fit very well. Major medical health plan premiums can be anywhere from $400 to $500 a month, and in the assisted living industry, the employees just don’t make the income that justifies the premium […]
Franchise Industry
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThere are a lot of great opportunities out there for benefit advisors to break into, and the franchise industry is one of them. The most recent statistic shows there are 8.25 million employees in this space. This is a massive opportunity for you! We recently worked with a business owner who had purchased multiple pizza […]
Construction
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week I want to continue my Industry Series and highlight the Construction Industry, which we do very well in by offering solutions for the employees and helping the Employee Benefits advisors that work with these types of companies. According to Zippia.com, these are current statistics from the industry. There are well over 800,000 employees […]
Staffing
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansWelcome to week 2 of our industries series. This week, we are discussing staffing agencies. At Evolved Benefits, we provide tremendous help and resources to the companies themselves and the employee benefits advisors that serve them. At Evolved Benefits, we are the inside sales arm for SBMA, which stands for Staffing Benefits and Administration. SBMA […]
Grocery Stores
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week we are kicking off a series highlighting different industries we work well with, not just for the owners of these particular companies but also because we provide many solutions. So let’s highlight the valuable grocery store chain industry. Here are some brief statistics to better comprehend the industry and where advisors can help. […]
5 Common Mistakes Restaurants Make
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansOver 10 years after the ACA was first signed into law, the reporting requirements under the ACA’s Employer Mandate have proven challenging and time-consuming for most. But quick-service restaurants have it harder than others. Minimizing costs and increasing employee retention in the restaurant space is difficult already. Add the administrative burden of the ACA to […]
FPL Safe Harbor 3
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week, we discuss the third and final safe harbor calculation called FPL Safe Harbor or Federal Poverty Level Safe Harbor. The Federal Poverty Line (FPL) Safe Harbor is a method for proving ACA affordability based on an employee’s annual household income, which is a function of that employee’s household size and is adjusted yearly. […]
W-2 Safe Harbor 2
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week we will be discussing the second Safe Harbor, W-2 Safe Harbor, and explain how employers use this specific calculation to prove to the IRS that the healthcare plans they are offering to their workforce are affordable under the ACA. Providing affordability is critical for complying with this law, and failing to do so […]
The Rate of Pay Safe Harbor: 1 of 3 Affordability Safe Harbors
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansFortunately, the IRS has made available three affordability safe harbors that employers can use to help prove ACA affordability. Using the 3 safe harbor calculations we can answer how employers prove to the IRS that the healthcare plans they are offering to their workforce are affordable under the ACA. This week we will be talking […]
The Evolved Benefits Process
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansLet’s talk about how easy it is to work with Evolved Benefits. As an employee benefits advisor, we are a product that you can offer as a solution. And, of course, you get compensated for doing that as you do with every other solution you provide your customers. First and foremost, here at Evolved Benefits, […]
You are Missing Out on a Revenue Opportunity
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansOrganic growth is created by adding new clients or more business from existing clients. It’s essentially expanding your business from within using the resources you have, including skills, knowledge, experience, relationships, and other tools. Organic growth is healthy for an agency and reflects a long-term, solid commitment to building a business. 1. Research your target […]
What is Minimum Essential Coverage
ArticlesWondering what MEC plans are? We’re sometimes asked what minimum essential coverage exactly is, and what to do if you’re comparing it to a plan that has a minimum value. Read on to see what MEC is and what purpose it serves. So what does MEC actually cover? A minimum essential coverage plan – or […]
Why Evolved Benefits and Why Brokers Should Call Us
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansEvolved Benefits, and our insurance carriers, are committed to being creative and innovative regarding the solutions you need. We both have the same goal of providing the best solutions for your clients in the most cost-effective way. We will work with you every step to ensure that you get the proper knowledge and understanding you […]
Target Industries
Articles, Broker Resources, MEC PlansThis week we are talking about the deep blue ocean of opportunities in target industries. Every employee benefits advisor out there has a strategy. Most of the time, it’s a strategy to tackle the major medical market or what many people call the fully insured marketplace. We found an opportunity in the marketplace that helps […]
What’s the Benefit of Combining a MEC Plan with Hospital Indemnity Coverage?
ArticlesIn today’s article we’re going to explore the value of combining a MEC plan with hospital indemnity coverage. First, when you offer a MEC plan with a hospital indemnity plan stacked on top of each other, you’ll want to provide the most robust MEC plan. Here’s why. The MEC plan will give you: Access to […]