SelectQuote Benefit Solutions

SelectQuote was founded in 1984 and is the largest direct-to-consumer provider of term life insurance in the U.S. with over 700,000 active customers nationwide. SelectQuote Benefit Solutions offers its Medicare exchange, SelectQuote Senior, that helps companies reduce administrative costs, educate retirees and improve the bottom line.

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Upside of Enrolling in a New Retiree Benefit Program Outside the AEP Window

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions offers expert insight on the benefits of enrolling in a private insurance exchange after Dec. 7

September 23, 2014 - Each year, retiree benefits become a hot topic from October through December during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Traditionally, human resource teams and benefit managers are spread thin during these months as they help to answer questions on plan offerings and assist with plan enrollment.

  While Medicare and retiree benefits are top-of-mind during AEP season, SelectQuote Benefit Solutions offers employers and organizations the opportunity to enroll in its private insurance exchange for retiree benefits outside of the AEP window to help balance the HR work load, and create a more efficient and less stressful enrollment process for the employer and employees alike.

  “Employers who are implementing our private Medicare exchange are allowed to avoid making the transition during the busy AEP season,” SQBS Senior Vice President Katy Jennings said. “By allowing employers to schedule this transition at a time that is convenient for them, we create a process that is very customized, which allows for a smooth, more controlled experience.”

  When employers make this transition outside of the AEP window, HR teams are still able to distribute information on new benefits and plan offerings in advance, giving retirees ample time to review their options and discuss with their families. Once the AEP season passes, many companies choose to implement the exchange offering at the start of a new year.

  “Our team produces customized communication pieces that match the company’s existing culture, verbiage and tone to distribute plan information on behalf of the organization,” Jennings said. “Retirees are empowered with information and they are given a new platform of choice to help them find the right plan at the right price to fit their lifestyle needs.”

  Exchange providers such as SelectQuote also offer year-round licensed Medicare agents, who are on-call, ready to help retirees and their families make important insurance decisions, even outside of the AEP season. More than 10,000 individuals retire every day and these retirees need ongoing assistance from a trusted, educated source. By partnering with an exchange provider, companies are able to provide this support all year long without adding additional work for the HR teams and benefit managers.

  ###

  About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote was founded in 1985 and has been an innovative and established leader in building and operating insurance exchanges for auto & home, term life and Medicare insurance products. Through its insurance exchanges, SelectQuote offers voluntary benefit programs that provide substantial cost savings to corporations, public sector employers, unions, associations and their employees, members or retirees. SelectQuote has consistently delivered business solutions to companies and organizations for over 29 years. For more information visit SelectQuote Benefit Solutions online or connect via LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

CONTACT:

Jason Grill [phone] [email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Addressing RFP Myths: Why You Should Conduct an RFP to Choose an Exchange Provider

By: Katy Jennings, SelectQuote Benefit Solutions Senior Vice President Business Development

  In Aflac’s 2013 Workforces Report, a McKinsey and Company research study shows that 45-50% of employers say they will definitely or probably pursue alternatives to the traditional offering of employer-sponsored insurance in the years after 2014. Further, more than 30% say they will definitely or probably drop employer-sponsored coverage completely after this year.

  With the economic burden of providing employer-sponsored insurance coverage to all full-time employees becoming too much to bear, employers are turning to more cost-efficient solutions to provide their workforce with the benefits they deserve. Of all U.S. employers, 45% are implementing an insurance exchange, or are planning to do so before 2018, according to the Private Exchange Evaluation Collaborative.

  In the benefit industry, insurance exchanges are still uncharted waters to many, which is why organizations considering implementing this solution should plan to consult the experts by conducting an RFP to uncover the best solution provider for their business needs. RFPs also serve as an opportunity to fulfill your fiduciary responsibility and select the solution provider that offers the choices and flexibility that your employees are looking for, at prices that match their needs. Here are three myths you should consider as you weigh your options:

  Myth 1: You don’t need to look outside your consulting firms for an RFP process because you plan to use their internal insurance exchange offerings.

In general, the convenience of bundling your services does not outweigh the benefits an expert provider can offer you. You may work with one consulting firm to provide benefit advisory services and vendor selection, however when the consultant owns an exchange solution, you may be missing options with companies that specialize in building and operating exchanges. Working for a company that exclusively operates exchanges, we frequently encounter benefits managers who are unfamiliar with (and pleasantly surprised by) the customized communications, extensive carrier options and level of expertise that our team can offer.

  Myth 2: Your existing exchange provider is “good enough” so it’s not worth looking at other options.

You owe it to your organization – your HR staff, your employees, and your bottom line – to evaluate your existing solution on a regular basis to ensure it is still the best fit to meet all of your business needs. At SelectQuote, we offer our customers – your employees and retirees – a yearly check up to ensure their existing plan is still the best choice for their lifestyle needs. Implement the same practice for your organization and conduct regular reviews to evaluate business needs, including your satisfaction with current service and plan offerings.

  Myth 3: RFPs are time-consuming and will not yield a high return-on-investment.

By conducting an RFP beyond your consultant’s driven solution, you may find a more comprehensive, more efficient and more fitting exchange solution for your organization. When you narrow your candidates to a targeted group of reputable, experienced solution providers, you can minimize your time commitment. Once you have evaluated your options, you have a good chance to find a solution that will save you money, improve employee/retiree satisfaction and allow you to provide more customized options for your workforce and retiree population. 

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

SelectQuote Debunks Top Myths on Conducting Employee/Retiree Benefit RFPs

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions Senior Vice President Business Development Katy Jennings explains how organizations can benefit from conducting RFPs

With 45% of all employers implementing an insurance exchange solution, or planning to do so before 2018, employers should take the Private Exchange Evaluation Collaborative research findings as a cue to conduct a request for proposal (RFP) to find the right insurance exchange provider to meet their business needs. SelectQuote Benefit Solutions Senior Vice President Business Development Katy Jennings debunks three myths around conducting an RFP and explains how the process may actually result in big benefits for organizations.   

  Myth 1: You don’t need to look outside your consulting firms for an RFP process because you plan to use their internal insurance exchange offerings. In general, the convenience of bundling your services does not outweigh the benefits an expert provider can offer you. You may work with one consulting firm to provide benefit advisory services and vendor selection, however when the consultant owns an exchange solution, you may be missing options with companies that specialize in building and operating exchanges.  SelectQuote Benefit Solutions exclusively operates exchanges so you can compare the differences in price, choice, level of service and customer support that each provider offers. “Companies like SelectQuote have decades – not months – of experience in operating exchanges, and are able to provide year-round support – not just one-time, or seasonal assistance to your employees and retirees,” said Jennings. Use RFPs as an opportunity to fulfill your fiduciary responsibility, and to find the exchange solution that will give you the best overall experience and value for your HR team and employees/retirees as well.

  Myth 2: Your existing exchange provider is “good enough” so it’s not worth looking at other options. You owe it to your organization – your HR staff, your employees, and your bottom line – to evaluate your existing solution on a regular basis to ensure it is still the best fit to meet all of your business needs. To remain competitive in benefit offerings, businesses seek innovative, low-cost ways to enhance benefit packages. “Exchange providers like SelectQuote Benefit Solutions offer customers – your employees and retirees – a yearly check up to ensure their existing plan is still the best choice for their lifestyle needs,” said Jennings. “Implement the same practice for your organization and conduct regular reviews to evaluate business needs, including your satisfaction with current service and plan offerings.”

  Myth 3: RFPs are time-consuming and will not yield a high return-on-investment. By conducting an RFP beyond your consultant’s driven solution, you may find a more comprehensive, more efficient and more fitting exchange solution for your organization. When you narrow your candidates to a targeted group of reputable, experienced solution providers, you can minimize your time commitment. “Once you have evaluated your options, you have a good chance to find a solution that will save you money, improve employee/retiree satisfaction and allow you to provide more customized options for your workforce and retiree population,” said Jennings. 

    ###

CONTACT:

Jason Grill [phone] [email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Private Exchanges Evolving to Meet Need for Personalized Retirement Plans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2014

Contact: Jason Grill, [email protected], 816-695-8048

SelectQuote Senior President Tom Grant offers insight on the flexibility private exchanges create"

With the Affordable Care Act, insurance exchanges are becoming common practice and there is no exception when it comes to retiree health care coverage. There is no one-size-fits-all plan to fit evolving retiree needs. However, those employers looking for a flexible solution to satisfy the needs of a diverse retiree population are turning to private insurance exchanges. A recent Private Exchange Evaluation Collaborative study found that 37 percent of employers have implemented insurance exchanges or plan to do so before 2018 for their pre-65 retirees, as well as 32 percent for their post-65 retirees.

Private exchanges partner with employers to offer flexibility in transitioning current retirees and enrolling new retirees for the first time. Exchanges lift a weight from an organization’s HR team by managing communication and plan administration. To accommodate the varying needs, exchanges offer multiple carriers with broad plan offerings so retirees can customize plans to fit their lifestyle needs and price range – something traditional group plans cannot offer.

 “As the marketplace shifts from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans, retirees want to shop from a variety of options to ensure they receive the best plan for their money,” said SelectQuote Senior President Tom Grant. “By partnering with an exchange, companies are able to provide flexibility in plan offerings to their employees and help stretch their dollars at no additional cost to the organization.”

Another point of evolution in retirement plan administration is the availability of customized support outside of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. While October 15-December 7 is the time of year when all retirees can make adjustments to their existing Medicare plans, it’s not the only time that retirees have questions about their coverage. Every day 10,000 people turn 65 and choose their Medicare plan for the first time. When retirees are spending 12 percent or more of their household income on health care plans, they want support to ensure they’re making the best, most cost-efficient decision for themselves and their families.

 “At SelectQuote, we offer year-round support from licensed Medicare agents,” said Grant. “Retirement is complex and navigating the world of Medicare can be overwhelming to anyone. We take a weight off an HR teams’ shoulders, but also give our customers peace of mind through our dedicated support staff.”

####

About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote was founded in 1985 and has been an innovative and established leader in building and operating insurance exchanges for auto & home, term life and Medicare insurance products. Through its insurance exchanges, SelectQuote offers voluntary benefit programs that provide substantial cost savings to corporations, public sector employers, unions, associations and their employees, members or retirees. SelectQuote has consistently delivered business solutions to companies and organizations. For more information visit SelectQuote Benefit Solutions online or connect via LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions Announces New Senior Vice President

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions announces Katy Jennings as its Senior VP of Business Development  

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions (SQBS), an expert in building and operating insurance exchanges, has hired Katy Jennings as Senior Vice President of Business Development. Jennings joins SQBS with 20 years of experience in radio broadcasting, where she developed advertising solutions for Fortune 500 companies, including WalMart, Phillips 66, Kaiser, Google and Ford Motor Company. In her broadcasting career, Jennings’ leadership led her team to consistently produce multi-million dollar growth. 

Jennings has been honored with a variety of awards, including recognition as a one of the top 5 national sales managers by Radio Ink Magazine in 2013 KC Manager of the Year by Wilks Broadcasting in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and as part of the Top Forty Under 40 by Ingram’s Magazine in 2010.

“I am excited to join the SelectQuote Benefit Solutions team and bring efficient solutions to our existing clients, while also building new relationships to expand the business,” said Jennings.  

As Senior Vice President of Business Development, Katy Jennings is responsible for developing the Direct-to-Employer (DTE) relationships and initiating communications regarding SelectQuote’s private Medicare exchange solution.

“SelectQuote has been building its DTE business consistently for the past few years, and with the growing popularity of private insurance exchanges, Katy Jennings will help us to keep up with the rising demand in our market,” said SelectQuote President Tom Grant. “She brings value to our team with her expertise and proven track record for building business, increasing profits and maintaining longstanding client relationships.”  

  ###

CONTACT:

Jason Grill [phone] [email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Three Trends Employers are Embracing to Help Employees Plan for Retirement

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions, an expert in building and operating insurance exchanges, offers insight on three trends employers are embracing to aid retirees in planning for retirement.

1. Adopting a private insurance exchange can help manage retirees’ health care costs. 

A survey conducted by the Private Exchange Evaluation Collaborative (PEEC) found that 45 percent of employers have implemented private exchanges, or plan to do so before 2018 for their full-time active employees. Thirty-seven percent have implemented or are consider implementing private exchanges for pre-65 retirees and 32% for their post-65 retirees. “Insurance exchanges allow retirees to shop for the best plan to fit their needs using side-by-side price comparisons,” says Tom Grant, President of SelectQuote Senior. “This empowers retirees, helping them to save time and money.”  

2. Offering choices allows retirees flexible options to fit their lifestyle needs.

“Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all group retirement plans,” says Grant. “Retirees all have different needs, and retirement plan offerings should reflect that.” According to the PEEC survey, more than 80 percent of employers found it important to offer flexible plans with many choices for their retirees. Private exchanges such as those offered through SQBS offer both pre- and post-65 retiree coverage options, which can provide a comprehensive insurance solution for every household. By using comparison shopping, exchanges provide a variety of options available to fit retirees’ individual needs. 

3. Retirees need a trusted resource to guide their retirement health care decisions. 

Retirees are not confident in navigating the complexities of Medicare, or health insurance plans in general. Providing support from an in-house HR or benefits manager can be costly for employers. By partnering with a private exchange, many times the exchange offers resources to assist retirees in their decision-making processes. “Private exchanges help employers streamline administrative costs, create a turnkey solution for the organization and improve the company’s bottom line, while still giving retirees the care and coverage that they deserve and need,” says Grant. “At SelectQuote, our licensed agents guide retirees through every step of the process, giving unbiased answers and advice over the phone.”  

  About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote was founded in 1985 and has been an innovative and established leader in building and operating insurance exchanges for auto & home, term life and Medicare insurance products. Through its insurance exchanges, SelectQuote offers voluntary benefit programs that provide substantial cost savings to corporations, public sector employers, unions, associations and their employees, members or retirees. SelectQuote has delivered business solutions to companies and organizations resulting in more than 140,000 policies annually and 800,000 active customers.  For more information visit SelectQuote Benefit Solutions online or connect via LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

    ###

  CONTACT:

Jason Grill [phone] ​[email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions Forms Comprehensive Partnership with GetInsured

As the insurance marketplace continues to evolve, employers are seeking coverage options that offer their workforce quality and flexibility among insurance plans. Through a partnership with GetInsured, SelectQuote Benefit Solutions has added health insurance for pre-65 individuals to their employer benefits portfolio. The integrated partnership allows households to manage their health insurance benefits, for both pre- and post-65 individuals, through one comprehensive exchange platform.

The private exchange marketplace offered by SelectQuote Benefit Solutions and GetInsured allows employees and retirees a broader range of choices, offers plan savings and allows both pre- and post-65 health care coverage independent of the employer. This approach reduces the overall cost of benefits to companies and organizations and boosts their bottom lines.

“Expanding our coverage options beyond the post-65 coverage offered through SelectQuote Senior aligns with our mission to offer customers choice as they shop for insurance,” said Tom Grant, President of SelectQuote Senior. “Through our partnership with GetInsured, we can accommodate retiree insurance coverage at all ages.”

SelectQuote’s pre-65 exchange, offered through GetInsured, is an ACA-compliant health insurance marketplace that enables plan participants to easily compare and enroll in affordable health care plans. Together, SelectQuote and GetInsured offer trusted, comprehensive solutions for employees, retirees and their families.

“We’re proud to partner with SelectQuote Benefit Solutions to offer employers and their retirees the most competitive and comprehensive insurance options available,” said Scott Osler, GetInsured Vice President of Business Development.

  About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote was founded in 1985 and has been an innovative and established leader in building and operating insurance exchanges for auto & home, term life and Medicare insurance products. Through its insurance exchanges, SelectQuote offers voluntary benefit programs that provide substantial cost savings to corporations, public sector employers, unions, associations and their employees, members or retirees. SelectQuote has delivered business solutions to companies and organizations resulting in more than 140,000 policies annually and 800,000 active customers.  For more information visit SelectQuote Benefit Solutions online or connect via LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

  About GetInsured: GetInsured is a leading health insurance technology company that combines modern technology and customer service capabilities to make health insurance shopping easy and efficient. Since its founding in 2005, GetInsured has helped millions of individuals and families find the right health insurance plan for their needs and budgets. GetInsured is approved by the federal government to enroll Americans in subsidized health insurance plans, and the company also provides state governments with technology solutions for the enablement of state-based health insurance exchanges. For more information, please visit www.getinsured.com.

  ###

  CONTACT:

Jason Grill [phone] ​[email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

2014 Industry Forecast: Top Three Trends in Employee Benefits

Industry expert David Embry provides insight on emerging trends in the benefits space

As employee benefits continue to evolve, employers are seeking appealing, low-risk benefit options to provide to their workforce. President of SelectQuote Benefit Solutions, David Embry, offers the following insight on emerging trends in the benefits space:

1. “Choice Model” exchange platforms offer customized plans. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all benefits. Offering benefits through private exchanges gives employees the ability to shop the market to discover the best plans at the best prices, and allows for employers to accommodate the needs of a diverse workforce. By providing personalized options for both Baby Boomers in search of retirement planning and Millennials seeking additional benefits beyond health insurance, such as auto and home coverage, employers can meet the multi-generation needs of their workforce. “The younger employees have become accustomed to choice and customization,” according to Embry. “Insurance exchanges offer both, allowing employers to evolve to meet the needs of employees at all life stages.”

2. Retirement planning is less rigid, more flexible for retirees. With a movement from group plans to individual-focused plans, retirees now have quality, competitive alternatives to consider as they plan for retirement. Employers are offering comprehensive benefits to retirees and their families to supplement traditional group retiree plans, such as health care for pre-65 retirees, Medicare Supplement insurance and Health Reimbursement Account options to allow retirees a supreme level of customization to fit their lifestyle needs. “The biggest expense in retirement is health care,” said Embry. “Retirement is not just about how much money you’re going to have; it’s about understanding what your expenses are going to be. That equation allows retirees to plan accordingly for their retirement.”

3. Voluntary benefits extend further than ever. Offering a wide range of choices to employees demonstrates an employer’s loyalty to their workforce. Not only are employers including a diverse portfolio of options as a part of their benefits strategy, they are also extending benefits and group discounts to friends and family members of their employees to allow them access to competitive options not otherwise available. According to Embry, “Employees need to see benefits with what you’re offering; and by extending benefits and discounts beyond the household, employers are demonstrating loyalty to their workforce in a new way.”

About David Embry and SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: David Embry has over 20 years of experience in the employee benefits industry. He has been with SelectQuote Benefit Solutions since 2011, and was previously the Managing Director of Sales and Client Service for JPMorgan Retirement Plan Services. SelectQuote Benefit Solutions operates insurance exchanges for auto & home, term life and Medicare insurance products. Through its insurance exchanges, SelectQuote offers voluntary benefit programs that provide substantial cost savings. For more information visit SelectQuote Benefit Solutions online or connect via LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

                                                                                     ###

CONTACT:

Jason Grill [phone] ​[email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Crawford Advisors Announces Partnership with SelectQuote Benefit Solutions

Crawford Advisors, LLC partners with SQBS to deliver a private insurance exchange for retiree medical benefits, individual healthcare and auto and home insurance                     

Crawford Advisors, LLC announced its partnership with SelectQuote Benefit Solutions to deliver to its clients a private insurance exchange for retiree medical benefits, individual healthcare and auto and home insurance. Now, retirees from clients of Crawford Advisors will have access to SelectQuote’s insurance exchange capability, which offers Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement coverage for retirees and other Medicare-eligible individuals. For individuals under 65 years and their families, SelectQuote offers health care coverage through GetInsured; and through its Auto and Home Exchange individuals will receive unbiased price comparisons from multiple insurance carriers for the most competitive rates on insurance plans.

“In partnering with SelectQuote through its insurance exchange, we are offering a comprehensive solution to our clients,” said Reagan M. Crawford, founder and managing member of Crawford Advisors, LLC. “SelectQuote allows us to offer options to retirees and employees that meet their insurance and financial needs.”

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions provides retirees and employees tools and access to licensed agents who can help guide them in understanding their coverage options. Through their private insurance exchanges, retirees and employees will find the most cost-effective plans that make sense for their lifestyle, healthcare and retirement vision. It will aid them in making good choices concerning individual insurance care coverage.

“We appreciate the confidence that Crawford Advisors has expressed in partnering with SelectQuote Benefit Solutions,” said David Embry, president of SelectQuote Benefit Solutions. “We’re able to offer many options to employees and retirees looking for Medicare, healthcare or auto and home insurance that provide the best value for the coverage they choose.”

About Crawford Advisors, LLC: Crawford Advisors is one of the largest and best-equipped full-service benefits consulting and brokerage firms. The firm has invested heavily in technology to ensure its expert team can provide sophisticated solutions and comprehensive services to furnish the best value for each company’s health and welfare benefits. Crawford Advisors consultants help manage cost, improve the health and productivity of client employees, and add to client companies’ bottom line.

About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote was founded in 1985 and has been an innovative and established leader in building and operating insurance exchanges for auto & home, term life and Medicare insurance products. Through its insurance exchanges, SelectQuote offers voluntary benefit programs that provide substantial cost savings to corporations, public sector employers, unions, associations and their employees, members or retirees. SelectQuote has delivered business solutions to companies and organizations resulting in more than 140,000 policies annually and 800,000 active customers.  For more information visit SelectQuote Benefit Solutions online or connect via LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

                                                                                  ###

CONTACT:

Jason Grill [phone] ​[email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Take care of your retirees. Improve your bottom line.

We know that your employees are your most important asset, and we know taking care of them is a priority for your organization. As the costs of health care continue to present challenges in offering coverage to your employees and retirees, private insurance exchanges create an innovative solution to provide competitive, quality benefits to your employees. Now it is more important than ever to include a comprehensive benefits package, as these benefits provide added value to your employees, members and retirees, which helps your organization to attract and retain your workforce or membership. According to MetLife's 10th Annual Study of Employee Benefit Trends, sixty percent of employers agree that the current economic conditions create opportunity for benefits to improve employee attraction, retention and productivity? Employees who are satisfied with their benefits are six times more likely to stay with their employers. Check out this infographic on how private insurance exchanges for retirement planning can improve your company's bottom line.

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Bekaert North America forms partnership with SelectQuote Benefit Solution

SelectQuote named retiree benefit provider for market leader’s U.S. operations

Belgium-based Bekaert’s North America operations has hired SelectQuote Benefit Solutions to offer its Medicare Exchange and SelectQuote Senior benefits to retirees from its U.S. operations.

Now, Bekaert North America’s U.S. retirees age 65 and older will have access to Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans through SelectQuote Senior. Through its Medicare exchange, SelectQuote Senior provides unbiased price comparisons from multiple insurance carriers to give Bekaert North America retirees the most competitive rates on health insurance plans.

“We value our employees, past and present, and want to continue to provide health care options for them,” said Bekaert North America Vice President of Human Resources, Marc Collins.  “SelectQuote Senior enables us to provide options to our retirees, some even after their lifetime limits have been reached under standard health care coverage.”

Bekaert is a market leader in providing metal transformation and coatings, and is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of drawn steel wire products. It is globally headquartered in Belgium with North America U.S. operations in various states and Canada.  Bekaert employs more than 1,500 people in the US and has a worldwide presence.

“Notable companies like Bekaert realize that SelectQuote Senior can enhance the benefits programs they already have in place,” said David Embry, President of SelectQuote Benefit Solutions. “We’re able to offer many options to seniors looking for additional coverage, or assurance that they’re receiving the best value within what can sometimes be a confusing marketplace.”

                                                                              ###

About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote was founded in 1985 and has been an innovative and established leader in building and operating insurance exchanges for auto & home, term life and Medicare insurance products. Through its insurance exchanges, SelectQuote offers voluntary benefit programs that provide substantial cost savings to corporations, public sector employers, unions, associations and their employees, members or retirees. SelectQuote has delivered business solutions to companies and organizations such as Hallmark, VFW (Veterans of Foreign War) and Transamerica, resulting in more than 140,000 policies annually and 800,000 active customers.  

For more information visit SelectQuote Benefit Solutions online or connect via LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

  CONTACT:

Jason Grill [phone] ​[email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions Partners with Delphi Salaried Retirees Association-Benefit Trust​

  KC company will offer benefits choices for Delphi retirees, seniors

Kansas City, MO – Delphi Salaried Retirees Association-Benefit Trust (DSRA-BT) recently signed with SelectQuote Benefit Solutions to offer its Medicare exchange – SelectQuote Senior – to DSRA-BT members.

Delphi retirees ages 65 and older, and any disability Medicare recipient, now will have access to Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans through SelectQuote Senior. Through its Medicare exchange, SelectQuote Senior works with retirees to help them find the most affordable plan that makes sense for their lifestyle and retirement vision. 

“SelectQuote Senior enables DSRA-BT to offer a range of benefits and choices to our members,” said Ken Garber. “To retirees managing set incomes, this partnership means more choices and better value.”

DSRA-BT is a voluntary employee beneficiary association that provides medical and life insurance programs for the 4,000-plus eligible Delphi salaried and hourly retiree members.

“We’re honored to be working with DSRA-BT and the retirees they represent,” said SelectQuote Benefit Solutions President, David Embry. “I’m confident that this partnership will provide Delphi with new options and an assurance to individual members that they’re getting the best rate possible for the plan of their choosing.”

                                                                             ### About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote, founded in 1985, today operates exchanges providing alternatives for Medicare, term life insurance and auto and home coverage with more than 800,000 active customers nationwide.  Working with employers, SelectQuote Benefit Solutions offers its Medicare exchange, SelectQuote Senior, to help companies reduce administrative costs, educate retirees and transition them to Medicare options.

For more information visit selectquotebenefitsolutions.com or connect via Facebook or Linkedin.

CONTACT:

Marc Wheeler [phone] [email protected]

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Hallmark and SelectQuote partner to provide options for retirees

Hallmark and SelectQuote Benefit Solutions have partnered to provide Medicare tie-in options for its Medicare-eligible retirees.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the partnership that we’ve formed with them and about the opportunities that we’re able to provide to these valued Hallmark retirees,” said SelectQuote Senior President, Tom Grant.

With ongoing increases in health care costs, Hallmark was looking for ways to continue to provide meaningful benefits for its retirees, while educating retirees about the possible cost-effective Medicare Supplement options in the market. In addition, SelectQuote was also available to provide education and options involving Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Through SelectQuote, Hallmark retirees had the opportunity to choose from a number of competitively priced plans and a variety of options to fit their individual lifestyles.

Hallmark retirees, ages 65 and older, now have access to Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans through SelectQuote Senior. Through its Medicare exchange, SelectQuote Senior provides unbiased price comparison from multiple insurance carriers to give Hallmark retirees competitive rates on a variety of supplemental health insurance plans.

About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote was founded in 1985 and is the largest independent term life insurance agency in the U.S. with more than 800,000 active customers nationwide. Working with employers and organizations, SelectQuote Benefit Solutions offers its Medicare exchange, SelectQuote Senior, which help organizations reduce administrative costs, educate retirees and improve bottom line costs.

For more information visit selectquotebenefitsolutions.com or connect via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

                                                                                           ###

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Lockton and SelectQuote to Provide Retiree Insurance Exchange

Clients’ retirees will benefit from a comprehensive solution

(Kansas City, MO) 21 May, 2013 – Today Lockton Companies announced its employee benefits division, Lockton Benefit Group, has partnered with SelectQuote Benefit Solutions to deliver to its clients a private insurance exchange for retiree medical benefits called Lockton Select Marketplace.

“With SelectQuote, we have a partner in the retiree exchange business that brings a comprehensive solution to our clients. This allows us to offer state-of-the-art decision support tools, end-to-end communications and an array of carrier partners to our clients’ retirees,” said J. Michael Brewer, President of Lockton Benefit Group.

Lockton will offer the private health insurance exchange to its employer clients for the benefit of their retirees.  These retirees, age 65 and older, and any disability Medicare recipients, will now have access to Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans through the Lockton Select Marketplace, powered by SelectQuote Senior. Through this private insurance exchange, retirees will find the most cost effective plan that makes sense for their lifestyle and retirement vision. 

“We are honored that an organization like Lockton has chosen to partner with SelectQuote,” said SelectQuote Benefit Solutions President, David Embry. “I’m confident this partnership will be a great solution for their clients’ retirees. Whether the participants are converting from a group plan or simply retiring, we will ensure that each retiree has the information he or she needs to make the right decision.”

                                                                                       ###

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions Expands Partnership with Ferrellgas

Company To Offer Auto And Home Insurance Savings To Employees

Kansas City, MO – SelectQuote Benefit Solutions has expanded the services it provides to Ferrellgas and its employees to include an Auto and Home Exchange.  Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Ferrellgas is one of the nation’s largest propane distributors, serving customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. 

SelectQuote Benefit Solutions now provides Ferrellgas employees with access to its proprietary Auto and Home exchange, SelectQuote Auto and Home.  SelectQuote Auto and Home provides unbiased price comparisons from multiple insurance carriers. Dedicated agents shop and compare multiple A-rated insurance carriers for your insurance needs for auto, home, renters, RV, motorcycle, boat, and umbrella insurance.

“We’re continually looking for opportunities to provide meaningful, value added benefits to our employees,” said Ryan VanWinkle, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Ferrellgas. “With an employee base as large and diverse as ours, SelectQuote, is the ideal partner with national coverage, insurance protection options and savings for our employees."

“Ferrellgas is an ideal partner for SelectQuote,” said SQBS president David Embry . “We’re able to provide their employees an array of insurance options, answer questions and provide them with insurance coverage with a simple phone call.”

About SelectQuote Benefit Solutions: SelectQuote was founded in 1984 and is the largest direct-to-consumer provider of term life insurance in the U.S. with over 800,000 active customers nationwide. SelectQuote Benefit Solutions offers its Auto and Home exchange, SelectQuote Auto and Home, to employees or members of corporations, public sector employers, unions and associations.

For more information visit www.selectquotebenefitsolutions.com or connect via Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin.

                                                                                                ####

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

Superfoods to the rescue!

If you had to name the top 15 superfoods for those over 50, what would you choose? The AARP issued this list recently.

Agree with their findings? How would you change it?

_______________________________________________________________

"Top 15 Superfoods for People Over 50"

via Julia Bencomo Lobaco, AARP http://bit.ly/14eCdNP

Apples

Asparagus

Blueberries

Broccoli

Butternut Squash

Dark Chocolate

Coffee

Fava Beans

Greek Yogurt

Green Kale

Oatmeal

Olive Oil

Pears

Quinoa

Salmon

[selectquotebenefitsolutions-blog]

2012 - The Year In Healthcare Charts

Via Dan Munro, Forbes: http://onforb.es/ZghHNn

There were a few charts that made the radar this year. In some cases, the data is older than 2012, but all too often, the data hasn’t really changed or improved with age.

First up is our National Healthcare Expenditure (NHE). According to the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, this number has been historically underreported – by a significant amount. In their report (The Hidden Costs of U.S. Health Care), they cite two important components that have not been included in tradtional calculations. The first is out-of-pocket spending by consumers on professional services and the second is the “imputed value of supervisory care provided to a friend or family member.” Using a conservative annual growth rate of 4% (from Deloitte’s baseline year of 2010), here’s what Deloitte suggests is our real NHE.

Next up is the 2012 Milliman Medical Index – which eclisped $20,000 for the first time this year. According to the index, every U.S. family of 4 is paying the dollar equivalent of a new Chevy Cruze in healthcare costs. Every year. Without financing.

The largest single component, of course, is the underlying cost of health insurance. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) released this chart to highlight just that growth. One clear takeaway (when compared to the Milliman Index above) is the corresponding increase in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

The Kaiser Family Foundation also provided a comparison of cumulative increases in health insurance premiums – relative to Workers’ Contributions, Inflation and Workers’ Earnings (from 2000 to 2012).

Another annual chart is Medscape’s Physician Compensation Report: 2012 Results (slide #2 – 2011 data). I wasn’t that surprised by those on the lower end, but it was surprising (at least to me) to see Radiology as the highest (average) compensation.

For those that may be relying exclusively on the transformative effects of PPACA (Obamacare) – this chart highlights the nominal impact of PPACA reform on our National Healthcare Expenditure. It’s from a Commonwealth Fund Issue Brief (May, 2010) – The Impact of Health Reform on Health System Spending (Exhibit #3 – page 5).

This next one was orignally assembled by Carnegie Mellon University professor Paul Fischbeck – and reported by Mark Roth of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (December, 2009) – and highlights our Per Capita Healthcare Costs by Age as compared to four other countries (Germany, the U.K., Sweden and Spain).

This last one from Mary Meeker’s landmark report – USA, Inc. (slide #111) – is definitely not new but it is foundational. It compares per capita costs and life expectancy across all 34 OECD member countries using OECD data from 2009.