How does Service 1st Benefits support my business during open enrollment?

We personally manage the entire open enrollment process — from educating employees to handling enrollment forms and answering plan questions. Our goal is to make open enrollment smooth and stress-free for everyone.

Can employees contact you directly for help?

Yes. Employees can reach out to us anytime for questions about claims, coverage, ID cards, or plan details. We act as your team’s benefits partner, not just your broker.

What size businesses do you work with?

We specialize in serving small and medium-sized businesses, typically ranging from 1–200 employees. If you’re growing or planning to expand, we help scale your benefits as your team grows.

Do you handle communication with insurance carriers for us?

Absolutely. We take care of claims issues, employee changes, renewals, and any carrier communication so you don’t have to spend hours on hold.

Do you offer voluntary or supplemental benefits?

Yes. We can provide optional add-ons like disability, accident, or critical illness insurance to enhance your benefits package at little or no cost to the employer.

What types of group benefits do you offer?

We provide comprehensive group health, dental, vision, and life insurance options for small and medium-sized businesses. We help you compare plans, handle enrollment, and manage carrier communication.

What information do you need to provide a quote?

We typically need: Number of employees Basic employee census (age, gender, ZIP code) Current plan (if applicable) Desired benefits or coverage goals We keep the process as simple as possible.

Do you charge fees for your services?

No. Our services — including plan comparison, open enrollment, and year-round support — are provided at no additional cost to your business.

Health Insurance Options for Small Businesses Explained

Charlie Hopgood

Jan 6

1 min read

Health insurance is one of the most important — and confusing — benefits small businesses offer. Understanding your options helps you make smarter decisions for both your budget and your employees.

Fully Insured vs. Level-Funded Plans

Fully Insured Plans: Predictable monthly premiums, less risk
Level-Funded Plans: Potential cost savings with lower claims

Each option has advantages depending on your company size and goals.

PPO, HMO, and HDHP Plans

PPO: Flexible provider access
HMO: Lower cost, limited networks
HDHP: Lower premiums paired with HSAs

Employer Contributions

Employers typically cover a portion of employee premiums. Contribution strategies can help control costs while remaining competitive.

Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Choosing plans based on price alone
Not reviewing plans annually
Poor employee communication

How a Benefits Agency Simplifies the Process

A benefits agency compares carriers, handles paperwork, and supports employees year-round.

CTA

👉 Get a free health insurance review for your business.