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.

What Employers Should Know Before Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

Charlie Hopgood

Mar 13

1 min read

Selecting the right health insurance plan is one of the most important decisions employers make.

A well-chosen plan supports employees and helps control costs, while a poor choice can create financial and administrative challenges.

Plan Funding Structure

Employers should understand common plan structures including fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded options.

Each structure offers different levels of cost control and financial risk.

Provider Networks

Employees value access to trusted doctors and healthcare providers. Reviewing network coverage ensures employees can continue seeing their preferred providers.

Prescription Coverage

Prescription drug coverage can significantly impact healthcare costs. Reviewing formularies and coverage tiers is essential.

Employee Cost Sharing

Employers must determine how premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses will be shared with employees.

Long-Term Cost Trends

Healthcare premiums typically increase each year. Evaluating historical trends helps businesses prepare for future costs.

Making the Right Decision

Employers who carefully evaluate their options can provide strong benefits while maintaining financial stability.