Insights from Wellthie

Wellthie is thrilled to announce we have partnered with Independence Holding Company (NYSE: IHC), one of the nation’s leading providers of ancillary benefits for employer groups and individuals. The partnership will allow producers who utilize Wellthie’s first-of-its-kind platform – Wellthie Small Group – to easily quote IHC’s group dental and medical products for their small group clients.

Wellthie’s comprehensive marketplace allows producers to shop multiple carriers for their small employer group clients who are looking for employer-based health insurance. Through the Wellthie-IHC partnership, producers can shop from among top medical carriers as well as a selection of IHC’s offerings. Wellthie’s platform enables producers to quote a combination of products with a single census and single proposal, with the ability to instantly model out various contribution strategies and easily enroll in IHC plans.

“The Wellthie business model is going to help busy producers in Ohio maximize their efficiency during open enrollment this year,” said Dave Keller, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of IHC Specialty Benefits, “and we are excited to have IHC ancillary products as part of that equation.”

“We are thrilled to be entering into such an innovative distribution partnership with IHC. Together, we will provide producers with a modern and flexible technology that transforms the way they sell and offer more value to their small business customers – a win-win for both IHC, their producers and the small business owners,” said Sally Poblete, Founder and CEO of Wellthie.

Wellthie is pleased to announce that we have been selected by Plug and Play Tech Center to join their Insurtech Innovation Program. Wellthie is one of 35 companies chosen out of thousands to participate in Plug and Play’s program for start-ups innovating in the insurance industry.

Wellthie was selected by some of the industry’s leading carriers who seek to partner with startups and entrepreneurs that provide breakthrough technology and innovations for the insurance industry. Additional benefits of the program are licensing, investment, and mentorship opportunities.

“We are honored to have been chosen among the top insurtech companies to participate in the Plug and Play Insurance program,” said Sally Poblete, CEO of Wellthie. “Plug and Play provides a unique opportunity for selected start-ups to companies to partner with the largest carriers and industry players to accelerate the transformation of their industries.”

Earlier this year, Poblete was recognized in Forbes Magazine for her deep industry expertise the passion she brings to transforming the gigantic and complex insurance industry. Wellthie has also been featured in such publications as The Huffington Post, Inc. Magazine, and BuzzFeed.

As enrollment season nears the corner, brokers often wonder – what is this year’s market outlook for small group insurance? In September, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) published a report focusing on the employer-sponsored insurance segment. Below are the facts you need to know about the small business market, as well as tips on how you can leverage this information to increase your competitiveness and sales as a small group broker.

The small business outlook is bright

Small business owners are optimistic about their financial positions and the economy as a whole. 81% of small business owners are comfortable with their current cash flow, while 41% of small businesses are more optimistic about the national economy now compared to last quarter.

The optimism within the small business segment is a significant opportunity. Small businesses that previously have not offered insurance to employees may be more willing to do so now and will require a broker to guide their decision. Of the nearly 6 million small businesses purchasing insurance for their employees, 80%  choose to rely on the expertise of a broker.  Why?  Because insurance is inherently complex and costly, requiring the empathy, education, and expertise of a broker.

Premium growth remains stable

In 2017, the average annual premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance are $6,690 for single coverage and $18,764 for family coverage. Compared to last year, the average single premium increased 4%, and the average family premium increased 3% – a relatively stable amount given that workers’ wages increased 2.3% and inflation increased 2.2% over the last year.

Stable premium growth is a great sign for brokers whose customers fear an increase in the cost of employee coverage. The stability in the employer market is an opportunity for brokers to start conversations with business owners on offering health benefits to their employees. It is up to brokers to educate small business owners on the value of coverage and to assist employers in finding the best value option, a massive opportunity to grow your book of business.

Ancillary sales are a big sales opportunity

Among large firms, 97% offer dental benefits and 82% offer vision benefits. For small business, this number is dramatically lower, with 67% offering dental benefits and 47% offering vision benefits. While overall coverage rates for small businesses is at 62%, ancillary benefits are still a large need – and opportunity – for brokers and small businesses alike.

Ancillary (or supplemental) insurance offers an opportunity for brokers to fill coverage gaps left by health plans. Moreover, ancillary benefits like dental, vision, disability, accident, and life usually have lower premiums and are a great way for small businesses to make their employees happy. Selling ancillary benefits also provides brokers an opportunity to upsell to those that do offer medical coverage.