Essential Details

With EssentialCare, it's about flexibility. EssentialCare allows you to assemble the right combination of benefits for your employees, and whether or not to participate with contributions. You can choose from:

• Medical/Rx coverage
• Dental coverage
• Life insurance/short-term disability
• Vision care

Whatever your situation, we will work with you to select a plan that's right for your company.

Group Requirements

EssentialCare is the most comprehensive and creative solution available today for employers with 500 or more eligible part-time or hourly employees.

EssentialCare is ideal for service companies such as restaurants, retailers, hotel/motel/casinos, unarmed security, grocery and convenience stores, and staffing. Companies who cannot be covered include trucking, mining, fishing, Professional Employee Organizations (PEOs), and association business (except associations of employer groups where each employer with more than 500 eligible employees chooses to make the coverage available).

If you have fewer than 500 employees but are willing to contribute to the plan's cost, the minimum size requirement may be lowered. Contact us for more information.

Eligibility

Any non-benefited hourly employee may enroll in the EssentialCare plan. An employer meeting the group requirements determines the minimum number of hours per week and any employment waiting period for eligibility.

Employees who choose coverage for themselves can elect to add their spouse or unmarried children up to age 19, including natural, adopted or stepchildren (up to age 25 if a student).

Payroll Deduction Model

What is one of the keys to the success of the EssentialCare limited benefits product? It's the Payroll Deduction model that accommodates employees who may not take home a paycheck every week.

With EssentialCare, if an employee misses a paycheck or if a paycheck does not cover the premium, the missed premium payment may be made directly to PAI. An employee may make up missed premiums for up to six consecutive weeks - ensuring continuous coverage.

After that time, EssentialCare coverage will be terminated and the employee must wait until the next open enrollment period to re-enroll.

Billing Options

Providing EssentialCare benefits to employees is designed to be a smooth process for employers.  Employers select how premium payments are made.  Options include: