If you’re a business owner in Arizona, you may be considering a change to your company’s health insurance provider. Whether you’re looking for better coverage, lower premiums, or improved service, switching insurance carriers can be a smart move. It’s also a decision that requires careful planning. One of the biggest questions we hear at JC Lewis Insurance Services is this: How will changing insurance companies impact my employees?
The good news is, with the right preparation and guidance, the process can be smooth, transparent, and even beneficial for your team.
Why Businesses Switch Insurance Providers
There are several common reasons employers in Arizona choose to change insurance companies:
Cost Savings: With premiums rising, many companies look for more affordable plans that still meet their coverage needs.
Better Coverage Options: You may find another insurer offers more comprehensive plans or more robust networks.
Customer Service Issues: Poor support from your current provider can lead to frustration for both you and your employees.
Changing Workforce Needs: As your team grows or shifts, your benefits should evolve with them.
According to a 2023 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage was $23,938, with employers covering about 73% of the cost. These increasing expenses make shopping around for better options not just appealing but often necessary.
What the Insurance Switch Process Looks Like
At JC Lewis Insurance Services, we help you handle this process with clarity and confidence. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
1. Evaluate Your Needs
The first step is identifying what you want to improve. Are you looking for lower premiums, better provider networks, or different plan types like HMOs or PPOs? We’ll review your current plan, costs, and employee utilization to understand what’s working and what’s not.
2. Compare Plan Options
Next, we help you explore carriers that serve Arizona businesses. We consider coverage quality, out-of-pocket costs, provider networks, telehealth availability, mental health benefits, and more. Our goal is to present a few well-suited choices tailored to your team’s needs and your budget.
3. Consider Timing
In most cases, it’s best to make changes at renewal time. However, you can change carriers at other points during the year, especially if your current plan is no longer meeting your needs. Be sure to check for any contract obligations or notice requirements from your current insurer.
4. Communicate With Your Employees
This step is critical. Your employees may have concerns about losing access to their doctors, dealing with paperwork, or understanding new benefits. That’s why we work with you to do the following:
- Host informational meetings or webinars
- Provide easy-to-read plan comparison documents
- Answer questions through Q&A sessions or email support
When employees feel informed and involved, the transition becomes much less stressful.
5. Enrollment and Onboarding
Once you’ve selected a new plan, we coordinate the onboarding process. This includes setting up enrollment portals, collecting employee elections, and ensuring everyone receives their new ID cards in a timely manner.
We also help you identify any overlap in coverage to make sure there’s no gap during the transition.
How Will Changing Insurance Affect Your Employees?
Change can be unsettling, but when managed properly, it can also be a positive experience.
Here’s what your employees may notice:
- Access to New Providers: If the new plan has a broader or different network, employees may gain access to better or more convenient care options.
- Lower Costs: A plan with improved cost-sharing terms (like lower copays or deductibles) can ease financial strain for employees and their families.
- Updated Benefits: Plans today often include enhanced services like mental health support, wellness apps, or telemedicine—especially useful in Arizona’s more rural regions.
- Temporary Adjustment Period: Employees may need to update prescriptions or re-establish care with new providers. Clear guidance and support from HR (and us!) will help ease this transition.
Pro Tip: Don’t Switch Alone
While switching insurance carriers is entirely doable, it’s not something you should tackle on your own. A licensed, experienced broker who understands Arizona’s health insurance landscape can save you time, avoid compliance headaches, and ensure that the new plan actually serves your business.
At JC Lewis Insurance Services, we’ve been helping Arizona businesses navigate insurance changes for decades. We’re here to serve as your partner every step of the way from plan analysis to employee education and ongoing support.
Ready to Make a Change?
If you’re thinking about switching insurance companies, let’s talk. We’ll help you find the best fit for your business and your team without confusion or hassle. Call us today at 707-978-2359
