Employees First: Leaders Who Prioritized Better Health Benefits

ANCOR member and longtime I/DD community advocate, Lynne Megan, was invited to share her organizational journey during the Employees First: Leaders Who Prioritized Better Health Benefits webinar from Nonstop Administration and Insurance Services, Inc.

As President and CEO of TSE, a mid-sized nonprofit in Minnesota with around 80 employees, Lynne always faced a challenge regarding health benefits. With TSE’s mission to enrich lives through employment and community connections, it was important to Lynne to do all she could to support the well-being of her employees.

After years of annual premium increases in the double digits, she and her team were diligently looking at every option when renewal time came around. They were determined to find a better way to fund and increase access to employee health care.

In 2020, a member of Lynne’s team, Chief Operating Officer Suzette Frith, came across educational content that ANCOR shared about alternative funding with Nonstop Health®. Lynne and Suzette were intrigued by the information and contacted Nonstop to learn more about Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERPs).

After learning that they could eliminate upfront out-of-pocket costs for employees, stabilize premium costs, and provide better benefits, their next step was to educate their broker. Lynne and Suzette initially faced skepticism but encouraged their broker to do his research. Quickly, he surprised himself and realized switching to a first-dollar coverage model was the perfect solution for TSE.

Listen to Lynne recount the “amazingly seamless process” of switching health insurance plans during the height of COVID-19. Employees immediately embraced the convenience of a medically coded Visa card and appreciated the value of no upfront costs. Employee satisfaction skyrocketed.

Lynne notes, “They are healthier because they have the money for their prescriptions and copays… They continue to be very satisfied and thrilled with that opportunity.” First-dollar coverage was a major benefit during the pandemic and beyond, ensuring employees could always access care without hitting deductibles first.

During the webinar, Lynne was prompted to answer:

• What initially led you to consider changing plans?
• How important is it to involve other stakeholders?
• What challenges did you face during the transition, if any?
• What was the financial impact on employees and the organization?
• What advice do you have for other leaders considering similar changes?

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a deeply rooted ANCOR member who successfully navigated a critical change and emerged stronger. Register here to be part of a conversation that could reshape your approach to employee health benefits.