Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Absolute Choice™?
Absolute Choice™ is a private benefit marketplace-exclusive to employer members of
the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA). Absolute Choice™ offers a comprehensive,
simpler way to provide quality, competitive employee benefit choices-with the certainty
of Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance.
2. Why should MBA employer members use Absolute Choice™ to select and deliver employee
benefits?
Absolute Choice™ is an employee benefits solution that complements and enhances your
internal resources, allowing you to focus more on your core business. Absolute Choice™
offers companies:
ACA Compliance
Every health plan offered through Absolute Choice is guaranteed to be ACA compliant.
Avoid uncertainty, guesswork and potential financial penalties when you use Absolute
Choice for your employee benefits.
Savings
ACA rules limit pricing differentials on carriers who participate in both private
and public marketplaces. However, Absolute Choice™ can offer additional savings and
competitive pricing through "bundling" of select services and benefits. For example,
you may see attractive discounts if you choose the same carrier for medical, dental
and vision benefits, etc.
Selection
Absolute Choice™ partners with trusted carriers to offer a broad range of benefit
options for your employees. Click here for a complete list of the plans available to you.
Easy-to-use Website
The Absolute Choice™ website makes it easy to compare benefit plans and select the
ones that best meet the needs of your employees. The MBA will provide free training
and support to ensure you're comfortable with the online portal features, including
the plan comparison and selection process.
Dedicated Call Center
The Absolute Choice™ MBA call center is available to answer your questions about
plan options and selection. Representatives also are available throughout the year
to help resolve potential issues with carriers and to support your employees.
Employee Communications
Absolute Choice™ offers template employee communication and open enrollment materials
you can use to meet your specific needs.
3.What types of employee benefits are offered through Absolute Choice™?
Benefits offered through Absolute Choice™ include:
- Medical and prescription drugs
- Supplemental Medical: Critical illness insurance
- Supplemental Medical: Accident insurance
- Dental
- Vision
- Group Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Accounts (for qualified high deductible health plans)
- Health Reimbursement Account
4. What types of medical plans are offered through Absolute Choice™?
You have the option to choose from a variety of medical plans (including high deductible
plans with Health Savings Accounts [HSAs]) and carriers. Plans include varying levels
of deductibles, copays and more. Employers of certain sizes can customize plan designs
- simply request a quote online. Depending on the size of your organization, Absolute
Choice™ offers both fully-insured and self-insured options. In fact, Absolute Choice™'s
alternate funding plans were built with small business in mind.
Employers with as few as 10 employees can self-insure their plan with confidence.
A variety of plans and competitive pricing are available to MBA member employers
of all sizes - starting at just two employees. Employers with as few as 10 employees
now have the ability to offer a choice from multi-plan designs. Your online experience
will be customized to your organization's size and needs.
5. Will I obtain better pricing for my employee benefits through Absolute Choice™?
Health Insurance premiums are filed with and regulated by your state's department
of insurance. The introduction of ACA has changed the underwriting for small businesses
(2 to 50 employees). The ACA limits pricing differentials on carriers who participate
in both the private and public options. This has resulted in increased premiums
for younger employees and lower premiums for older employees. However, Absolute
Choice™ offers solutions to all market segments that work within the provisions of
healthcare reform, while providing the most economical solution based on your benefit
needs. Absolute Choice™ offers competitive pricing through "bundling" of select services/benefits.
For example, you may see attractive discounts if you place your medical, dental,
vision, etc. through the same carrier. Absolute Choice™ offers employers as small
as 10 employees the ability to self-insure. The solutions are intended to help employers
save money and employees get the most out of their benefits.
6. What insurance carriers and administration vendors participate on Absolute Choice™?
The following insurance companies offer a variety benefit programs through Absolute
Choice:
- Aetna
- UPMC
- UnitedHealthcare
- Allstate Insurance
- Delta Dental
7. How do I get started using Absolute Choice™ to select and deliver my employee
benefits?
When you're ready to shop for your employee benefits, go to
www.absolutechoicembausa.org and click Become a Client
to register. You'll be asked to provide your MBA number or supplied PIN to create
a secure account. Follow the online checklist to explore your options and
a) Confirm or enter your information - If MBA provided your company
and/or employee information to Absolute Choice™, it will pre-populate on the website
where you can review, make changes and confirm. If not, you will be prompted to
enter the required information.
b) Compare plans - Based on the company and employee information
you provided, Absolute Choice will give you a list of available plans and tools
to help you compare your options.
c) Make your selection - You can save your selections and/or request
a contract online. Looking for a customized option? Click or call to request a quote.
If you have any questions during this process, contact the Absolute Choice™ call
center at 814.833.3200 or 800.815.2660
8. How will employees enroll for benefits through Absolute Choice™?
Absolute Choice™ includes and enrollment system which each employee can access. This
system also can be used to make changes to elections based on life events. If your
employees do not have access to a computer, Absolute Choice™ has the flexibility
to provide your employees a benefit election worksheet.. The MBA will be available
to assist employers with the administration needs.
9. What type of enrollment communication support will be provided?
Absolute Choice™ will provide employers with electronic templates for:
- One-page cover letter
- Four-page enrollment guide
- Poster
- Flyer
10. How do I contact Absolute Choice™ if I have questions?
You can reach the MBA Absolute Choice customer service line at 814.833.3200 / 800.815.2660, or
by emailing them at
www.absolutechoicembausa.org
11. What if the Absolute Choice benefit plan designs do not exactly meet my needs?
Contact the Absolute Choice call center. A licensed broker will be available to
assist you with your inquiry. See question 10 for contact information.
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