Employee Benefits
No matter what type of business you operate you probably employ workers. Employees are a valuable asset. To retain employees and to attract new workers, you may offer employee benefits such as health insurance or retirement accounts. You may also be required to carry certain employee related policies such as Workers Compensation and Statutory Disability Insurance. While these benefits can help your company compete for qualified workers they must also be administered properly. Mistakes in administration can lead to lawsuits against you, your firm, or both.
Worker’s Comp
Workers’ compensation is insurance that provides cash benefits and/or medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. Employers pay for this insurance, and shall not require the employee to contribute to the cost of compensation. Weekly cash benefits and medical care are paid by the employer’s insurance carrier, as directed by the Workers’ Compensation Board. The Workers’ Compensation Board is a state agency that processes the claims. If Board intervention is necessary, it will determine whether that insurer will reimburse for cash benefits and/or medical care, and the amounts payable.
Statutory Disability (DBL)
DBL is insurance that provides cash benefits for workers who are injured or become ill off the job. Employers pay for this insurance but can pass some of the cost to the employees. Current statutory benefits are $170 max/week for a total of 26 weeks. Costs vary by company, but typically there are separate rates for male and female employees.
Group Life Insurance
Group Life policies can be obtained by employers as a way to offer benefits to employees. These can be paid by the employer or payroll deducted and paid for by the employees. Policies offered can be Term or Universal Life and the underwriting is typically relaxed to none.
AFLAC Cancer & Accident Insurance
Email mark@fingarinsurance.com if you are interested in offering your employees an Aflac policy. These policies offer benefits for various medical situations. These are benefits dear to your employees and do not cost the employer anything. This can be administered automatically by your payroll company.