Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers with 50 or more full-time employees must provide health insurance or pay a hefty penalty to the IRS. Smaller companies that are not required to provide health insurance to their employees can benefit from the Small Employer Health Care Tax Credit under ACA, provided they pay at least half of their employees’ health insurance premiums.
But what about dental and vision coverage? There is no federal law requiring you to provide it. But what are the advantages to your business of offering dental and vision plans to your employees?
Attracting & Retaining Top Talent
Health benefits are among the top factors job seekers consider in choosing to work for a company. Offering dental and vision plans in addition to health insurance, can help you remain competitive in today’s market. Health benefits, including vision and dental, are also an important motivating factor for employees to stay in their current positions. Offering quality vision and dental coverage is a way to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work. It can help develop your reputation as an employer of choice and set you apart from your competitors.
Increasing Productivity
Your employees are likely the most valuable asset your business has. By investing in their health, you reap the benefits of increased productivity. Untreated dental or vision problems can affect how much a good worker can produce. Both dentists and eye doctors can detect serious health problems when conducting an annual or semi-annual exam. Early treatment for health conditions can reduce the cost of care and time away from work. Offering dental and vision coverage can benefit your company in terms of production, as well as your employees.
Affordability
Unlike general healthcare costs, vision and dental care are affordable for employers. Small businesses can band together in Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to get better rates on medical, dental, and vision insurance. You have greater buying power in a pool with 50 other small businesses than you would on your own, which can help you keep costs down for dental and vision coverage. Speak with our knowledgeable agent to learn more about joining a PEO.
Long-Term Savings
In a study conducted by the Human Capital Management Services Group (HCMS Group), researchers found that employers offering stand-alone vision coverage to their employees had $5.8 billion in cost savings, collectively, over a period of four years. These savings resulted from reduced healthcare costs, lower turnover rates, and productivity losses avoided. In comprehensive eye exams, eye doctors can detect early signs of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The study determined that people who have annual eye exams are more likely to get early treatment for serious health conditions, significantly reducing long-term care costs.
Dental and vision health coverage may be among the best investments you could make for your business and your employees. Our agent can help you find the best quotes for vision and dental plans that match your company’s needs and budget.