The last decade has been difficult for those covered under employer sponsored health plans. Employee out-of-pocket costs have risen over 84% since 2006.

For employers who employ 1- 199 employees, the national average individual deductible has gone from $584 in 2006 to $1217 in 2014. (See chart below and Kaiser Family Foundation Report).











One of the nation’s most innovative programs to address this increasing out-of-pocket dilemma is Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare’s SaveOn Program. (SaveOn is offered to most Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare employer groups in NH. ) When Harvard Pilgrim Members need to have a test like an x-ray, lab work, ultrasound, bone density, or MRI/CT Scan they can call SaveOn and find the most affordably priced care in their area. (See SaveOn FAQ here) 

Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company promotes the SaveOn program as a way for our employer group covered members to save real money on their medical expenses. Members can call 1-855-7 SaveOn (1-855-772-8366) speak with a Nurse or Medical Professional that will help guide them to affordable care. When members seek affordable care in addition to saving money on the service, they can also earn rewards that range between $10 and $75 depending on the procedure and the cost savings.

Click here to See Video on How SaveOn Works.


Client pays $270 for MRI..Instead of $2000!
Here is a real world example, see excerpt from a letter we received from one of our happy clients who took advantage of the SaveOn program recently:

My daughter was recently injured in a skateboarding accident.  It was not life threatening, but it required x-rays in the ER, followed by a visit to an orthopedic center.  From that visit, we learned that an MRI was needed.  

I called the number and let them know what was going on.  In a matter of seconds - literally seconds, the woman on the other end told me that the facility we were scheduled at charges $2,000 for an MRI.  She then gave me 2 other prices in the NH north country (where we were at the time).  They were as much as $700 cheaper!  I was astounded by the difference.   I am actually from southern NH so after thinking about it a bit, called her back and asked for prices in the southern part of the state.  Now I was really blown away!  One location was quoted at $580 and another was quoted at $270.  What?  I just couldn't believe it.  I thought it must be some kind of MRI knockoff.  After confirming with a local knee specialist that the quality was no different, you can just imagine where we went for the MRI.  Even though the first location had already been authorized, we simply cancelled the appointment and had our doctor call the new place to make our appointment.

I'm all for keeping the health costs down and I think that being able to comparison shop will certainly help us to accomplish that. 

The SaveOn program is a Win/Win. By working together to help reduce claim costs employees save money- AND- also in the long run lower claims will have a positive impact on Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare’s employer sponsored health insurance rates.

If you are an employer and would like to learn more about the Harvard Pilgrim SaveOn Program, or other ways you can help your employees save money please give us a call 1-888-882-2909.

 Stephen Donohue, Principal at Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company is a health insurance specialist, He has been in the health insurance field since 1992.

After a surge in claims, caused by a difficult winter, the Division of insurance in Massachusetts has recently approved significant increases (about 9%) for many of the larger home insurance companies. With the average annual homeowner insurance bill in MA at $1150, a 9% increase is over a $100 per year. Experts say increases are expected to continue in the years to come.

Here are 6 things you can do to make sure you are not paying too much for your home insurance:

Increase Deductible- Many homeowners policies are written with a $500 deductible. Increasing to $1000 will save on average 10% - 13%. This simple change can help many reduce or eliminate this year’s increase in cost altogether.

Don’t File Small Claims- If a homeowner claim is under $1000 it probably doesn’t make sense to file it. Homeowners insurance companies track customer claims, and often a client can miss out on a “loss-free” discount even if a small claim  of a few hundred dollars was filed.

Shop Around- There are over 75 different insurance companies that are actively marketing homeowner insurance in Massachusetts. Rates can vary dramatically from one insurer to another. If you haven’t researched the market in the past 24 months it makes sense to shop - call your independent insurance agent for help.

Package with Auto- When you buy insurance for your home and car from the same company you get a package discount. The insurer will usually discount BOTH the home policy and the auto policy.

Review your policy carefully- Please make sure you are getting all the discounts and credits you deserve. Insurers provide discounts for homeowner policies for newer homes, multiple policies,  good credit, no losses, and even proximity to a fire hydrant.  For auto insurance there are discounts they offer safe drivers and good students. Make sure that if your situation has changed that you let your insurer know immediately.

Home (and auto) insurance offered by your Employer? - Many large employers will offer employees the ability to pay for the auto and home insurance via payroll deduction. Payroll deductions make it convenient and affordable.  Discounts range from 5% to 10% for most employer group home and auto insurance. You can visit the MA Division of Insurance website here to see the different group plans that are offered.  (We can help your employer set up auto and home insurance via payroll deduction if they do not offer it now!)

If you have questions about your home insurance, or if you would like a quote for you home, auto, or business please give us a call at 1-888-882-2909.

Steve Donohue has been working in the wonderful world of insurance since 1992- that was when he had a full head of black hair…..