Who needs a Group Health Plan?
Ave Maria Insurance is an independent brokerage. We shop multiple carriers to find the group health plan that matches your budget, your workforce, and your goals — not the plan that pays us the highest commission.
Starting or running a business comes with many risks—but health insurance doesn’t have to be one of them. Protecting yourself, your employees, and your family with a group health plan ensures your business and team stay strong, no matter where you operate.
Who Benefits Most from Group Health Plans
- Self-employed professionals seeking affordable coverage that safeguards both personal and family health.
- Small business owners looking to attract and retain top talent through valued employee benefits.
Why Group Health Insurance Matters
Health insurance is the most valued employee benefit in the United States. Offering a competitive group health plan is one of the most effective ways to recruit, retain, and protect your workforce.
• Lower medical costs: Group plans negotiate discounted rates with providers, reducing the price of routine care and office visits.
• Financial protection: Unexpected medical emergencies can disrupt personal and business finances—insurance helps prevent that.
• Access to quality care: Group plans often provide broader networks of doctors and specialists.
• Healthier employees: Coverage encourages regular checkups and preventive care.
• Talent retention: Offering employer-sponsored insurance makes your business more competitive in hiring.
$8,951
Average annual premium for single coverage (2024)
$25,572
Average annual premium for family coverage (2024)
57%
Of U.S. firms offer health benefits to employees
83%
Average employer contribution for single coverage
73%
Average employer contribution for family coverage
Plan Options for Business Owners
- Small Business/Group Plans: Employer-sponsored coverage designed for your team.
- Individual & Family Plans: For self-employed owners who want coverage for themselves and their families.
Popular Plan Types
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Flexibility to choose providers while benefiting from negotiated rates.
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Coordinated care through a primary physician, ideal for preventive services.
- HSA-Eligible Plans: High-deductible plans paired with Health Savings Accounts for pre-tax savings on medical costs.
- Indemnity Plans: Maximum freedom to see any doctor or hospital, with the member handling claims.
Three Funding Models, One Goal: The Right Fit
Every employer has different risk tolerance, cash flow needs, and workforce demographics. Buffer helps you evaluate all three funding models to determine which structure delivers the best value for your organization.
MOST COMMON
Fully-Insured
You pay a fixed monthly premium to the insurance carrier. The carrier assumes all claims risk and handles administration. This is the simplest model to manage and the most predictable from a budgeting standpoint.
For small groups under 50 employees, there is no medical underwriting — the carrier cannot rate your group based on its specific claims history. Instead, premiums are based on the aggregate claims experience of the carrier's entire regional pool. This means your group's renewal increase may not directly reflect your own claims performance.
Best for: Employers who want cost predictability and minimal administrative burden.
Typical size: 2 – 50 employees
GROWING FAST
Level-Funded
You pay a fixed monthly amount that covers expected claims, stop-loss insurance, and administration. If your group is healthier than projected, you may receive a surplus refund. You get the upside potential of self-funding with the cost predictability of a fully-insured plan.
Best for: Healthy groups looking for savings while maintaining budget predictability.
Typical size: 25 – 300 employees
MAXIMUM CONTROL
Self-Funded
The employer pays claims directly as they are incurred, with stop-loss insurance protecting against catastrophic claims. This model offers the greatest flexibility in plan design and the most detailed claims data for making informed decisions.
Best for: Large employers who want maximum control over plan design and claims data.
Typical size: 100+ employees
How Ave Maria Shops the Market for You
As an independent brokerage, Ave Maria Insurance has access to many major group health carriers across the USA. We are not captive to a single carrier, which means our recommendations are based entirely on what fits your business — not on carrier incentives. We handle all of the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your company.
- Discovery: We learn your business, your workforce demographics, your budget, and what matters most to your employees.
- Market Analysis: We submit your census to multiple carriers, run provider network checks, and compare plan options side by side.
- Presentation: We walk you through the top options with clear cost comparisons, contribution modeling, and our recommendation.
- Implementation: We manage enrollment, employee communications, carrier coordination, and ensure a smooth effective date
- Year-Round Support: We handle claims issues, billing questions, new hire enrollments, and begin renewal strategy 120 days out.
Flexible, Multi-State Coverage You Can Trust
Operating in 21 states, we specialize in protecting businesses like yours with tailored solutions:
- Monthly payment options for better cash flow management.
- Coverage for full-time employees, temporary staff, and contractors.
- Quick claims support when timing is critical.
- Policies customized to your industry’s unique risks.
- Experienced agents providing personalized service.
What's Included When You Work with Ave Maria
Every Ave Maria engagement includes the following services at no additional cost to the employer. Our compensation comes from the carrier you select — the premium you pay is the same whether you use a broker or go direct.
Plan Design & Benchmarking
We benchmark your current plan against industry standards and design options that balance cost with competitive coverage.
Carrier Negotiation
We leverage our market relationships and your group's data to negotiate the most competitive rates available.
Employee Education & Enrollment
We create clear plan comparison materials and conduct enrollment meetings so your employees understand their options.
Compliance Review
We review your plan for compliance with the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable Texas regulations. We flag issues before they become liabilities.
Renewal Strategy
We start the renewal process 120 days before your plan year ends. No last-minute surprises. You see the market before you have to make a decision.
Year-Round Support
We do not disappear after enrollment. Claims issues, billing disputes, new hire additions, terminations — we handle it all year long.
Get Started Today
Contact us to secure a group health plan that safeguards your employees, your finances, and your business growth.