The Suit Magazine

As the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act rolls out, Mary Boggs, like many whose livelihoods revolve around healthcare, is still trying to determine where she stands. But after almost 20 years as owner of Texas insurance brokerage Benefits Plus Service, she’s well-suited to help clients transition.

Since 1992, Benefits Plus Service has “grown steadily by providing personalized service to clients who are often ignored by larger agencies,” said Boggs. She has experience as a human resources director, and enjoys helping customers who don’t have someone working to optimize employee benefits such as health, life, disability, dental and vision. 

For small businesses, balancing costs and benefits amidst a sea of insurance acronyms can be overwhelming. So Boggs, who understands the HR perspective and provides expertise on options from PPOs to HSAs to PEOs, is a valuable asset.

“As a liaison between clients and insurance companies,” said Boggs, “we provide consultation to help clients to understand the different types of plans and benefits and obtain the most affordable coverage.  It’s not just about selling products and services; even after a sale, we’re there to help with claims, explain the effects of various state and federal laws, and offer recommendations regarding additional services.”

For customers affected by the recession, her experience made all the difference. “I worked with several of the clients in those situations to make changes to their plan to reduce their costs. And for the businesses that closed, I’ve been able to assist their employees individually so they wouldn’t have a lapse in coverage,” she says.

The healthcare act has added an extra plate for Boggs to spin.  Just this year, the PPACA began regulating loss rates. When providing small group health plans, insurance companies must now maintain a Medical Loss Ratio of 80 percent. This leaves only 20 cents of every premium dollar for covering the cost of doing business.

As a result, “[Insurance companies] are reducing commissions,” says Boggs, who depends on a percentage of sales for income. “And some larger groups are taking commissions out totally.”  Instead, brokerages like Benefits Plus Service may need to start charging consulting fees—but brokers are understandably wary to tarnish hard-earned customer relations.  “We certainly don’t want to have to charge our clients extra fees when it’s always been included with the premiums.”

As the Supreme Court begins its new term, the longevity of the PPACA’s changes is uncertain. While things are sorted out, Boggs continues offering wisdom from a career on both sides of the desk. “When working with a client, my goal is to find what is in their best interest, because there are a lot of different options,” she said.

Benefits Plus Service is expanding its online presence in 2012, “so people can find me and know what I have to offer,” says Boggs. With more healthcare regulations starting New Year’s Day, her expert services are sure to be more in demand than ever.

For more information please visit: www.benefitsplusservices.com

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