The University Physicians Healthcare Group, Tucson Arizona

10 Questions To Ask About Small Business Health Insurance

• What is the plan's history regarding rate increases? • Can my group's rates be raised if someone is stricken by a catastrophic illness? • How long has the plan been offered? • Is there continuance of coverage if an employee quits or I have to lay someone off? • How much paperwork will I have to complete if my employees have claims? • Is there a local office with support staff to assist me or my employees with questions? • Does the plan cover maternity benefits? • Does the plan provide preventive coverage to help us stay well? • What percentage of premiums does the employer have to pay? • Which physicians can we see and which hospital can we use?
1.	What is the plan's history regarding rate increases?
		Beware of low introductory rates that may appear attractive. Ask an insurance company to show you its track record regarding rates. Sure you can change insurance plans if rates rise significantly, but what would happen if you unexpectedly became ill or uninsurable in the meantime? The University Physicians has a record of low annual premium rate increases. We are a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Part of our mission is to keep this plan affordable. Our rates are set by the State of Arizona. The state does not medically underwrite groups based on prior health histories.

2.	Can my group's rates be raised if someone is stricken by a catastrophic illness?
		We've all heard nightmare stories about health insurance plans canceling coverage or rates soaring because small-business employees "used" the plan or someone became extremely ill. At The University Physicians we do not revise rates based on the experience of a single group.

3.	How long has the plan been offered?
		In 1987, The University Physicians established the first plan in Arizona which offered affordable health insurance to small businesses. When we started, we were the only medical group to step forward and help the state of Arizona work with this unique business sector. Over the years, we've learned a lot from our clients. You might say we're the only ones in town who have a track record of understanding small business needs.

4.	Does the plan provide for continuance of coverage if one of my employees quits or I have to lay someone off?
		Coverage may be continued under Federal COBRA laws for companies with more than 20 employees.

5.	How much paperwork will I have to complete if my employees have claims?
		Some plans require employers to calculate co-pays and deductibles. With The University Physicians you have no paperwork for claims.

6.	Is there a local office with support staff to assist me or my employees with questions?
		Even when out-of-town companies have "800" numbers, who has the time to sit on hold? The University Physicians is locally operated. Each member has a personal representative, a friendly one-stop resource you can use to answer any questions and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. You're welcome to phone or visit us with any questions.

7.	Does the plan cover maternity benefits?
		The University Physicians covers prenatal care and maternity costs. Some other plans make maternity care available at an additional fee. With our plan, you won't have to conduct an employee family-planning survey to decide what type of coverage to obtain for your group.

8.	Does the plan provide preventive coverage to help us stay well?
		With The University Physicians yearly physicals, well-baby care and immunizations, mammograms and prenatal care are all preventive medicine standards. Our experience has shown that health care is less costly when we find minor problems before they become major.

9.	What percentage of premiums does the employer have to pay?
		We give you and your employees the flexibility to reach your own agreement on premium payments. Some employers decide to pay 100 percent of the premiums. Other pay 0 percent, but provide employees access to affordable coverage.

10.	Which physicians can we see and which hospital can we use?
		The University Physicians is operated by the faculty physicians of the University of Arizona College of Medicine and is affiliated with University Medical Center and a large local network of community physicians and hospitals in Pima and Cochise counties. Our patients have access to a team of physicians and nurses who are at the forefront of medicine at one of the leading health care centers in the world. At The University Physicians, a physician who treats high blood pressure may also be discovering the latest link between diet and heart disease. The physician you will see most likely spends some time training future medical professionals: In fact, some of Arizona's best doctors got their start with us and continue to learn from us. Our members can use these hospitals: University Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, Sierra Vista Regional Health Center, Copper Queen Community Hospital, Benson Hospital, Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Community Healthcare of Douglas.