What we offer
Benefits
Human Resources
Risk Management
Payroll
Benefits Administration
HSA & FSA Stores
Who we serve
About us
Resources
Request a call Login

  • What Is Telemedicine And How Does It Work? 

    Telemedicine is the practice of delivering health care services remotely using digital communication tools such as video calls, secure messaging, and mobile health apps. It allows patients to consult with doctors, receive diagnoses, and even get prescriptions without visiting a health care facility in person. 

    During flu season, telemedicine becomes especially valuable, enabling individuals to seek medical attention from the comfort of their homes. Patients can schedule virtual appointments, discuss symptoms with a doctor in real time, and receive treatment recommendations without risking exposure to other contagious individuals in waiting rooms. Some telehealth platforms also provide remote monitoring, allowing doctors to track symptoms and recovery progress for high-risk patients. 

    The Growing Adoption Of Telemedicine In The Workplace 

    Due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, a growing number of employers are incorporating telemedicine into their health benefits packages. According to a 2024 report, 78% of employers now offer telemedicine services, recognizing its role in reducing absenteeism, improving employee well-being, and cutting health care costs. 

    Offering telemedicine is not just about convenience but also a strategic investment for businesses. Traditional in-person health care visits often involve significant expenses, including insurance claims, lost productivity, and emergency room visits for non-emergency issues. Telemedicine provides a cost-effective alternative, reducing unnecessary ER visits and allowing employees to receive timely medical care without disrupting their work schedules. 

    Benefits Of Telemedicine For Employers 

    Reduced absenteeism and improved productivity 

    One of the biggest challenges during flu season is the rapid spread of illness in the workplace. Employees who come to work while sick can infect others, leading to a cycle of absences. Telemedicine helps mitigate this issue by enabling early intervention. Employees can seek treatment at the first signs of illness and recover at home rather than exposing their colleagues. 

    Additionally, employees who use telemedicine services don’t have to take half-days or full days off work just to see a doctor. Virtual consultations are typically shorter and can be scheduled before or after work hours, minimizing disruptions to daily operations. 

    Lower health care costs 

    Telemedicine is significantly more affordable than traditional in-person visits. A virtual consultation costs an average of $40 to $50, compared to an in-office visit, which can range from $100 to $200 or more. Employers who integrate telemedicine into their health care plans can reduce insurance claims and overall health care expenses. 

    Competitive employee benefits 

    With labor shortages and increased competition for top talent, offering telemedicine as part of an employee benefits package can improve job satisfaction and retention. Employees appreciate having convenient, on-demand access to health care, making them more likely to stay with an employer that prioritizes their well-being. 

    Benefits Of Telemedicine For Employees 

    Convenience and accessibility 

    One of the most significant advantages of telemedicine for employees is the ability to receive medical care without leaving home. This is especially beneficial for those in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or employees with demanding work schedules. 

    Reduced exposure to contagious illnesses 

    Flu season poses a heightened risk for individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or caregiving responsibilities. Telemedicine eliminates the need for in-person visits to crowded doctor’s offices, lowering the risk of exposure to other contagious patients. 

    Faster access to care 

    Telemedicine appointments are often available within minutes or hours, whereas scheduling an in-person doctor’s visit can take days or weeks. This immediate access to health care ensures that employees receive timely treatment, reducing the severity and duration of illnesses. 

    Why Investing In Telemedicine This Flu Season Is A Smart Move 

    Flu season can significantly impact businesses financially and operationally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu costs U.S. employers $11.2 billion annually in lost productivity due to employee illness. Implementing telemedicine helps businesses minimize these losses by keeping employees healthier, reducing workplace outbreaks, and providing easy access to treatment. 

    Moreover, telemedicine aligns with broader workplace wellness initiatives, demonstrating a company’s commitment to employee health. As health care continues to evolve, businesses that adopt telemedicine will be better positioned to support their workforce while effectively managing costs. 

    Telemedicine is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially during flu season. It offers a win-win solution for employers and employees by reducing health care costs, minimizing absenteeism, and providing convenient access to medical care. As more businesses integrate telehealth into their benefits packages, they not only safeguard their workforce but also position themselves as forward-thinking, employee-focused organizations. Contact Group Management Services (GMS) to add telemedicine to your health plan and keep your employees healthy and productive. 

  • As a small business owner, you’re likely being pulled in countless directions, including the responsibility of finding quality health insurance for your team. Health insurance is an expensive and complicated system to navigate and can be incredibly time-consuming for individuals who are unfamiliar with the process. However, it’s not something to ignore.

    In today’s competitive job market, health insurance is a benefit that can help you maintain a competitive edge. In some instances, such as if your business has more than 50 full-time or full-time equivalent (FTEs) employees, it’s a legal obligation.

    When searching for the best health insurance option, you don’t have to find a plan alone. Professional employer organizations (PEOs) and health insurance brokers can guide you. While both PEOs and brokers have the same general goal—to find you quality, affordable health insurance for your business—they work in different ways.

    PEO Vs. Brokers

    PEOs

    PEOs and brokers have distinct differences, particularly in their scope of services. PEOs go beyond just health insurance, providing comprehensive HR solutions. They can handle payroll, employee benefits, risk management, and other HR-related functions. By bundling these services, PEOs offer a holistic approach to managing employee-related tasks, freeing you, as a small business owner, to focus more on your core business activities.

    Beyond the scope of their work, PEOs and brokers differentiate in cost structure. PEOs can help small businesses lower their potential premiums by becoming a “co-employer” for your workers. Since PEOs partner with dozens of companies, they have greater buying power than any small group. As a small business owner, this allows you to step up to the insurance bargaining table and earn discounts as if you employ hundreds of people.

    Health insurance brokers

    On the other hand, if you’re not looking for comprehensive services, insurance brokers specialize solely in helping businesses select and manage their health insurance plans. They offer expertise in the insurance market, advising on the best plans, assisting with plan selection, and helping with claims management. However, their services are limited to insurance and do not extend to broader HR functions.

    Brokers can also help your company save money as they have a detailed knowledge of the health insurance market. Though they can offer more flexibility by helping to tailor plans to meet your team’s specific needs, you’ll have less negotiating power as a small business.

    Factors To Consider When Choosing Between A PEO And A Broker

    Choosing between a PEO and a broker for your health insurance needs requires careful consideration of several factors. The following are key aspects to keep in mind to ensure you make the best decision for your business:

    • Business size and needs: PEOs are generally more beneficial for small to mid-sized businesses that require comprehensive HR support. If your company struggles with managing multiple HR functions, a PEO can offer integrated solutions that streamline these processes. Brokers are ideal if your business has a well-established HR department but needs expertise in selecting and managing health insurance plans.
    • Future growth plans: As your business grows, the comprehensive HR services provided by a PEO can scale with you, offering continued support and helping manage the increased complexity of a larger workforce. While brokers can continue to provide valuable insurance advice, they may not offer the broader support needed to operate a larger, more complex organization.
    • Budget considerations: Brokers often earn their income through commissions paid by insurance carriers. These commissions are usually a percentage of the premiums paid for the insurance policies they help secure. PEOs charge a fixed fee per employee or a percentage of the total payroll. Understanding the costs of both options compared to the services you are receiving is crucial to making the right decision for your company.
    • Level of support needed: If your business requires assistance with various HR functions beyond insurance, relying solely on a broker may require outsourcing to multiple vendors to get the comprehensive support you need. This approach can lead to higher costs and increased complexity in the long run. On the other hand, PEOs offer bundled support across multiple HR areas, saving you time and money by providing a single, integrated solution.
    • Flexibility: Most PEOs offer a limited selection of health insurance options, which can simplify decision-making. However, if your business has unique or specific health insurance needs, these limited options may not be sufficient. In contrast, brokers can provide a broader range of insurance plans tailored to diverse requirements, although these options might come at a higher cost.

    While there are many pros and cons to both PEOs and insurance brokers, it’s crucial to weigh your specific needs, short and long-term costs, and overall business goals when making your decision. Ultimately, the goal is to provide comprehensive and competitive benefits to help retain and recruit top talent. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the solution that best supports your business and its employees.

    Find A Health Insurance Expert To Help Your Business

    Although PEOs offer many additional services and potential savings opportunities, both PEOs and brokers can be extremely helpful when searching for the right health care plan. There are also ways that PEOs like GMS can work with brokers, helping them offer more comprehensive, customized solutions that benefit small businesses.

    Whether you’re looking for experts who can help you find the right insurance plan or are already working with a broker, GMS can help. Contact GMS today to talk to one of our experts about how we can help you find a quality, affordable health care plan for your business.