Uncategorized Archives - AUI | Associated Underwriters Insurance

Man sitting in a wheelchair with a cast on his foot speaking with a disability insurance provider about his policy

The Downlow on Disability Insurance.

July 17, 2026July 16, 2026

Imagine tomorrow one of your key employees, or even you yourself, suffers an accident that prevents working for an extended period. How would the business manage that absence? How would that individual pay their bills? What options do you have to protect your people and your own livelihood from mounting expenses? The last thing you …

Better Benefits Stronger Business. Health Coverage, Retirement Savings, Work-Life Balance and Growth Opportunities. are around a small business storefront with employees giving each other high fives.

What Employee Benefits Your Ohio Small Business Should Offer ?

June 30, 2026June 16, 2026

If you’re trying to figure out what employee benefits a small business in Ohio should offer, you’re not alone. Don’t worry, you are not alone if you feel confused, there is a lot to business benefits. All the confusion is understandable. One article tells you that you’re legally required to offer health insurance, another says …

Person calculating contribution rates for healthcare benefits on a calculator

How to Calculate Contribution Rates for Health Insurance

June 13, 2026June 10, 2026

Calculating contribution rates for health insurance is a foundational financial and strategic task for small business owners. Health insurance impacts both the company operational budget and employee satisfaction, which directly influences talent retention. Establishing these rates means determining how the premium costs are divided between the organization and the staff. Because premium structures and federal …

Level-Funded vs Self-Funded insurance shown by two piggy banks and a football playbook in the background. hand holding cash in front of the piggy banks.

Maximizing Value: Level-Funded vs. Self-Funded Health Insurance for Ohio Businesses

April 29, 2026

As a third-generation family-owned broker, we understand that the modern healthcare landscape requires more than just a policy. It requires a data-driven strategy to control costs. If your company is currently stuck in a “community-rated” plan, you are likely to overpay to subsidize the health risks of other organizations. In this blog we are going …

Person jumping over the deductible gap to a HDHP plan

The Deductible Gap: How to Cut Costs Without Cutting Benefits

March 16, 2026

What is a deductible gap anyway? The “deductible gap” refers to the financial shortfall an employee faces between what their insurance plan begins to cover and what they must pay out-of-pocket. As healthcare costs rise, many Ohio small business owners are shifting toward High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) to keep monthly premiums affordable; however, this often …

Text "Navigating Health Insurance" with health icons and a map representing changes to healthcare regulations

Navigating Health Insurance in 2026: Trends, Costs, and Rule Changes

December 3, 2025November 20, 2025

Understanding health insurance is crucial in today’s world. As we approach 2026, we are expecting that the health insurance landscape will undergo significant changes.

Person in a yellow shirt with thinking chat bubble that says " Key healthcare changes? What do I need to know?"

Key Healthcare Changes Under the Trump Administration: Impacts on Businesses for 2026

September 29, 2025September 24, 2025

The Trump Administration has introduced significant changes to healthcare policies, many of which will directly impact businesses and the healthcare options available to them in 2026. From Affordable Care Act (ACA) reforms to drug pricing policies and Medicaid restructuring, these actions are reshaping the healthcare landscape. Below, we explore the key changes and their implications …

Legal compliance for pay to play health insurance options for businesses. Shown with a green stamp that says "Penalty Notice" for a business that was not compliant.

IRS Employer Health Insurance Pay-or-Play Penalties to Rise 15.2% in 2026

September 5, 2025August 29, 2025

The IRS has announced a significant increase in employer shared responsibility penalties for non-compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) starting in 2026. These penalties, often referred to as the “pay-or-play” penalties, are designed to enforce employer obligations to provide affordable health insurance coverage to their full-time employees. The adjustment represents a 15.2% increase from …

A person looking perplexed at a laptop screen frustrated with all the healthcare options available. They don't know what to pick.

Why You Need a Healthcare Broker to Find Affordable Group Health Insurance

September 5, 2025June 10, 2025

Navigating the world of health insurance can feel overwhelming that is why you need a healthcare broker like AUI. It is especially important when you are trying to find affordable group health insurance plans for your Ohio business. Whether you are a small business owner with a growing team or a solopreneur looking for the …

AUI Gives Back Sponsorship of the 83rd Annual Ohio Book Awards. Banner with winning authors and the event information

AUI Gives Back – Act #40 Ohioana Library Sponsor for the 83rd Annual Ohio Book Awards

April 17, 2025November 22, 2024

AUI was pleased to sponsor the 83rd Annual Ohio Book Awards held by the Ohioana Library October 29th, 2024. This year the event celebrated the work of 6 amazing Ohio authors. Over 150 guests came together at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium, in Columbus, Ohio. Our own Chrissy Myers is now a board member of the …

AUI Gives Back – Act #14 AUI Sponsors the Heart to Heart Breakfast

April 17, 2025May 9, 2024

On May 7th, 2024 Heart to Heart Leadership held their 31st annual breakfast. AUI was proud to be a nickel sponsor and honored to take part in the breakfast. We were welcomed by purposeful leaders from all over Northeast, Ohio at the John S. Knight Center. We were proud to invite our friends from Choices …

two hands covering paper cutouts of pets representing pet insurance

Why Pet Insurance is a Wise Investment for Pet Owners

April 17, 2025March 29, 2024

Thinking About Pet Insurance? Having a pet brings immense joy and companionship, but it also comes with responsibilities and unforeseen challenges.

Healthcare worker pointing at a virtual dot that says 5 factors for healthcare premiums

How Are Healthcare Premiums Set?

April 17, 2025January 18, 2024

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can account for only five things when setting healthcare premiums. Insurance companies use these factors to anticipate the cost to cover an individual with health insurance. Some people need more coverage than others. In this blog we are going to look at all five of the factors …

Vision Plan Options in Ohio

April 17, 2025December 8, 2023

When selecting a vision insurance plan, it’s important to consider various factors to ensure that the plan meets your specific needs. Coverage options may vary from state to state. In Ohio, we have a wide variety of vision plans to choose from many providers. However, there are some providers that only provide group coverage. It …

Blue folder that says "open enrollment' representing if an employee would miss open enrollment period.

What Happens When an Employee Misses Group Open Enrollment?

April 17, 2025October 23, 2023

When new employees join a company and miss their New Hire enrollment period, it typically means they cannot enroll in employee benefits (such as health insurance, dental coverage, retirement plans, etc.) That can mean that they can’t enroll until the next group open enrollment period. Unless they experience a qualifying life event that triggers a …

Pink highlighted text with the word "Spouse" defining what that word means in terms of a person who is married

What Is Spousal Language in Health Insurance Coverage?

April 17, 2025September 25, 2023

Spousal language in health insurance coverage refers to restrictions on coverage for an employee’s spouse. These restrictions are designed to control healthcare costs. Spousal Language will typically come into play where an employer either will not cover a spouse, or the employer will charge a surcharge. This is for employees that have coverage available through …

Men’s Health Week June 12-18th 2023

April 17, 2025June 1, 2023

Men’s Health Week is an annual event recognized in several countries including the USA. Usually, we celebrate the week leading up to Father’s Day aiming to raise awareness of the health issues that affect men and boys. Women tend to outlive their male counterparts. On average the American man will live to age 76 …

What if I Don’t Like My Agent? How Can I Make a Change?

April 17, 2025February 22, 2023

Do you ever feel like your health insurance agent doesn’t care about you? Like you’re on your own with nowhere to turn despite having an agent? Health insurance can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s exactly why you might need guidance and support. Needing and desiring that support is normal and more than okay. That’s …

Resources

6 Tips for a Successful Open Enrollment Season

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