Amerus Financial Group Blog

How We Saved Central Ohio Manufacturing $47K Annually: A Small Business Insurance Case Study Last month, I got a call that perfectly illustrates why most small businesses are overpaying for insurance while being dangerously underprotected. The owner of a 35-employee manufacturing company had just received his renewal quote—a 32% increase with reduced coverage. Sound familiar? Here's how we transformed this company's insurance program from a financial burden into a strategic advantage, and the lessons that apply to any small business owner tired of playing insurance roulette. The Starting Point: A Classic Small Business Insurance Nightmare When Tom reached out to our team at Amerus Insurance Group , his situation was textbook small business insurance dysfunction. His company had been with the same carrier for eight years, adding coverage piecemeal as they grew. What started as basic general liability had morphed into a confusing mix of policies from different carriers, ...

Medicare Chaos: Why 2026 Brings the Most Confusing Enrollment Year Yet Here's something most seniors don't realize: 2026 Medicare enrollment is shaping up to be a perfect storm of confusion. Between major carrier exits, formulary changes, and new plan restrictions, we're seeing more bewildered clients at Amerus Insurance Group than in any previous year. If you thought Medicare was complicated before, buckle up. The Great Medicare Shuffle of 2026 Three major trends are colliding to create unprecedented enrollment complexity this year. First, several major carriers have pulled out of specific markets entirely. Second, remaining plans have dramatically restructured their formularies. Third, CMS has tightened regulations around Special Enrollment Periods, making timing more important than ever. Our team at Amerus Insurance Group has processed over 200 plan comparisons in the past month alone. What we're seeing isn't just normal year-to-year changes - it's a fu...

Group Benefits Administration Buyer's Checklist: 9 Must-Have Features Here's what happens when you pick the wrong benefits administration system: your HR team spends 40% more time on enrollment paperwork, employee satisfaction drops by 23%, and you're still fielding angry calls about coverage gaps six months later. I've watched this scenario play out dozens of times with business owners who thought all benefits platforms were basically the same. After helping hundreds of employers through benefits transitions at Amerus Insurance Group , I've created this buyer's checklist to save you from costly mistakes. This isn't another generic comparison guide – it's the exact evaluation framework we use when matching businesses with benefits administration solutions that actually work. The Real Cost of Getting Benefits Administration Wrong Before we jump into features, let's talk money. Poor benefits administration costs the average 100-employee compan...

 Small business health insurance options: a complete guide for 2026 Navigating health insurance options as a small business owner has become increasingly complex, yet more crucial than ever for attracting and retaining quality employees. With healthcare costs continuing to rise and regulatory changes evolving, understanding your options is essential for making informed decisions that benefit both your business and your workforce. This comprehensive guide explores the various health insurance solutions available to small businesses in 2026, helping you choose the best coverage for your unique needs. Understanding Small Business Health Insurance Basics Small business health insurance refers to group health coverage designed specifically for companies with fewer than 50 employees. Unlike individual insurance plans, group coverage typically offers better rates and more comprehensive benefits due to risk pooling among employees. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly shaped th...

Navigating Health Insurance Options After Leaving a Job Leaving your job can be both liberating and overwhelming, especially when it comes to maintaining your health insurance coverage. Whether you've quit, been laid off, or are transitioning between careers, understanding your health insurance options is crucial for avoiding coverage gaps that could leave you financially vulnerable. The good news is that you have several paths forward, each with distinct advantages and considerations. From COBRA continuation coverage to marketplace plans and short-term insurance, the landscape of post-employment health insurance has evolved significantly to provide more flexible and accessible options for workers in transition. Understanding COBRA Coverage: Your First Safety Net The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) serves as your primary safety net when leaving employer-sponsored health insurance. This federal law allows you to continue your existing health plan for up to 18 ...