The National Head Start Association has formed an insurance agency (NHSAIA). We believe it is vitally important that local Head Start grantees are able to provide high-quality, low-cost insurance for its employees. Head Start employees have worked diligently for 42 years and should not be without adequate healthcare and access to additional employee benefits.
As a result of federal funding cuts over the last several years, many grantees have been forced to reduce or eliminate some or all employee healthcare and related benefits. Because we recognize the significance of this situation, we’re offering our help.
NHSA has partnered with BenefitPort MidAtlantic of Englewood, New Jersey to form the National Head Start Association Insurance Agency (NHSAIA ). Why choose BenefitPort MidAtlantic to manage this important service? With more 25 years of experience, BenefitPort MidAtlantic is the best in the business.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO COME
As partners we will offer additional marketing. BenefitPort MidAtlantic has a large experienced benefits staff and currently supports more than 1,000 insurance agents in the United States. BenefitPort MidAtlantic has also distinguished itself in the area of service support for grantees located in Region II and has been a strong supporter of Head Start for the past several years. As we grow, we will add new services such as a Health Advocacy Team that will be available to answer health questions and to offer advice in addition to what your insurance carrier offers.
NHSAIA presently offers two programs: Worksite and Employer Paid.
DENIED ACCESS IS A THING OF THE PAST
NHSAIA will give employees access to services that a particular grantee has had to cut, which most often may be purchased through group sponsorship. These are voluntary benefits that are paid for by the employee through payroll deduction and that sometimes offer additional payroll tax savings to the grantee and their employees.
These voluntary benefits are offered at the worksite at no cost to the grantee. According to Philip Morgan, Vice President of Worksite for the National Head Start Association Insurance Agency, “Quite often working people are denied the opportunity to purchase a small but important amount of life insurance because it does not pay for an insurance agent to come to their home and sell it.” “Why should access be denied when we have the power to do something about it?”
We intend to bring the voluntary benefits to the hardworking people who support the Head Start program so that they have the access that has been denied to them in the past.
MORE SERVICES
The National Head Start Association Insurance Agency will also provide employer paid services such as Group Health Insurance, Group Life Insurance, Group Dental Insurance, Group Vision Insurance, Group Disability Insurance, and Group Long Term Care Insurance.
“We believe that one size does not fit all and that each grantee should be able to buy their employees valuable benefits like health insurance at a reasonable cost by organizing the power of purchasing,” explained Jerry Chambers, President and Executive Director of NHSAIA. “Our employees deserve the best at the most reasonable cost. If we pull together hundreds of grantees, we will become a powerful purchasing block without sacrificing the individual decision of a grantee choosing to buy what they wish,” Chambers added.
The National Head Start Association Insurance Agency will add additional employee benefit services at no extra cost as we grow in numbers. This will enable us to create a better work environment for all Head Start employees whose grantees participate in our new program. Our Health Advocacy Team will be added early next year, staffed by health professionals who will offer advice to our employees and their families. Insurance companies sometimes offer limited advice. “We need our own service associates, people who care about Head Start employees and who will be available to be there in times of need,” according to Sarah Greene, NHSAIA Chairman.
REAL PURCHASING POWER
“Together we will have purchasing power; the true impact will only be realized if we can quickly build a block of hundreds of grantees so that we become a more attractive customer in the insurance marketplace,” says Vice Chairman Bob Goldstein. Goldstein goes on to say, “Right now we are perceived to be divided, but with your support and participation, we will shortly be helping thousands of Head Start employees obtain additional services at a more reasonable cost.”
To begin the program, Philip Morgan and Jerry Chambers, our partners, will be contacting local Head Start grantees to request an opportunity to present the various programs available. Please feel free to call Phillip Morgan at (800) 408 – 6376 to arrange an appointment.
The success of this program depends on all of us. Please help us in our efforts to help you. Your employees deserve nothing less.
