Are you trying to decide what type of insurance plan would best benefit your employee group? Let us help explain some options!

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a type of health insurance plan that operates with a network of participating providers such as primary care physicians (PCP), doctors, and hospitals. Typically, costs are less when associated with providers that are within said network, however you can still use providers outside of the network for an additional cost.

As opposed to a PPO, a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a type of health insurance plan that operates with a network of participating providers, much like a PPO, however there is no coverage offered if you use a provider that is outside of the network.

What is the difference between a PPO and an HMO?

The main difference between a PPO and an HMO is that a PPO offers you more freedom to see the providers you want to, whether they are in your network or not. While a PPO still operates with a network of providers, there is still coverage offered if you choose not to go within network.

What are the benefits of a PPO?

· Flexibility to see a primary care physician you like whether in network or not

· Freedom to see doctors and specialists without the need of a referral, including those out-of-network

Who does a PPO work best for?

While PPOs are considered to be a more luxury option, don’t let that label fool you, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s 2019 Health Benefits Survey , PPOs continue to be the most common plan type, enrolling 44% of covered workers in 2019. Even though they are the most common, those who benefit most from these plans would be people with chronic health issues, those that require to see a specialist often, or those who are elderly. Typically, the older you get, the more time you spend at the doctor, which is why a PPO is so appealing to people who frequent doctors, because they get a say in who they get to see. Maybe you are more comfortable with someone, or already have years’ worth of trust and experience with a specialist, sometimes these attributes can be seen as priceless.

Selecting the right Employee Benefits plan for your employees can be a difficult task, but the experienced insurance brokers at MHG are glad to help. Our Insurance Specialists will help you assemble a complete insurance offering that includes health insurance, gap insurance coverage, life insurance, disability, and more. Call us today at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help in selecting the ideal health insurance plan for your employees.

The working world is ever changing, especially given the events of the past year. While businesses are performing self-analyses to see where they can save money such as working from home, less travel, etc., one area that should be reinvested in is employee benefits!

How much do benefits cost per employee?

There is no one answer to that questions and are based on many factors, however according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average cost of employee benefits for employers in December of 2020 was $12.07 per hour. As you know, there are companies that have extensive packages, and some that offer the bare minimum, so the real questions should be, “How much am I willing to spend on benefits for my employees?”

What benefits are critical?

The short answer, all of them! However, we understand that businesses and companies have a budget, and in order to give a proper recommendation, we would have to understand what your overall goals are, and what you are trying to accomplish. Are you trying to limit employee turnover? Are you trying to attract high level candidates? How much of an investment is it to fully train a new hire? These are just a few questions you can ask yourself in order to get a better understanding of where you currently stand, and how you can potentially improve. After all, the best prospect is an existing client, the same can be said about your employees!

That being said, while health insurance is a given, the other most critical benefit to include in your benefits package is disability insurance. Protecting your employee’s well-being in the event that something happens to keep them from being able to perform their job is increasingly being viewed as a necessity.

What benefits are a bonus?

Something that is pretty cost effective for the benefit it provides to your employees is Group Life Insurance. While most businesses that offer benefits to employees have a well-rounded approach, life insurance is an option that protects more than just your employees, but their loved ones as well. Offering life insurance can definitely be a way to set your business apart from the competition.

How Can I Obtain a Benefits Package for My Employees?

Give us a call! Selecting the right health insurance plan for your employees can be a difficult task, but the experienced insurance brokers at MHG are glad to help you sort through the terminology and key features to determine the best Employee Benefits plan to meet your requirements. Our Insurance Specialists will help you assemble a complete insurance offering that includes health insurance, gap insurance coverage, life insurance, disability, and more. Call us today at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help in selecting the ideal health insurance plan for you and/or your employees.

Receiving benefits from your employer is something that all employees appreciate. The question is who is eligible to receive benefits, and when is it required for an employer to offer them.

Who Can Qualify for My Employee Benefits?

There is a short answer and a long answer. The short answer is “eligible employees”. However, there are many different scenarios where more people may qualify.

Eligible Employees

“Eligible employees” which is sometimes defined by the health plan and the group’s employee handbook. Generally speaking, it is full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week. Businesses have no obligation to offer health insurance to part-time employees. However, not every company is required to offer benefits to their full-time employees, but if there are more than 50 full-time workers on the books, then that company is required to offer healthcare benefits, covering 50% of the employee premium of the lowest cost health plan. Some businesses elect to cover even more of the premiums as an additional form of compensation.

Dependents

Per certain rules and laws, eligible dependents are defined as a “qualifying child” or “qualifying spouse or domestic partner”, but premium responsibility is based on the defined employer contribution. To claim a child as a dependent, they must meet the qualifying criteria, which means they must be a certain age, which is based on the selected policy and the home state of the group. An employer is not required to cover the premium of any dependents, and it is typically deducted from the employee’s paycheck. However, some businesses also elect to cover a portion or all of the premium as another additional form of compensation.

Spouse or Partner

In some places, the only way to get health insurance for your partner is if they are your spouse. Depending on the company and the health insurance, you may be able to add someone to your plan if they are your domestic partner. If that scenario applies to you, it’s important to clarify the requirements ahead of time, and ask questions!

Choosing the right Employee Benefits for your team can be a daunting task. However, the knowledgeable insurance brokers at MHG are eager to assist you in understanding the terminology and key features to identify the best employee benefits plan for your needs. Our Insurance Specialists will work with you to create a comprehensive insurance package that encompasses health insurance, gap insurance coverage, life insurance, disability, and more. Contact us today at 954-828-1819 or visit mhginsurance.com for expert guidance in selecting the perfect health insurance plan for you and/or your employees.

What are the four major types of Employee Benefits?

Medical

The main benefit that you can and should be offering your employees is medical insurance. There are several laws and regulations around group size and mandatory contribution rates, however no matter the rules, we have consistently seen that offering medical insurance to your employees promotes loyalty, increases happiness, and is one of the top motivators for a workforce.

Dental

Unfortunately, medical insurance offers little to no coverage for any dental procedures for adults. Also, a lack of proper oral care can lead to several overall health issues, which is why dental insurance is increasingly important. As you may know, even with regular trips to the dentist, and proper dental hygiene practices at home, one can still find themselves needing to have some work done.

Vision

Vision insurance is another important benefit for the overall wellbeing of your employees. After all, chances are that some of your workforce is looking at a computer for much of the day, which has been shown to damage our eyes. Having vision insurance allows for preventive measures to be taken such as annual eyes exams.

Disability/Life

Disability and Life Insurance coverage acts more as financial protection for your employees rather than an active benefit. Disability insurance offers coverage for an individual in case they are ill or injured and can no longer work. Depending on the plan, they will receive up to 66% of their wages for a number of years or until retirement.

Life Insurance offers coverage for an individual’s loved ones in the event an employee loses their life. There are great options for group life insurance where the benefit amount can be reflected based on someone’s salary or a set amount.

GAP

GAP Insurance isn’t included with the four major benefits; however we believe it should have an honorable mention. While GAP Insurance does not offer a particular benefit, it may be one of the most advantageous benefits you can offer your employees. GAP insurance is paired with medical. The purpose of GAP Insurance is to supplement a portion or up to the out-of-pocket costs of the medical plan, reducing the overall amount of medical expenses for your employees.

Selecting the right health insurance plan for you or your employees can be challenging, but our experienced insurance brokers at MHG are here to help. Our Insurance Specialists will assist you in creating a comprehensive Employee Benefits package that includes health insurance, gap insurance coverage, life insurance, disability, and more. Contact us today at 954-828-1819 or visit mhginsurance.com for expert guidance.

A new year is here, and now more than ever people are looking to either maintain the healthy habits they have adopted or look to try and start a new lifestyle to try and shed a few pounds or just feel better. Whether it is a new diet, new workout, or new way of living, this time of year is synonymous with people trying their best to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Yet there is one simple thing people can do that does not require expensive investments, trips to special facilities, or new gear… walking!

Why is walking important?

Walking is one of the best ways to get and stay healthy. Obviously going for a stroll is not as rigorous as going for a run or doing some of the latest fad workouts, but over time it can have the same benefits without the wear and tear on your body. According to the Better Health Channel , Just 30 minutes [of walking] every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. Walking is also known to reduce your risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Should I track steps or miles?

Before you decide on how many steps or miles you should walk per day, first you need to decide what your goals are.

· Are you looking to lose weight or maintain weight?

· Where are you starting from, how is your current physical health?

· Are you looking to accomplish a milestone down the road?

After answering a few of these questions you should have a better idea of where you should start, and where you should set your sights.

Once you have that part figured out, it really is up to you whether you would prefer to track steps or miles. Experts say one mile is about 2,000 steps. So, will you be tracking your steps throughout the day? Or will you be allotting “walking” time to try and walk a particular distance?

Is it better to set a daily goal or a weekly goal?

It depends! Are you a person that has an extremely busy schedule? Or are you a person that has a lot of free time? At the end of the day, a goal is a goal, and there is more than one benefit to achieving them! Try not to over-extend yourself or set yourself for failure. It is important to be flexible, after all is there really a difference between walking 2 miles per day or 14 miles per week?

Selecting the right health insurance plan for you or your employees can be a difficult task, but the experienced insurance brokers at MHG are here to help. Call us today at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com for help in selecting the ideal Employee Benefits plan for your team.

MHG Marks 30 Years with a Fresh New Look and Office

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (January 19th, 2021) – MHG Insurance is marking its 30th anniversary since introducing crew benefits to the marine industry. Thirty years and over tens of thousands of captains, officers, and crew insured, MHG continues to develop crew benefit plans to make the industry a better place to work and live.

Founders, Andrew Dudzinski and John Haagensen, launched MHG after industry growth and ensuing competitive pressures, cruise lines needed new ways to attract and retain their officers and crew. Dudzinski, with a background in expatriate insurance programs, and Haagensen, a former seafarer and practicing insurance agent, saw the solution in creating and providing customized crew benefits plans. Dudzinski and Haagensen combined their extensive experience and contacts to convince the industry that seafarers are better motivated, remain more loyal, and work more safely when a benefit plan is provided as part of an employment package.

“While hesitant at first, the cruise lines listened, and once the competitive advantages were understood, benefit plans were implemented by many lines,” said Andrew Dudzinski, MHG’s Chairman and CEO. “Other marine industry sectors, such as luxury yachts and commercial shipping, followed soon after.”

Three decades on, MHG is recognized not only for developing innovative crew benefit programs for the maritime industry but also for providing liability and casualty coverage for ship repairers, contractors, entertainers, and cruise concessionaires, in addition to hull and P&I insurance for pleasure craft.

Today, MHG provides insurance solutions, insight, and advice to many of CLIA’s global member cruise lines. In 2018, MHG released a ground-breaking report on the cruise industry’s shipboard benefits provision, which has been updated and released to clients every other year. On the yacht side, MHG provides yacht crew insurance to hundreds of yachts, including 20% of the world’s top 100 largest yachts. In 2018, MHG partnered with The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) to investigate wellness issues specific to the yachting industry. The survey findings were shared with the industry and highlighted the need for mental health awareness.

“We’re so proud of the achievements and lasting impact that we have made in the marine industry,” said MHG’s Chief Revenue Officer Mark Bononi. “While we have successfully introduced and made crew benefits more mainstream in the industry, our work is not done. We will continue to be at the forefront of developing and implementing a full range of crew benefits solutions, all designed specifically for the marine industry.”

MHG has offices in the U.S. and Europe, staffed with a team of insurance specialists experienced in the marine environment, and are experts in the intricacies of all different types of insurance products and the regulations with which they must comply. In addition to the efforts to impact the industries they serve, MHG also strives to implement a culture for its employees that is second to none. From day one, they have practiced what they preach when it comes to taking care of employees and have seen the positive effects firsthand. MHG has been recognized as a “Best Places to Work,” has an extremely low turnover rate, and truly instills a “family” atmosphere that many businesses try to promote.

As part of its 30^th anniversary, MHG is also launching a new logo and moving its U.S. offices a few blocks from its current location to 1800 SE 10th Avenue, Suite 320, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.

Looking ahead, MHG plans to continue to expand its reach throughout the marine industry, with the same purpose and idea they were founded on. With an updated look and new offices to call home, we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is a global insurance brokerage and consultative facility, with a focus on the marine industry. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance, and financial services, all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits and advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (January 6, 2020) – MHG Insurance Brokers, the cruise industry’s crew health insurance specialist, announced today the promotion of Sherry Wertz to Director, Cruise Division. In this key role, Wertz will lead MHG’s Cruise Division, one of the company’s founding departments. MHG introduced benefits to the cruise industry, making it a better place to work and live, and with this appointment will look to further advance the livelihood and well-being of those within the industry.

Prior to this appointment, Wertz was MHG’s Senior Manager, Operations, responsible for managing cruise line accounts. A veteran of the cruise industry, Wertz has more than 30 years’ experience working for various cruise lines, concessionaires, and other companies supporting the industry. Wertz joined MHG in 2016.

Wertz will report to Mark Bononi, MHG’s Chief Revenue Officer, and will be supported by Kelly Morris, Claims Specialist.

“Sherry is a pleasure to work with and is a great fit for this role,” said Bononi. “With her dedication to service and compassion for the crew, Sherry truly epitomizes the MHG spirit.”

While MHG’s focus was initially on captains, officers, and crew, the company has enjoyed continuous growth and has since grown into a multi-discipline marine insurance brokerage and adviser. This year, the company will mark its 30th anniversary with the release of a new company logo, social media campaign, and celebrations later in the year.

About MHG Insurance Brokers

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

From today, professional yacht crew anywhere in the world will be able to access 24-hour support via Yacht Crew Help, a new helpline launched by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

Despite the many benefits of working on board a superyacht, the challenges of working away from home for long periods and living in close quarters with colleagues can become overwhelming. In a 2018 survey of superyacht crew, ISWAN found that 82% of superyacht crew experienced low crew morale sometimes, often or always, and 55% of female respondents found accessing mental health care to be an occasional or regular challenge.

Prompted by these findings, ISWAN set up a steering group of representatives from across the superyacht industry and collaborated to develop Yacht Crew Help – a free, confidential, multilingual helpline for professional yacht crew. Whatever problem someone is facing, wherever they are in the world, Yacht Crew Help will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide guidance and support. The helpline is run by ISWAN, a charity which promotes the welfare of seafarers working in all sectors of the maritime industry. The helpline officers are trained in counselling skills, suicide risk assessment and providing emotional support to crew all over the world, and the team is connected with a wide range of organisations to help yacht crew find further support.

ISWAN’s Executive Director Roger Harris said: ‘Although the superyacht industry can be glamorous, the demands on crew are very high and living in your workplace away from loved ones can be tough. With Yacht Crew Help, we want to make sure that men and women working on superyachts can easily access the support available to them worldwide whenever they need it – free of charge, day or night. We are incredibly grateful to all of our partners for helping us develop a service tailored to professional yacht crew and their specific needs.’

Captain Brendan O’Shannassy, President of the ISS Captain’s Committee and one of the key members of the Yacht Crew Help steering group, said: ‘The most valuable component of the superyacht industry are the crews. Yacht Crew Help will be key to educating and supporting yacht crew as they strive to deliver the excellence demanded by the industry. ISWAN are a highly credible non-commercial entity to provide this support without crew having any concern of commercial compromise when raising personal concerns.’

Crew members, whether they are currently on board or ashore, can currently contact Yacht Crew Help via three different contact methods:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3713 7273 (a call back can be requested via the Yacht Crew Help website)

E-mail: help@yachtcrewhelp.org

Live Chat: via www.yachtcrewhelp.org

A range of information, guidance and resources on issues affecting yacht crew is available on the Yacht Crew Help website at www.yachtcrewhelp.org, including mental health and wellbeing, bullying and harassment, sexual assault, substance misuse and employment concerns.

Yacht Crew Help would not be possible without the support and guidance of a number of key companies and organisations: Y.CO (Official yachting partner); Bond Technology Management & Consultancy (Primary partner); Burgess (Gold sponsor); MYBA (Gold sponsor); LYBRA (Gold sponsor); The Professional Yachting Association; Nautilus International; wilsonhalligan; MHG Insurance Brokers; United Advisers Marine; Yotspot; AYSS; Yachting Matters; Superyacht Charities; Impact Crew; International Superyacht Society; and Superyacht Services Guide.

For more information about Yacht Crew Help, please contact ISWAN’s Project Manager, Caitlin Vaughan: caitlin.vaughan@iswan.org.uk.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN): A charity and membership organisation which works to promote and support the welfare of seafarers all over the world. The free, 24-hour, multilingual helpline, SeafarerHelp, is one of the direct welfare services that ISWAN provides to seafarers. Others include relief funds for seafarers and their family members in need and a range of health information resources. ISWAN works with companies, unions, governments, welfare organisations and ports for the implementation of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. ISWAN supports those who establish and provide welfare facilities and services in port and on ships. ISWAN is funded by membership subscriptions, grants from foundations, sponsorship and earned income. For more information, visit www.seafarerswelfare.org.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (September 29^th, 2020) – MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Celene Good has joined the team as a Staff Accountant. In this role, Good will provide assistance to our Accounting Department.

Good joins MHG with over 15 years of accounting experience. Good previously worked as a Staff Accountant at a facilities & property management services company, and more recently an Accounting Assistant at a landscape and design company in South Florida. She graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2013.

“Celene is an experienced Accountant whose skills and expertise are needed as MHG continues to grow,” said Katherine Pajor, MHG’s Chief Financial Officer. “Her experience with accounting software made her a logical candidate. Her presence will help us to expand the roles of others, allowing us a greater opportunity to achieve our internal goals.”

MHG Insurance Brokers has been providing insurance guidance and solutions since 1991. The company has established an unrivalled reputation for providing quality insurance products that meet clients’ coverage requirements and budget.

About MHG Insurance Brokers

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance, and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

Companies to introduce PYURE air and surface sanitizing hydroxyl technology to Yachts

FORT LAUDERDALE (August 26, 2020) - MHG Insurance Brokers, the marine industry’s crew benefits specialist, and VIKAND SOLUTIONS, LLC, a global, maritime medical operations and healthcare solutions provider, announced their partnership to bring VIKAND’s Health and Hygiene program to the yachting industry. This Health and Hygiene program consists of a 3-pronged approach to reduce and potentially eliminate the threat of COVID-19 onboard, while also promoting the overall health and wellness of crew and guests through air purification technology, medical protocols, and around the clock medical support. VIKAND’s strategy includes:

· Technologies like PYURE are used to suppress COVID-19 and other contaminants which can stay in the air in aerosolized droplets and on surfaces for hours

o PYURE works to actively distribute disinfecting air to kill viruses, bacteria, mold, etc.

o The technology is proven to be effective, safe, green, and energy saving.

o PYURE can create an environment of ultra-clean, crisp air.

· Health & Hygiene Protocols with COVID-19 focus from VIKAND’s Public Health Practice

o Public Health Service support in the installation and management of protocols.

o Advice, education, support, and solutions for preemptive testing and tracking.

· COVID-19 Hotline 24/7 Medical Support by VIKAND’s expert maritime medical staff

o House calls – VIKAND’S medical team reaches out to each vessel monthly.

o Mental wellness support.

“We are delighted to be partnering with MHG,” said Peter Hult, VIKAND CEO. “COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind at the moment and we’re happy to bring the industry a potential solution which helps promote a high degree of health and wellness on board.”

Through this collaborative effort, MHG and VIKAND strive to provide clients and the yacht industry with a cohesive strategy to help mitigate the risk of infection and transfer on board, while providing guests and crew outstanding care, comfort, and support.

“As owners return to their yachts and charters resume, we want to make sure our clients and the industry have access to as many tools as possible to combat COVID-19,” said Andrew Dudzinski, MHG’s Chairman and CEO. “MHG’s primary concern has always been the health and welfare of crew and guests onboard. The VIKAND team is well known to us and we believe their solutions are in line with our initiatives to help clients face this new environment and to continue yachting with enhanced comfort and care.”

About MHG Insurance Brokers

Established in 1991, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, the Isle of Man and Hamburg, Germany. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance, and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

About VIKAND

VIKAND is a Fort Lauderdale, Florida based leading global maritime healthcare and hygiene solutions provider offering a full range of services, technologies, products, and protocols for the safety of crew and guests onboard cruise ships, yachts, and commercial vessels. Solutions encompass 24/7 medical management, consulting, biomedical equipment maintenance and sales, and leading air and surface decontamination solutions.