Web-based insurance program aids small businesses

Associated Industries of Missouri on Oct. 1 will unveil AIMCare – a program that takes the underwriting out of the application process and locks in an initial rate that won’t change.

The application is filed online, and coverage is based on a company’s SIC code, employees’ ages and genders, and the network choice.

“It’ll ask a few simple questions about your company – there are no health questions on employees,” said AIM President Gary Marble. “That’s hugely imperative if you’re a smaller employer.”

The program also offers up to a 5 percent refund on paid premiums at the end of the year, based on a company’s utilization of its coverage. The idea is to create an incentive for staying healthy and not running to the doctor for every minor ailment.

“If you have a sniffle, maybe there’s a better way to handle it, now that health insurance is so expensive,” Marble said. “The purpose is to help employees understand the significance of remaining healthy.”

As a former state employee and past small-business employer, Marble said he couldn’t understand why both small and large businesses are not allowed the same health care opportunities. AIM members, though operated as independent businesses, can be perceived as members of a 12,000-employee "company" in the eyes of health care providers, and therefore receive the benefits of larger companies.

Those interested must join AIM prior to applying for AIMCare, available beginning next week at its Web site. The insurance program has six networks that include most doctors and hospitals in Missouri.