What Is A 1099 Employee?

A 1099 employee is paid with no federal or state taxes withheld from their paycheck.  The employee will pay either quarterly tax payments or pay their full tax liability when they file their return.  It is common for commissioned sales people or contractors to be paid in this manner.

Why Is Getting Group Rates and Benefits So Difficult For 1099 Employees?

Group Health Insurance plans and rates were designed as a way to give a group of people a better rate and better plan designs then they could otherwise obtain on their own.  New York State Department of Insurance does not permit a group to be formed for the sole purpose of gaining discounts on insurance.  Many years ago, when the carriers did not require proof of an employee/employer relationship, the system was abused and some business owners were adding people to the plan that did not really work there.  As a result, the carriers tightened down and narrowed their definition of an employee to only those on a payroll, where they could obtain verifiable tax documents proving that all those joining the plan really worked there.  Those documents are absent in a 1099 relationship.

I Am An Employer, What Are My Options?

Group Health Insurance can be a valuable tool for attracting a retaining key employees.  It can be set up in a way that costs the Employer NO MONEY!  When you set up a plan for your employees, you offer them better benefits for less money then most people can obtain on their own.  Also, in nearly all cases, it can be setup so that all premiums are completely tax free!  You can choose to pay for some, all or none of the premium.  Even if you contribute nothing, you are still giving a valuable benefit to your employees.  With the assistance of Contorno & Company, Inc, the implementation and administration of the plan becomes no effort at all.  We will insure that there is no additional burden on you or any of your employees in setting up and maintaining the plan.  All of our services are provided COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!  Click Here for more information on our services.  In addition, we will set up a customized website for you and your employees to log in a view benefits, check claims, answer most questions, and contact our office for any issues not addresses there.

I Am An Employee, But My Employer Does Not Offer These Benefits.  What Can I Do?

There is no law requiring your employer to offer these benefits.  However, many do not due to misconceptions of the costs and obligations involved.  As for costs, your employer is not required to contribute towards the cost of the coverage.  You would still be getting better benefits for less money then you could probably find on your own with more favorable tax consequences.  Having group medical also entitles you to COBRA continuation if you leave your job and favorable treatment of pre-existing conditions and other state and federally mandated benefits required by a group medical policy.  We encourage you to call us or request a free quote below.  We will assist you in presenting it to your employer as an option that will benefit them as much as you.  Contact us by clicking here.  Your employer will offer a benefit most other companies in your industry do not offer.  This will help attract and retain key employees such as yourself.

What Type Of Plans Are Available?

Currently, only one carrier in the tri-state area allows 1099 employees to join with no adverse action, increased premium or benefit reduction.  However, this carrier happens to be the LARGEST in the country with one of the largest networks in our area.  Every one of their plans allows you to see a specialist with no referrals, go to ANY doctor you choose, access a nationwide network of doctors, cover prescription drugs with no maximums and have benefits for all medically necessary hospital stays, surgeries and more.  Plus, it covers all day-to-day doctor visits, chiropractic treatment and offers no charge checkups for children up to age 19.*  There are comprehensive dental options available as well. 

I Am A Small Business Owner And Cannot Afford To Hire Someone To Handle Questions, Claims And Other Issues Regarding The Medical Plan.

That is where our host of services come in. After you have enough information to make your decision, we will come to your location to familiarize all enrollees with the plan, pass out documentation and provider directories, and assist in completing all paperwork. We all know that problems arise with all carriers. That is why you can come to us for any billing problems or claims issues. We have claims specialist to talk to the carriers on your behalf to resolve it as soon as possible. We will assist in all COBRA notifications and employee additions and terminations. All of our services are provided at absolutely no additional cost.  Click here for more information on the services we provide our clients.