Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Associated Oregon Industries?
   
   
2. What is AOI HealthChoice?
   
   
3. Why has AOI decided to form AOI HealthChoice?
   
   
4. How is AOI HealthChoice different from other associations' plans?
   
   
5. How can a business qualify for AOI HealthChoice?
   
   
6. How is AOI HealthChoice designed for small businesses?
   
   
7. What are AOI HealthChoice's primary advantages to the employer?
   
   
8. What are AOI HealthChoice's primary advantages to the employee?
   
   
9. With all the options available, won't there be administrative problems?
   
   
10. Which health plans have been selected and how did you choose them?
    
    
11. Are out-of-state employees eligible for AOI HealthChoice?
    
    
12. What benefit levels are offered through AOI HealthChoice?
    
    
13. What is my required contribution as an employer?
    
    
14. How many of my eligible employees must enroll?
    
    
15. How do I know my employees will receive quality care?
    
    
16. How can I find out more about AOI HealthChoice?
    
    
17. How do I get started?

1. WHAT IS ASSOCIATED OREGON INDUSTRIES? (Top of page)
   

   AOI is a business membership organization that provides two principle values for its employees. FIRST, it represents the business community before state government, engaging the public policy debate in the Oregon Legislative Assembly and with state agencies during the administrative rules process. SECOND, it provides a broad array of benefits and services exclusively to our members. Services include: the Business Viewpoint publication, the Leading Issues electronic publication, Employee Assistance Program, group Life Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance, office supply discounts, complimentary legal advice, complimentary identity theft protection, , employer workshops and seminars, Risk Management services and small-group health insurance.

2. WHAT IS AOI HealthChoice? (Top of page)
   

   AOI HealthChoice is a health insurance program with multiple options offered by leading medical and dental insurance carriers: Kaiser Permanente, Health Net of Oregon and Advantage Dental. AOI HealthChoice offers employers a wide array of medical and dental benefits, as well as vision and chiropractic coverage. AOI HealthChoice combines the purchasing power of businesses to provide more choice and access to affordable, quality health insurance.

3. WHY HAS AOI DECIDED TO FORM AOI HealthChoice? (Top of page)
   

   AOI is a strong advocate of private market solutions to health care reform. Since there is a need for programs in Oregon that offer employers a choice of health plans and benefits at a reasonable cost, AOI decided to form AOI HealthChoice to meet its members' health care needs.

4. HOW IS AOI HealthChoice DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ASSOCIATIONS' PLANS? (Top of page)
   

   AOI HealthChoice differentiates itself from other programs by providing a wider selection of carrier and benefit options, superior customer service and competitive and stable rates. AOI HealthChoice also brings added value to its offerings by including services such as Employee Assistance Program benefits with its medical plans, and complimentary Cobra administration for Cobra-eligible groups.

5. HOW CAN A BUSINESS QUALIFY FOR AOI HealthChoice? (Top of page)
   

   AOI HealthChoice is offered only to AOI members with two to 74 employees. The business must have at least two eligible bona fide employees and be a member in good standing. At least two employees must be enrolled at all times.

6. HOW IS AOI HealthChoice DESIGNED FOR SMALL BUSINESSES? (Top of page)
   

   AOI HealthChoice will minimize the cost shifting that traditionally has meant higher premiums and little choice for small businesses. Because AOI is negotiating on behalf of employers of all sizes, small employers have the same market clout with health providers as large employers.

7. WHAT ARE AOI HealthChoice's PRIMARY ADVANTAGES TO THE EMPLOYER? (Top of page)
   

   1) Choice - Under this plan, employers may choose from a variety of health and benefit plans, ensuring more options to suit their employees' needs.
   
   2) Simplicity - AOI HealthChoice offers streamlined administration which saves employers time. One bill simplifies paperwork.
   
   3) Stability - The availability of multiple plans means an employer does not have to look elsewhere for coverage. AOI HealthChoice offers employers stability, a rarity in the ever changing health care arena. Initial rates are guaranteed for the first contract period (from 7-12 months), and annually thereafter. Policies are guaranteed renewable as long as premiums are paid and AOI dues and participation policies are met.
   
   4) Added Value - AOI HealthChoice offers free Cobra administration, and our medical plans include EAP benefits and chiropractic coverage.

8. WHAT ARE AOI HealthChoice'S PRIMARY ADVANTAGES TO THE EMPLOYEE? (Top of page)
   

   1) Physician choice - The physician choice offered by AOI HealthChoice is extensive. 3 of our Kaiser Permanente options allow the employee to receive care from any in-network health care provider at a variety of Kaiser facilities,as well as doctors outside the Kaiser network. Employers may also select one of our PPO options, which provide access to physicians both in and out of the health plan's network.
   
   2) Superior Customer service - AOI HealthChoice has a Customer Service Center staffed with trained personnel who can answer employees' questions and guide them through the enrollment process. In addition, appointed agents are available to assist the employer and employees.

9. WITH ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE, WILL THERE BE ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES? (Top of page)
   

   No. The advantage of AOI HealthChoice is that AOI HealthChoice serves as the clearinghouse for the employers and providers. The marketing, enrollment, eligibility, premium collection, and disbursement functions are centrally administered and a common enrollment form is used. One simple monthly bill, regardless of how many types of coverage are chosen, makes your paperwork easier.

10. WHICH HEALTH PLANS HAVE BEEN SELECTED AND HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THEM? (Top of page)
    

    After an extensive selection process, AOI selected Kaiser Permanente, Health Net of Oregon and Advantage Dental as its partners in the AOI HealthChoice program.

11. ARE OUT-OF-STATE EMPLOYEES ELIGIBLE FOR AOI HealthChoice? (Top of page)
    

    No. Participation in AOI HealthChoice is reserved for Oregon businesses and their employees only. Coverage is not available for employees who work out-of-state.

12. WHAT BENEFIT LEVELS ARE OFFERED THROUGH AOI HealthChoice? (Top of page)
    

    Employers may choose from several different benefit plans, all of which vary in price and benefits. Employers may also elect to offer dental and vision benefits. With all the choices available, employers can easily find a plan that meets their benefit needs and lets them stay within their budgets.

13. WHAT IS MY REQUIRED CONTRIBUTION AS AN EMPLOYER? (Top of page)
    

    Your minimum contribution must be 50% of the employee-only rate for the benefit plan you've selected.

14. HOW MANY OF MY ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES MUST ENROLL? (Top of page)
    

    For groups of 2-10 employees, we require that 100% of eligible employees enroll. For groups of 11 and more, seventy-five percent of your eligible employees must participate. If an employee elects to waive coverage because they have other group coverage, Medicaid or Medicare, they are not counted in the total percentage of eligible employees.

15. HOW DO I KNOW MY EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE QUALITY CARE? (Top of page)
    

    AOI HealthChoice only accepted health plans that have a proven track record for providing the highest quality of care and customer service. With the choice of health plans available, we are confident employees can select a plan that is right for their individual needs.

16. HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AOI HealthChoice? (Top of page)
    

    Your agent can provide you with benefit and rate information and help you enroll your company. If you do not currently work with an agent, we would be happy to refer one to you; please contact Tina Kennedy at (503) 268-1708 or by e-mail at tina@aoi.org.

17. HOW DO I GET STARTED? (Top of page)
    

    
    1. Contact your agent for a proposal. If you do not currently work with an agent, contact Tina Kennedy at (503) 268-1708 or by e-mail at tina@aoi.org.
    
    2. If you're not a current member of AOI, apply for membership and pay the required dues. (Application for membership can coincide with enrollment in the HealthChoice program.)
    
    3. Determine when you want to implement AOI HealthChoice (choose the effective date of your coverage).
    
    4. Decide on your premium contribution and select the benefit level.
    
    5. Decide whether to offer vision or dental benefits.
    
    6. Determine the new employee waiting period before coverage will become effective.
    
    7. Complete the Employer Group Application.
    
    8. Arrange for your agent to assist with an Open Enrollment meeting of your employees, so everyone understands your new benefits.
    
    9. Write the check to be used as an advance deposit toward the first month's premium.