See What is Happening With MI Planners!

January 8, 2021

Open Enrollment in a Virtual World

The employer-sponsored health plan renewal process is one filled with challenges at virtually every turn, from price...
January 8, 2021

Welcome to the Michigan Planners Blog!

If only we could turn back the calendar 60 days to a near-record stock market, strong economy, and with our...

 

May 24, 2022

Ways to Support Your Mental Health This Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Challenges with mental health have been more common now than ever as the pandemic has put stress and anxiety on […]
May 3, 2022

HSA Limits Increase for 2023

Each year, the IRS announces inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts(HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs). The following chart shows the HSA and HDHP limits […]
May 3, 2022

Michigan Planners Now Offers Individual Medical and Medicare Advantage

For more information about these new services, please call 800-674-9235. We are happy to help...
May 3, 2022

Common Pain Points During Open Enrollment

There's no question that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the workforce as we know it. As a result, it's become...
April 19, 2022

Benefits of Paying Cash for Health Care Services – Even if You Have Insurance

“Do you have your insurance card?” “Yes, I do, but I’m not using it today! I’m paying in cash. Yes, ma’am, I am!” Have you ever […]
April 12, 2022

How to Handle a Surprise Medical Bill

If you’ve ever received a surprise medical bill, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, over half of […]
March 22, 2022

Tips to Save on Gasoline Costs

Drive safely. Unsafe driving habits such as speeding, hard braking and idling can significantly reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. As such, be sure to always obey […]
March 10, 2022

“400 Plus What?”: Differences Between 403b, 457b, and 401k Retirement Plans

Retirement plans in Michigan are not what they used to be generations ago, and neither is employment in general. Back then, many more people spent their […]
March 2, 2022

6 Tips for Reducing Your Health Care Costs in 2022

Health care costs continue to rise each year, and 2022 will likely be no exception. In the new year, experts predict a 6.5% increase...
January 18, 2022

Adding Dependents on a Health Insurance Plan in Michigan: Answers to Common Questions

If you are enrolling in a new health insurance plan or are enrolling for the very first time, you are likely overwhelmed with questions...
December 22, 2021

Employee Wellness Ideas for 2022: A Month-to-Month Guide

As a manager, you may notice things throughout the year that your employees do that make you proud. And then there are other...
November 16, 2021

Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace: Why You Should Add an Employee Assistance Program

We’ve all heard it: the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. But for some people, the months of November and December...
October 5, 2021

7 Ways to Engage Your Employees Before, During, and After Open Enrollment

At the time of open enrollment, all employees hear and think about are the words “insurance,” “benefits,” and “cost.” They typically...
September 28, 2021

Definition of Benefit Brokers: What Can They Do for My Small Business?

As you are looking for employee benefits, you may come across the term “benefit brokers.” It’s a small phrase that encompasses...
August 11, 2021

Who Needs Life Insurance?

Not everyone needs life insurance. For example, you may not need life insurance if you’re single and financially independent...
August 11, 2021

Are You Ready for Open Enrollment?

Renewal season for your insurance benefits is just around the corner. Is your company ready for open enrollment? We...
July 12, 2021

Do My Medicare Benefits Cover My Spouse?

Anyone born after 1929 will need at least 40 work credits to be eligible for Medicare benefits. Since you can earn up to...
July 12, 2021

10 Group Health Insurance Terms You Should Know

Health insurance can be intimidating, especially if you’re worried about an injury or illness. That’s why we want to make...
June 29, 2021

Claims & Benefits

It is probably safe to say that we have all received a bill for medical services at one point in time. You take a moment...
June 29, 2021

Now Playing at a Horizon Near You

On average, each of us should get around 29,000 sunrises if we make it within the range of 80 years old. Each sunrise...
June 9, 2021

How to Bring Back Remote Employees During the Pandemic

Returning to the office is not the same as returning to a pre-pandemic sense of “normal.” A lot has changed since the...
June 8, 2021

3 HR Mistakes to Avoid During Open Enrollment

If you work in Human Resources (HR), you know that you carry a big responsibility for your team. Everyone is counting...
May 18, 2021

Escanaba Location Grand Opening

Join us as we open our newest office in the U.P.! We are excited to be opening our latest location in Michigan's Upper...
May 4, 2021

When Am I Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older. But you may enroll in Medicare...
May 4, 2021

10 Reasons to Register Online With Your Insurance Carrier

Have you gotten a chance to register online with your insurance carrier? If not, you could be missing out on tools...
April 13, 2021

Shopping for Life Insurance? Here’s What the Pandemic Changed.

Wondering if you should get group life insurance for your business? You’re not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has...
April 13, 2021

How Will COVID-19 Affect Group Health Insurance?

A pandemic is the worst time to lose your group health insurance. But that’s exactly what happened for many...
April 8, 2021

The Basics of HDHPs

Enrolling in your employer’s company-sponsored, high deductible health plan (HDHP) means lower premiums and the...
April 8, 2021

Understanding Patient Privacy and HIPAA

The trust that you place in your health care provider is critical to receiving high-quality care. However, with the...
April 8, 2021

Using the Emergency Room Wisely

More than 10% of all emergency room (ER) visits could have been better dealt with in either an urgent care facility...
March 26, 2021

Distribution Notification: COVID-19 Vaccines

We have been receiving inquiries about how employees and their dependents can obtain a COVID-19 vaccination...
March 2, 2021

How to Train Remote Employees

Your new hires need to feel supported throughout the training process. That way, they'll feel confident in their...
March 2, 2021

How to Improve Your Mental Health While Working From Home

Working from home may seem like a dream come true. But many employees struggle with loneliness, isolation, and...
February 5, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Should Know

Doses of the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered Dec. 14, 2020, kicking off a massive effort during 2021...
February 5, 2021

How Does ACA Reporting Affect My Business?

ACA stands for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. President Barack Obama signed the act into law...
January 8, 2021

What are the Different Types of Disability Insurance?

Shopping for disability insurance? As a group insurance brokerage company, we understand that disability can be...
January 8, 2021

How to Design an Employee Benefits Program

Designing an employee benefits program can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! Our insurance brokers would...
December 21, 2020

What Benefits Do Employees Want the Most?

Looking to hire new talent? A competitive benefits package will help you attract qualified candidates. According...
December 21, 2020

Should You Offer Employee Group Benefits?

Does your company have a high turnover rate? Are you losing talent to your competitors? If so, it may be time...
December 1, 2020

We’re Virtual! Here’s How Our Insurance Brokers Are Serving You

As insurance brokers, it’s our job to help clients prepare for the unexpected. But no one could have anticipated...
December 1, 2020

10 Most Common Types of Employee Benefits

Aren’t sure what types of employee benefits to offer your team? As a group insurance brokerage firm, we completely...
November 9, 2020

IRS Temporarily Relaxes Section 125 Rules

Notice 2020-29 allows employers to adopt one or more changes to existing cafeteria plans for the 2020 plan year...
July 22, 2020

Introducing ALEX

ALEX transforms benefits from something you offer into something that delivers results for your business...
April 30, 2020

Michigan Planners Meal A Mile Program

Michigan Planners Meal A Mile Program! For every mile, our Michigan Planners employees walk we will donate...
April 5, 2020

30 Days To Slow The Spread

Listen to and follow the directions of your state and authorities. Do you part to slow the spread of Coronavirus...
March 29, 2020

COVID-19 We Are Here To Help!

It is no surprise that you are facing a number of concerns related to business continuity, employer relations...
March 29, 2020

15 Days To Slow The Spread

Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities. Do your part to slow the spread of coronavirus...
March 24, 2020

Virtual HR Roundtable- COVID-19

There’s a good chance your Inbox has been flooded with information about the COVID-19 pandemic...
March 12, 2020

COVID-19 Insurance Update

With continually evolving news surrounding the COVID-19 Coronavirus, we wanted to bring you up to date...
March 4, 2020

Michigan Auto No-Fault Insurance Reform

July 1st is the effective date for the eagerly awaited revamped auto insurance law that was signed by Governor...
February 27, 2020

Coronavirus Resources

Chinese official figures released 2/24 showed there had been 409 new cases of the novel Coronavirus and...
February 14, 2020

Ready To Write A New Chapter

Mi Planners Insurance Ready New ChapterMichigan Planners would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to...
January 21, 2020

Healthcare Facts, Myths, And The Everchanging Landscape…

Recently a client of ours was approached by a competing broker who came up with, what they believed...
January 13, 2020

Looking For Extraordinary People To Join Our Team

Michigan Planners is one of Michigan’s premier and most unique insurance agencies, specializing in...
November 11, 2019

National Diabetes Month

More than 100 million Americans live with diabetes or prediabetes, and each year more than 1.5 million will...
October 2, 2019

Stay Well This Fall

Fall is here, which means cooler temps, shorter days, & flu season! Here are tips to stay happy and healthy...
September 30, 2019

Create A Culture Of Wellness

You have probably heard of wellness or worksite wellness programs. But what exactly is wellness, what are...
February 4, 2019

Northern MI: Unstoppable!

We have experienced unbelievable growth since opening doors in Traverse City nearly five years ago. Later ...
February 4, 2019

Well Hello, East Lansing

Our goal is to maintain excellent customer service via personal touch no matter where throughout the state...
January 15, 2019

2019 Michigan Planners Educational Series

Check out this year’s Educational Series being presented at various Michigan Planners’ locations. Please contact Laura...
December 5, 2018

Don’t Ignore This Years Open Enrollment Period, Review Your Plan

A lot of people hear the words “open enrollment” and their eyes gloss over. It’s not the most exciting way to spend...
November 15, 2018

Promoting Health After Gestational Diabetes

It’s National Diabetes Month. This year’s theme is promoting health after Gestational Diabetes If you’ve had gestational...
October 31, 2018

Michigan Planners Best and Brightest In Wellness!

Given the razor-thin labor pool and long-term positive economic and employment forecasts, the battle for quality talent will...
October 5, 2018

Michigan Planners Best and Brightest In Wellness!

Congratulations!!! Michigan Planners was named one of Michigan’s Best and Brightest In Wellness® winners! Looking...
September 25, 2018

Michigan Planners Wins Metro Detroit’s Best and Brightest Company to Work For

Metro Detroit’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For Symposium and Awards Gala was a success! Learn More...
August 27, 2018

Precious Angels Visit Michigan Planners

On 8/17, we hosted 30 students, ages 4-12, from the local Precious Angels Christian Academy for an office tour and present...
July 18, 2018

Not Practicing What I Preach…And it Cost Me $5,000!

For those who have followed my articles, I spend a great deal of time talking about aligning employers and employees with...
July 3, 2018

No HR department? Understand Your Options

The payroll and benefits mode of operation within the auto dealership segment has predominately been likened...
June 26, 2018

Summer is Here…Now is the Time!

Spring has officially ended, bringing forth time for outside fun with family and friends, as well as an upcoming celebration...
June 21, 2018

MPI Expands its Talent and Resources to Provide Exceptional Service Within the Banking Community!

A familiar face to the banking community, Kathy Richardson has joined the Michigan Planners Banking division...
June 12, 2018

Welcome to the Michigan Planners Family

At no surprise to financial stakeholders, the banking industry will continue to experience disruption, as the...
March 8, 2018

The Transformed Arena

At no surprise to financial stakeholders, the banking industry will continue to experience disruption, as the...
February 27, 2018

New Year…New You, Right?

It’s hard to believe we are almost at February’s halfway mark. Who is still going strong with their resolutions...
October 23, 2017

HMO or PPO?

In today’s health care landscape, many employers have moved to a dual product offering, which consists of both HMO and PPO...
October 17, 2017

Health Care Executive Order

Last Thursday on October 12, 2017, President Trump no longer sat on the sidelines to wait and see the fate of health care...
October 12, 2017

Are You in Good Hands?

In today’s world, we have access to more data than we know what to do with. Have you leveraged this information to make...
September 18, 2017

You Have 6 Weeks…

It’s hard to believe that with 80+ degree weather in the air that we are just a few weeks away from the start of the 4th quarter in 2017...
September 13, 2017

Let’s Come Together…

As I began to write this morning, my mind kept shifting back to the recent devastation of hurricanes Harvey and Irma...
August 30, 2017

‘Tis the Season for Open Enrollment

Open enrollment is a big undertaking for companies, regardless of size, industry, or location. Viewed as an...
August 29, 2017

A Brief History Lesson…

This week we pay tribute to the upcoming national holiday, Labor Day. As we enjoy our time off next Monday, I wanted to...
August 22, 2017

Traverse City E3 Seminar

This year’s Blue Cross Blue Shield E3 series was a hit! Educate. Engage. Enroll. #bcbsm Learn more from MI Planners...
August 21, 2017

Are You Blinded By the Light Today?

As the country attempts to view the solar eclipse, we can be sure of a few things. Keep reading to learn more!...
August 7, 2017

Gym Memberships, Cell Phones, and Groceries…Let’s Start Saving Some Money

What do I mean? I am talking about reaping some of the many financial benefits that come with insurance cards these days...
August 4, 2017

Real Men Wear Pink of Metro Detroit

Our very own Vice President of Client Strategy, Matthew Cole, is one of 25 elite men selected to raise money for the Real...
August 2, 2017

Toastmasters Advanced Communicator Gold Recognition

This recognition is the highest award within the Toastmasters International Communication program!...
July 31, 2017

Back to the Drawing Board…

Back when the House narrowly passed a Healthcare Bill set to repeal and replace the ACA, or otherwise known as...
July 27, 2017

Michigan Planners Summer Intern

Working at Michigan Planners...Is it all that it’s cracked up to be? Let’s find out. Meet Jonathon DiLorenzo...
July 25, 2017

Voluntary Products via an Online Enrollment Platform

From my experience, the adoption of voluntary programs falls into three categories: People hate them. People love...
July 20, 2017

Maxwell Health Webinar

Thank you for attending the Maxwell Health Webinar! Michigan Planners is here to support you! Learn more here...
July 19, 2017

Advantages of Online Enrollment Systems

Sources state that consumers spend up to five hours per day on their phones – and we believe it! Walk into any restaurant...
July 17, 2017

Drugs Where Do We Begin?

Pharmacy spend continues to be a hot topic for employer groups as they attempt to flatten the cost trends, but specialty...
July 12, 2017

Health Insurance: Programs Aren’t That Complicated…or are They?

Some people cringe at the sound of screeching. Others, at the sight of blood. Some, at the thought of health insurance...
July 12, 2017

National Cherry Festival 2017

Michigan Planners was proud to be a part sponsor of the 7th Annual Carter’s Kids Festival fun run. Special shout outs to our...
July 10, 2017

All Brokers Are Not Created Equally Part 4

A few weeks ago we talked about the importance of stop-loss as it relates to self-funded groups and the lack of attention this product often receives...
July 10, 2017

All Brokers Are Not Created Equally Part 3

This week we continue our focus on reporting and plan strategy by honing in on self-funded customers. Customers who...
June 30, 2017

Health Insurance: Programs aren’t That Complicated…or are They?

Some people cringe at the sound of screeching. Others, at the sight of blood. Some, at the thought of health insurance...
June 20, 2017

All Brokers Are Not Created Equally Part 2

Last week we spoke about the importance of compliance support offered to groups by agents and how this can vary...
June 13, 2017

All Brokers Are Not Created Equally Part 1

Today we begin a series of conversations discussing how to understand and assess if your broker partner is...
June 12, 2017

Life Insurance Basics

While most people agree that life insurance is a necessary purchase, selecting a policy is something that they’ll “get around to...
June 7, 2017

We Welcome Summer…and Men’s Health Awareness Month!

As we welcome the summer breeze and sunshine (if we are lucky here in the Midwest), we also welcome another less known event...
June 1, 2017

Adopt-A-Road

ALEX transforms benefits from something you offer into something that delivers results for your business...
May 23, 2017

Using Life Insurance as a tool Not just protection in case you pass

Struggling to save for retirement? Are you worried about college expenses for your children? What do these questions have to do...
May 16, 2017

Managing Your Medications Including your spend

Commercials for the latest and greatest prescription drugs flood our TV sets 24 /7.  While the ads do a decent...
May 9, 2017

Trumpcare Here to stay? Or going away?

Last week the news outlets flooded us with coverage showing the House passing a bill that will repeal and replace...
May 3, 2017

Should I self-insure my Medical and Pharmacy plan?

As employers look to bend health care trend, consultants are often asked by decision makers, “Should we move...
May 3, 2017

‘Just What the Doctor Ordered’ is No Longer the Case

Gone are the days when you can take a piece of paper to the local pharmacy and obtain “just what the doctor ordered.”  We...
April 25, 2017

Making Sense of the Process. We’re ready. Now what?

For most school districts, quoting out health insurance is not a hard decision. Unfortunately, consistent rate hikes are the driving force...
April 25, 2017

MESSA Matters…errr, does it really?

MESSA Matters…errr, does it really?  Schools districts throughout the state of Michigan are preparing their...
January 16, 2017

LIVE WELL WORK WELL

Historically, one of the top New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many people look to fad diets..
October 13, 2016

Plan Now for Changes to Overtime Rules

On May 18, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a rule that would change overtime wage payment for American workers...
October 4, 2016

Open enrollment trumps Christmas – This shouldn’t be the case

Do you relinquish Christmas shopping for open enrollment processing?  Relinquish no more!  Read the below...
October 4, 2016

Hiring Great People and Reducing Turnover

The formula seems pretty cut and dry, doesn’t it? Good benefits + decent pay = a lifelong employee....
July 11, 2016

Using Technology to Make Educated Healthcare Decisions

The stress over medical costs and quality treatment is all too familiar for employees and their families. This reality has led...
May 25, 2016

Building Great Teams: Are you creating the next dream team?

Nobody shows up for work saying, “I hope I don’t make a contribution today.” Yet, when you examine most company...
April 11, 2016

5 Ways to Help Employees Understand Employer Sponsored Benefits

The transformation of healthcare within the past 10 years has impacted the way organizations have unveiled healthcare....
March 23, 2016

What makes YOUR Michigan City Memorable?

If you, or a member of your staff, will be attending the upcoming MML Capital Conference Annual Expo on March 23rd...
March 16, 2016

It takes two, baby!

We live in a world where we can literally reach 1,000 people, with an impactful message, in just about 30 minutes via...
February 28, 2016

‘Life’s Too Short?’ Think Again

As of the date of writing this article, the Guinness World Records has the oldest living person surviving to be...
February 12, 2016

10 Easy Ways to Stretch Your Health Care Dollars

You’ve no doubt noticed that each year, your health care costs go up. This continuing trend can significantly impact your budget...
September 30, 2015

8 Facts and Figures You May Not Know About the ACA

Originally, the intention of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was to give more Americans access to quality, affordable...
September 30, 2015

Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe

Eenie, meenie, miney, moe may be a great way to select what type of ice cream you want for dessert or who is in charge of doing...
September 30, 2015

Built for Today’s Financial Professionals and Mid-Sized Corporations

Real-time payroll processing that allows you to input data, make changes, run reports and submit payroll from wherever...
September 30, 2015

Has Hell Frozen Over?

We’re not your normal insurance brokerage. We actually listen to what’s really a challenge for you and your business...