- TROY, MICH. July 21, 2009 – United Way for Southeastern Michigan has selected Great Lakes Employees Benefit Services, Inc. as its Agent of Record to manage all the insurance benefit programs for its employees, according to Ron Carr, Director of Human Resources.
United Way’s employee insurance benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescriptions, life, long-term disability, COBRA and flexible spending accounts. Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services will assume management of these programs effective immediately, it was announced.
“We were looking for a resourceful team that could take us to the next level,” said Carr, “particularly a firm that could offer alternative plans and funding compared to the traditional carriers we have used in the past.
“We wanted to offer quality benefits to our employees at less cost, not only to offset regular price increases, but also to reduce our net costs,” he added. “This is why we turned to Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services, who were recommended highly.”
United Way is primarily concerned about the perpetual price increases by major health insurance carriers – increases that are proving to be unsustainable over the long haul.
From a personnel perspective, rising healthcare costs also affect staff levels, pay increases and furloughs – things that caused the company to seek more affordable healthcare coverage for their 105 employees, Carr noted.
The company currently offers several different healthcare plans through carriers like the Health Alliance Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network.
Jim Scoggin, a Principal with Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services, said, “One of our major responsibilities is to continuously look for more favorable benefit options for United Way, as well as negotiate better rates for them in the long run. We will analyze proposals and hold discussions with vendors as we determine and agree upon the right plans for the company at the right prices.”
About Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services
Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services (GLEBS) is an independently owned and operated employee benefit brokerage and consulting firm based in Troy, Mich., that specializes in health and welfare benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Flexible Benefit Plans and Consumer Driven Health Plans). The majority of GLEBS’ clients range in size between 100 and 5,000 employees. Great Lakes Employee Benefit Services' current client base includes a blend of publicly and privately held companies as well as public sector entities. GLEBS maintains client relationships with employers across the United States.
About United Way
With headquarters in downtown Detroit, United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.
CONTACT:
Barrett Kalellis
Marx Layne & Co.
248-855-6777
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