With the exception of health coverage, the remainder of our benefits has been provided through The Guardian for the past several years. In addition, Spectera, now known as United Healthcare Vision, has provided our vision benefit. Unfortunately, the Guardian and Spectera renewal rates were not competitive, so we selected Always Care, a national provider with an excellent reputation, to provide us with their menu of benefits beginning on January 1, 2009. The Always Care network is equal to or better than what we had from The Guardian and Spectera.
In addition to replicating our existing level of benefits (and in some cases improving them), we have been able to minimize the level of increase for 2009. Most importantly, we have been able to get a two (2) year rate guarantee so that means there will be no increase in premiums for two (2) years.
Always Care (a Starmount Life Insurance company) is an independent, privately-owned and operated business in operation since 1983 headquartered in Baton Rouge, LA. Always Care is underwritten by National Guardian Life Insurance Company who is rated "Excellent" by A.M. Best.
Always Care will provide dental, vision, group life, optional life, short term disability, long term disability, and employee assistance plans for 2009.
