Voluntary Benefits for Your Employees
Employee benefits that go above and beyond.
Work with a Local Specialist Who Works for You
Voluntary benefits are a cost-effective way to demonstrate your commitment to your employees.
At Eleos, we prioritize your needs and offer personalized service to simplify and enhance your insurance experience.
Our goal is to make managing benefits easier for both your business and your employees. Simply put, we’re here to make your life easier and to support you every step of the way.
With Eleos, you get:
A local specialist who understands your business
A provider that services all your needs under one roof
A partner to handle communications, compliance…even COBRA
A flexible specialist who helps you through growth and contraction
A business with national reach and a personal touch
Understanding Voluntary Benefits Packages
In today’s competitive job market, voluntary employee benefits are essential for attracting and retaining top talent. These benefits extend beyond traditional healthcare and retirement plans, including offerings like pet insurance, wellness programs, and student loan repayment assistance.
This video is designed for HR professionals, benefits consultants, and business leaders, providing valuable insights and practical tips. Discover how to navigate the evolving landscape of voluntary employee benefits and stay ahead of the competition.
Explore Our Voluntary Insurance Plans
What benefits do your employees want? We have it.
Voluntary Health Insurance
Employee-sponsored health insurance that covers employees and often their dependents, offering flexible options to enhance your health benefits.
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employee-sponsored life insurance that provides cost-effective protection for the families and beneficiaries of your employees.
Voluntary Dental Insurance
Employee-sponsored insurance that helps cover a portion of the costs associated with dental care, including preventative cleanings, orthodontics, and restorative services.
Voluntary Disability Insurance
Employee-sponsored coverage that helps replace a portion of lost income and covers costs related to long-term disability due to major injury or illness.
Voluntary Vision Insurance
Employee-sponsored coverage that assists with expenses related to eyewear, eye exams, and vision procedures.
Voluntary Health Insurance
Your health is your greatest asset.
PPO Health Insurance Benefits
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a popular health insurance option for individuals and families seeking coverage for medical care and prescription needs.
A PPO connects you with a network of medical providers and facilities that offer services at pre-negotiated rates, helping you save on healthcare costs.
After purchasing a PPO policy, you’ll make regular premium payments—usually monthly, but bi-yearly or annual options are often available. When you visit a doctor or specialist, you’ll typically pay a copay upfront.
Once you’ve met your deductible—the out-of-pocket amount you’re responsible for—most PPO plans will cover the remaining costs for care within the policy period. Some plans continue to require copays even after meeting the deductible, while others eliminate them.
Why Eleos? Because we care about your people as much as you do.
Whether you're here to explore the differences between a PPO and HMO or have questions about coverage options that fit your lifestyle, our seasoned health insurance specialists are here to simplify PPOs.
We take the time to get to know you personally, ensuring that the options we provide align with your unique needs.
And our support doesn’t end once your coverage is in place.
We’re with you every step of the way, ensuring you get the most out of your healthcare coverage.
Because while insurance is our business, you are our priority.
What’s the difference between a PPO and HMO?
If you're considering health insurance, you’ve probably come across the term HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization. While an HMO operates similarly to a PPO, there are some key differences worth noting.
One of the most significant distinctions lies in how you access care. With a PPO, you have the flexibility to visit any in-network care provider without needing a referral. In contrast, an HMO requires you to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP) as a gateway to specialist services.
Your PCP acts as your central point of care. To see a specialist, you must first visit your PCP, who will assess your needs. If specialist care is necessary, your PCP will refer you to a provider within the network, enabling your coverage for those services.
In contrast, a PPO plan doesn’t require a referral for specialist care. You can directly visit any in-network provider of your choice. Additionally, PPO plans often offer the benefit of partial coverage for out-of-network providers, which can be advantageous for frequent travelers or those with unexpected medical needs.
What about POS and EPO Plans?
Point of Service Plans
Though less well-known than HMOs and PPOs, Point of Service (POS) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans are two popular health insurance alternatives that are worth considering.
Exclusive Provider Organization Plans
Like HMOs, Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans only cover visits to in-network care providers. However, unlike an HMO, most EPO plans don't require a primary care physician’s referral for specialist visits. EPOs also typically offer larger doctor networks compared to some HMO and PPO options.
Why Choose an HMO over a PPO?
Given the advantages PPO plans offer, you might wonder why someone would choose an HMO instead. The answer often comes down to cost.
HMOs typically have lower monthly premiums compared to similar PPO plans. They may also feature lower deductibles, making the upfront cost of health insurance more affordable.
However, it’s essential to consider the total cost of care, not just premiums and deductibles. For individuals with chronic conditions or frequent medical needs, a PPO might save money in the long run, as it eliminates the need for referrals to see specialists.
Additionally, those who travel frequently or wish to keep their out-of-network doctor might find that a PPO, despite its higher premiums, offers greater flexibility and potentially lower overall costs.
Voluntary Life Insurance
Taking care of the people who matter most to you.
Voluntary Life Insurance Benefits
If you have loved ones who depend on you financially, it's essential to ensure their future security.
A life insurance policy can provide peace of mind by helping to secure long-term financial stability for your children, spouse, and other dependents.
For parents of young children or individuals who support others financially, life insurance benefits can cover critical expenses such as mortgage payments, college tuition, final expenses, and more.
Why Eleos? Because We Care.
Employee-owned and customer-inspired, we make caring for your loved ones our business.
At Eleos, we don’t just get to know you by name; we understand your unique needs and priorities. This deep understanding allows us to tailor life insurance policies that ensure long-term financial security for your family—whether it's covering mortgage payments, college tuition, or final expenses.
We start by listening to your needs and end with a customized solution. By proactively advocating in your best interest, we offer competitive prices today, giving you peace of mind for hundreds of tomorrows.
Because while life insurance is our expertise, our customers and their loved ones are our everything.
Life Insurance Essentials
Life insurance provides financial protection by offering a death benefit to your chosen beneficiary upon your passing. You fund this benefit through regular premium payments, which are invested over time.
Certain types of permanent life insurance policies accumulate cash value, which you can access through loans or withdrawals. This cash value can be used for various financial needs, such as a down payment on a house, tuition costs, or medical expenses.
Typically, the death benefits paid out by a life insurance policy are received as a one-time lump sum and are generally free from income tax.
Life insurance policies come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs and goals. For most individuals looking to purchase life insurance, there are four primary options to consider:
Term Life
Whole/Permanent
Universal Life
Variable Life
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Term life insurance is one of the most common and straightforward types of life insurance purchased in the United States. It is also typically the most cost-effective.
With term life insurance, you choose a policy period, or "term," which can range from as short as one year to as long as 30 years. Within this term, you can select between two types:
Level Term: Provides a consistent death benefit amount throughout the policy term.
Decreasing Term: Features a gradually decreasing death benefit over time.
While decreasing term policies often have lower premiums, they might not fully cover the financial needs of a spouse or dependents over time.
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Whole life insurance is a widely used estate planning tool designed to provide lifelong coverage and preserve wealth for future beneficiaries. Unlike term life insurance, which only pays death benefits during the policy term, whole life policies offer coverage throughout your entire lifetime.
Although the cost per $1,000 of death benefit may increase as you age, traditional whole life policies maintain consistent premium payments and death benefit amounts year after year.
This stability is achieved by charging higher premiums in your early years, investing the surplus, and using the returns to cover the increased costs of coverage as you grow older. If you decide to discontinue your policy, the insurance carrier is generally required to return the accumulated cash value of these "overpayments" upon policy surrender.
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Often referred to as "flexible premium adjustable life" insurance, universal life coverage is a type of permanent life insurance designed to offer greater flexibility.
Universal life policies feature a cash value account that earns interest at market rates. As the cash value accumulates, you can use these financial gains to offset your premium payments, potentially reducing your monthly costs.
In addition to lowering premium expenses, the cash value of a universal life policy can be accessed to provide post-retirement income replacement. This flexibility makes it a versatile option for adapting to changing financial needs over time.
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Variable life insurance is a specialized type of permanent life insurance that, like universal life policies, includes a savings component designed to build cash value through investments in mutual funds. However, variable life insurance carries a higher level of risk due to market fluctuations that can impact both cash value and death benefits.
While the potential for higher returns exists, market volatility can lead to significant changes in policy values. To mitigate this risk, some variable life policies include safeguards, such as setting a minimum policy value that triggers protective measures to limit potential losses.
Your Life Insurance Questions Answered
Whether you’re just beginning to explore life insurance or already have a policy, you likely have questions. Here are some key answers to help guide your decision-making:
Do I really need life insurance?
If you have people who rely on you financially, life insurance is generally a smart investment. Even if you’re single or have significant savings, life insurance can still offer valuable benefits.
Permanent life insurance options allow you to withdraw or borrow against the policy’s cash value, which can be advantageous in retirement or for unexpected needs.
Life is unpredictable, and while death is inevitable, life insurance can provide peace of mind by covering funeral expenses and minimizing tax liabilities for your beneficiaries, ensuring they’re not left with unexpected financial burdens.
Both term and permanent life insurance options offer various benefits, including:
Establishing and Growing a Tax-Deferred Savings Account
Building an Inheritance for Heirs
Supporting Dependents
Paying Final Expenses
Replacing Income
In addition to these core benefits, a life insurance policy can also be used to fund the buyout of a deceased business partner’s ownership share and to leave a legacy impact on a charitable cause that is important to you.
How much life insurance coverage do I need?
Determining the right amount of life insurance coverage can be challenging without a thorough understanding of your individual situation. Several key factors should influence your decision, including your financial obligations, dependents, and long-term goals.
Navigating the options can be overwhelming, but the experienced insurance specialists at Eleos are here to assist. We’ll help you assess your needs, explore your best options, and connect you with a provider that offers the same level of care and attention to detail that we do.
When planning your life insurance coverage, consider the following:
Estimated Final Expenses
Financial Needs of Dependents
Outstanding Debt
Current Savings
This list is not exhaustive. You may also need to account for the needs of business partners, charitable causes, or other individuals outside your immediate family when choosing a plan.
How much does life insurance cost?
The cost of life insurance can vary widely based on your specific needs and circumstances. At Eleos, we are dedicated to providing you with the right coverage at a price that fits your budget.
Our aim is to exceed your expectations, offering more than just standard insurance solutions. We strive to deliver coverage that meets your needs and goes beyond typical service.
To explore the life insurance options that best suit your situation, reach out to one of our specialists today.
When planning your life insurance, we carefully evaluate several key factors, including:
Age
Family Health History
Existing Health Conditions
Desired Coverage Amount
Tobacco Use
We’ll guide you through your coverage options, recommend the best fit for your needs, and assist you throughout the policy purchase process.
Voluntary Dental Insurance
You listen to the needs of your employees. We listen to you.
Voluntary Dental Insurance Benefits
Securing peace of mind for your employees can strengthen your business.
With studies linking employee benefits directly to job satisfaction, it’s clear why more employers are expanding their offerings.
If your employees are requesting dental insurance but covering most of the premium costs as an employer seems prohibitive, voluntary dental insurance could be the solution.
This type of insurance typically requires employees to contribute the majority of the premium costs. A voluntary dental insurance policy from Eleos can provide valuable benefits to your employees while being a cost-effective option for your organization.
The Eleos Difference
Finding the right dental plan can be challenging.
That’s why we're dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process. From answering your questions to offering options tailored to your unique needs, we're here to help.
At Eleos, we start by listening and finish with customized solutions.
But our commitment doesn’t end there.
Regardless of the employee benefits you choose, we ensure coverage from day one and provide ongoing support with our world class support team. By deeply understanding your priorities, we make your policies personal, so you can focus on what matters most.
Dental Insurance Essentials
If you're thinking about offering dental insurance to your employees, you’ve likely come across "group" and "voluntary" dental plans.
A group dental plan typically means the employer covers most of the employee’s premium costs. While some group plans are fully employer-paid, most involve a cost-sharing arrangement between the employer and employees.
Conversely, voluntary dental plans generally require the employee to contribute the majority of the premium costs. However, even if an employer contributes to the plan, it may still be classified as voluntary.
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Outside of lower premium costs, a voluntary dental plan operates much like a traditional Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) or Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) plan.
DHMO and DPPO plans offer similar coverage, with a key distinction in how benefits and providers are accessed.
A DHMO requires the appointment of an in-network primary care dentist before services can be provided. This primary dentist serves as the main point of care and refers the policyholder to specialists as needed. DHMOs do not offer out-of-network benefits.
In contrast, a DPPO provides more flexibility, allowing employees to visit any in-network dentist or specialist and offering some benefits for out-of-network care.
While DHMOs are generally more cost-effective, the additional flexibility of DPPOs might justify the extra expense for some individuals. Despite differences in access to care, both plans typically follow a similar structure for covering basic, preventive, major, and orthodontic care.
Most group and voluntary policies cover 100% of preventive care costs, though coverage may decrease for more specialized services. Voluntary insurance often mirrors the benefits of group plans but may include waiting periods for certain treatments to help control costs and maintain the financial stability of the plan.
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Voluntary dental insurance operates similarly to group and individual coverage purchased on the private market. It can help cover a wide range of dental services and provide significant savings for employees. However, it's important to note that some plans may have limitations and exclusions.
Typically, these plans can assist with the cost of:
Preventative Care
Oral Surgery
Cleanings
X-Rays
Fillings
Crowns
Bridges
Braces
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Whether or not employees are responsible for paying the full cost, voluntary dental plans can provide access to dental care while saving money through group discounts.
The group rates offered by insurance carriers to employers purchasing multiple policies can help negotiate better premium prices for employees interested in these voluntary options.
Contact an employee benefits specialist today to discover how a voluntary dental insurance policy from Eleos can benefit both your employees and your organization.
Voluntary Disability Insurance
Happy employees make happy customers.
Voluntary Disability Benefits
When you take care of your employees, they take care of your business.
One in five U.S. employees will miss work for at least a year due to injury or illness before age 65. That’s why offering voluntary disability insurance can be a smart choice.
Voluntary short-term disability insurance is designed to replace a portion of income if you or an employee becomes ill or disabled, providing valuable peace of mind.
By offering short-term disability insurance, you enhance employee morale, improve retention, and demonstrate your commitment to their well-being and future. It’s a way to show your employees that you’ve got their back.
Why Businesses Choose Eleos
Whatever employee benefits you're considering, our approach is uniquely personalized rather than institutional.
We begin by listening to your needs and conclude with tailored solutions that fit your situation perfectly.
As an employee-owned and customer-focused company, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you through your options.
By understanding your priorities, streamlining processes, and maintaining transparency, we lead with our values so you can experience true value.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability
Voluntary Short-Term Disability Essentials (STD)
Unlike group disability coverage where an employer contributes to the premium cost for all eligible employees, voluntary short-term disability insurance (STD) is fully paid for by the employees themselves. This coverage provides peace of mind by ensuring that living expenses are covered if they become unable to work due to illness or injury.
Since health insurance typically does not cover living expenses like rent and utilities, STD serves as a crucial financial bridge during periods of serious injury or disability that impact your ability to work.
In many cases, STD benefits begin as soon as one week after you’ve left work and can provide income support for up to six months or longer.
Voluntary Long-Term Disability Essentials (LTD)
Voluntary long-term disability (LTD) insurance is designed to support employees who are unable to work for an extended period due to a disabling injury or illness. It helps replace a portion of their income during this challenging time.
Voluntary LTD insurance kicks in after short-term disability (STD) benefits have been exhausted, typically starting after 90 days, 180 days, or more of being out of work. It continues to provide income replacement until the employee reaches age 65 or Social Security Normal Retirement Age (SSNRA).
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To qualify for short-term disability benefit payments, an employee must have active coverage, meet the exclusion limit for pre-existing conditions, fulfill the required time-off work, and satisfy the definition of a qualifying disability as outlined in the policy.
Once these criteria are met, the employee may receive benefit payments to help cover expenses during recovery.
Conditions such as debilitating stress and work-induced anxiety may also be eligible for coverage. However, most symptoms and ailments require a specific diagnosis from a doctor confirming that the condition prevents the employee from working.
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Some qualifying conditions typically eligible for short-term disability benefit payments include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Digestive System Issues
Recovery from Surgery
Maternity Leave
Extended Illness
Joint Disorders
Herniated Disk
Runner’s Knee
Tennis Elbow
Broken Bone
Tendonitis
Whiplash
Cancer
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To qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits, an enrolled employee must meet several prerequisites:
Active Coverage: The employee must have current coverage in force.
Employment Status: The employee must be classified as a full-time employee before the injury or illness occurred.
Inability to Perform Job Duties: The employee must be unable to perform the duties of their occupation.
Off Payroll: The employee must be off the employer’s payroll.
Pre-Existing Conditions: The employee must verify there are no pre-existing conditions that would exclude them from coverage.
Elimination/Waiting Period: The employee must fulfill the LTD elimination or waiting period as specified in the policy documents.
If these prerequisites are met, the employee should be eligible for LTD benefit payments.
While LTD benefits generally cover individuals who are completely unable to work, some policies offer coverage for partial disability. Although most LTD policies exclude employees still on their employer’s payroll, certain policies may provide partial disability benefits if the employee must work part-time due to a qualifying condition.
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Some conditions that can be eligible for short-term disability claims include:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
RSD/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Peripheral Neuropathy
Back Pain/Disorders
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Parkinson’s disease
Meniere’s Disease
Epstein-Barr Virus
Osteoarthritis
Eye Disorders
Heart Disease
Ataxia
Cancer
Lupus
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Vestibular Dysfunction
Macular Degeneration
Cerebral Atrophy
Bipolar Disorder
Crohn’s Disease
Loss of Hearing
Knee Disorders
Depression
HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis
Insomnia
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Stroke
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Non-Epileptic Seizures
Headaches/Migraines
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Speech disorders
Herniated Disc(s)
Kidney Disease
Neck Disorders
Spinal Stenosis
Brain Injuries
Lyme Disease
Lung Disease
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Pain
Pre-existing conditions are usually not eligible for a claim if the condition causes the disability during the pre-existing conditions exclusion period. Even if an employee has one of or more of the conditions on this list, certain other stipulations must be met to qualify for LTD benefits.
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Nearly all insurance carriers require long-term disability (LTD) beneficiaries to apply for Social Security benefits to supplement their monthly LTD payments. Due to the shared interest in maximizing support for the insured, some carriers may even assist by hiring a disability attorney to help with the Social Security claim.
In states where workers’ compensation is mandated by law, carriers may also require LTD claimants to apply for these benefits. Similar to Social Security payments, any workers’ compensation benefits awarded will be used to offset long-term disability payments.
Navigating long-term disability can be complex, but the employee benefits specialists at Eleos are here to assist you through the process.
Voluntary Vision Insurance
Improve employee satisfaction with voluntary benefits.
Voluntary Vision Insurance Benefits
Voluntary vision insurance assists employees with the costs of vision care, including eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses.
Similar to group vision coverage but with premiums primarily paid by employees, voluntary vision insurance is an excellent option for employers seeking to enhance their employee benefits offerings.
Whether you're an employer exploring benefits or an employee looking to better understand the insurance options available through your company, Eleos is here to help.
The Eleos Approach to Voluntary Vision Insurance
At Eleos, we are committed to our clients.
If you want to enhance your employee benefits package without significantly increasing costs, voluntary vision insurance is a great option, as the premiums are primarily covered by employees.
This plan operates similarly to group vision coverage, assisting your employees with vision care expenses such as eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses.
Our approach is personalized and focused on your needs, aiming to simplify the process and address your unique priorities.
Whether you’re an employer exploring benefits or an employee seeking clarity on your company’s insurance options, our specialists are dedicated to providing clear, valuable guidance and exceptional support throughout the year.
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Vision benefits packages and discount plans can usually help cover purchases of:
Bifocal Lenses
Progressive Lenses
Anti-Reflective Coating
Basic Eyeglass Frames
Premium Eyeglass Frames
Photochromic Lenses
This list isn’t exhaustive, and different providers may cover products and services not on this list. Some premium eyewear products and enhancements may cost extra or be excluded.
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A vision insurance plan can help cover the costs of eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses.
Unlike other types of voluntary insurance that offer benefits beyond a set out-of-pocket deductible, most vision plans fall into one of two categories:
Vision Benefits Packages
These work like standard health insurance, offering in-network preventative and basic care for small, affordable co-pays. While out-of-network reimbursement is often available, members receive the most value by staying within the network. Additionally, these packages may provide discounts on elective corrective surgeries such as LASIK and PRK.
Vision Discount Plans
These plans operate more like a prescription discount card, offering reduced prices on eyewear and lenses. Although they typically do not cover free eye care services, they can provide substantial discounts on exams, procedures, and eyewear.
In most cases, these discounts help lower the overall cost of vision care for members.
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Because employees usually cover the premium cost for a voluntary vision plan, it remains an affordable option for employers.
In most cases, voluntary vision insurance is also budget-friendly for employees and can significantly reduce vision care expenses. Additionally, since these plans are often funded through pre-tax payroll deductions via a cafeteria plan, participants can benefit from small tax savings.
At Eleos, we are dedicated to providing coverage that fits your needs and budget. We take the time to understand your organization and offer a customized quote tailored to your specific situation.
Connect with one of our employee benefits specialists to explore how Eleos' voluntary vision insurance can benefit you and your team.
Work With a Specialist Who Cares
Business flourishes when employees feel valued. A partner who takes the time to understand your employees’ needs and address their questions shows that you care.
Eleos is committed to delivering that level of care. We are your ally in exploring the best options to provide coverage for your employees and their families.
You have a responsibility to your teams, and we are here every day to help you fulfill that commitment.
What Happens When Voluntary Benefits Are Simplified?
Do your employees have questions about their benefits? Would you prefer they spend less time dealing with paperwork and more time focusing on their work? Simplifying voluntary benefits makes these decisions straightforward.
With a streamlined process for securing competitive rates, you gain several advantages:
Reduced paperwork and minimized risks
Simplified compliance
More efficient administrative processes
Educational resources for your team
Enhanced employee satisfaction and morale
Most importantly, you get to focus on what matters most—running your business.
Get voluntary insurance plans with an individual touch.
You have a team to cover. We have a team dedicated to you.
