Helping Grow Small Business with Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Taking the leap to start your own business can take a lot of courage, especially when it could mean leaving an employer’s health plan. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, Avera Health Plans is a partner that aims to help members achieve their small business goals.

“We're a full repair shop. We do engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension, tires. We do just about anything, anything on a vehicle. We're hoping to grow this place and we lease it right now, we want to purchase the building, purchase the property and then hopefully expand and start a second location,” said Dustin Gulbrandson.

Automotive Doctors is a new business venture for Dustin Gulbrandson. One of the growing pains that comes from owning a small business is the question of health care coverage, a challenge that Casey Van Beek of Very Best Benefits helped Dustin and his business partner navigate.

Finding an Insurance Provider that Works 

“With Dustin and Travis, Avera Health Plans was really a standout not only because of the price, but also they have a network that they're already using. For them, it just made sense to come into that group market and see a little bit of savings from the individual market,” said Van Beek.

“He sat down and he explained how it all worked and kind of what the best fit for our situation would be like a single family. He just kind of showed to go about it and what would make the most sense,” said Gulbrandson.

“And I think using an Avera product and some of the perks that they give us in addition to their health plans also will be attractive to employees going forward,” said Van Beek.

Having several options in both coverage and cost is a tremendous benefit for small business owners, a key distinction that Avera Health Plans, which offers plans across South Dakota, is built on. Members also have access to benefits such as gym membership reimbursements and well-being services.

“They can look at their plans and say, you know what, this person really needs a co-pay type plan, this person would like a health savings account with a higher deductible. They can pick and choose. If they get up to five or six folks, they might be able to add a third plan and it's those kinds of things that really help make sure that you've got the right coverage for the right money,” said David Johnson, an account executive with Avera Health Plans.

Health Insurance Coverage That Grows With Your Business

Right now, it's just Dustin and Travis, but like most small businesses, there is an eye on the future and having a robust group health benefits package is a nice recruitment tool.

“Hiring employees and stuff, you got to have benefits and health insurance is a benefit that a lot of people really want when they come in to work for you,” said Gulbrandson.

“Small business, it's the backbone of South Dakota. Seeing those grow, being able to offer plans that offer great coverage, but also lots of choices so that you can tailor what they're going to do for their employees and help them understand what might be best as they grow as well,” said Johnson.

“It's something we worked on with Casey and I think if we do hire some employees in the future, Casey will make it easy for us with Avera and getting our employees hooked up with some good health insurance,” said Gulbrandson.

When it comes to running a diagnostic on a troublesome engine, Automotive Doctors has the answer. When it comes to questions of coverage, the same can be said for Avera Health Plans, whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a growing enterprise.

“You get the same service no matter what. And that's what's important to us is making sure that the mission for Avera Health Plans, taking good care, making sure the people have the right plan, those are the things that are important,” said Johnson.

Plans and coverage may vary between members so be sure to ask all the questions when shopping for a plan that best suits your needs.