Nancy Giacolone is a seasoned insurance broker with over 30 years of experience in the industry. As the President of Olympic Crest Insurance, she specializes in providing health insurance solutions for small businesses. As a certified Health Rosetta Benefits Associate Advisor, Nancy is committed to providing her clients with exceptional service and transparency, educating her clients on making informed decisions about their health plans, and advocating for cost-effective solutions.

The world of health insurance can be complex and confusing, especially for small business owners trying to navigate their options. In this episode of the Business of Health Podcast, host Mike Martens is joined by Nancy Giacolone, President of Olympic Crest Insurance, to discuss innovative health insurance solutions for small businesses.

Nancy shares her insights on self-funding, an alternative to traditional health insurance plans that allows employers to take control of their healthcare expenses. By understanding their employees' healthcare needs and working with a knowledgeable broker, small businesses can benefit from self-funding and achieve significant cost savings.

Direct primary care is another innovative solution that Nancy is a huge advocate of. She explains how this model offers unlimited visits, conversations, and open access to healthcare providers, making it a simple and valuable addition to any benefits package. However, there may be challenges in some states where medical cost sharing is not allowed.

In addition to these innovative solutions, Nancy highlights the importance of understanding and complying with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements, especially when transitioning to self-funded plans.

Ultimately, small business owners can navigate the complex world of health insurance by staying engaged, working with a knowledgeable broker, and exploring innovative solutions like self-funding and direct primary care. By utilizing resources and fostering relationships with healthcare professionals, employers can make informed decisions about their health plans and help their employees access the care they need.


Three Takeaways

1. Understand client needs first.
2. Present change as a long-term plan.
3. Compare prices for savings.

Resources

Book a Call with Nancy: www.calendly.com/nancygiacolone-oci

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-giacolone

Website: www.olympiccrest.com

Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits

Quote

“Look at your group health plan with a long-term focus, not short.” -Nancy Giacolone