new products | employee benefits Group Accident Plan Offers Customized Lifestyle Protection

Recognizing that not every case is one-size-fits-all, Aflac has launched a new Group Accident plan with innovative benefits, higher payout amounts and lower premium rates. The new insurance offering allows brokers to provide clients with a customized plan that fits most budgets and directly targets the out-of-pocket costs that impact employees’ financial freedom, the company notes.

Given that 1 out of every 8 people seek medical attention for an injury each year,* having accident insurance as part of an employee’s benefits package is more important than ever in creating peace of mind for individuals and their families.

“Creating this new Group Accident plan demonstrates Aflac’s commitment to meeting the needs of brokers and their clients by providing more choice, tailored coverage options and Day One value with bundled services,” said Stephanie Shields, vice president of Product Innovation and Marketing at Aflac. “Since accidents are impossible to predict, clients can rest assured that adding this new plan to their benefits package will help prepare their employees for the unexpected at a price that fits most budgets.”

Innovative benefits

Responding to the ever-evolving market demands, the new plan has innovative benefits that extend beyond fractures and dislocations. These benefits include an organized athletic activity rider, which covers accidents that result from participating in team sports, as well as pain management, chiropractic treatment and alternative therapies needed as a result of a covered accident.

By offering this new Group Accident plan, brokers can provide clients with a robust benefits package bundled with services that deliver Day One value at little or no cost, according to the company. For example, Aflac’s health advocate program helps customers navigate the complex health care landscape by offering support for a variety of issues, including finding doctors, understanding a diagnosis, negotiating medical bills and helping reduce out-ofpocket costs.

With four flexible benefit categories, the updated Group Accident plan allows clients to fully tailor their coverage by choosing which categories to offer their employees and at what benefit level (high, mid or low). With more specialty benefits offerings, this mix-and-match plan gives clients more control over benefits spending without sacrificing employee coverage.

The four modules are:

• Initial Accident Treatment: Offering the most traditional benefits associated with an accident plan, this category provides coverage for treatment needed after an accidental injury, such as a concussion, fracture or burn. Prescription, pain management and telemedicine coverage are unique to this module.

Hospitalization: While some accidents may lead to a quick trip to the emergency room, others can result in a hospital stay. By covering hospital admission, hospital confinement and intensive care, the Hospitalization category provides protection if a more serious accidental injury occurs.

• After Care: The cost of medical care can continue after initial treatment, creating a financial burden. This category provides coverage for expenses incurred during recovery, such as follow-up transportation and alternative therapies.

• Life-Changing Events: Unfortunately, some accidental injuries, like paralysis, dismemberment and joint replacement, can significantly change day-to-day life. With benefits like prosthesis repair and replacement as well as residence and vehicle modification, this category provides coverage to help with out-of-pocket medical costs associated with acclimation to a life-altering injury.

These categories in the expanded Group Accident plan can be paired with optional riders that further enhance coverage to ensure clients and employees are able to craft a unique benefits package to suit their needs. For more information, visit aflacgroupinsurance.com

* Injury Facts, 2015 Edition, National Safety Council