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My clients are extremely happy with Array Health’s service. From its easy-to-use web-based tools to its superior customer service, Array does a fantastic job. Because of its defined contribution model, my Array clients require far less time than my other clients. Since I don’t have to spend time on renewals and other customer service issues, I have more opportunity to meet with prospective clients and deepen my relationships with existing ones. Deborah Levy Sr. Benefits Consultant AH&T Insurance

Common Questions from Brokers

Is the Array solution considered a group plan?

Yes. The HRA component of the solution is considered a group plan subject to ERISA laws. However, the individual health policies are not part of the group plan.

Does Array take any of my commissions?

No. All carrier commissions are paid to you from the insurance carriers, and Array charges you no fee for our solution.

How are individual health insurance renewals handled?

Using Array's software, employees manage their own renewals and employees can apply for new coverage anytime through Array.

Can employees use their health insurance premium payments as tax deductions?

Individual health insurance premiums are generally not tax deductible for employees.

What is medical underwriting?

Individual health insurance is medically underwritten, meaning the insurance carrier evaluates a health questionnaire the applicant submits to determine their insurability. In Washington, this questionnaire is called the Standard Health Questionnaire (SHQ). All carriers in Washington use the same SHQ and score it in the same way. Therefore, if an applicant is accepted by one carrier, every other carrier would accept that applicant as well.

Does individual health insurance require medical underwriting?

Unlike group medical insurance, all employees applying for individual health insurance through Array generally must answer questions about their health. In Washington,

All insurance carriers use the same health-underwriting questionnaire.
92% of applicants are accepted.
Denied applicants can buy health insurance through the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP).
WSHIP plans cost 10-25% more than coverage in the private market.

On average how many people are denied coverage?

The Washington SHQ is designed so 8% of applicants are denied coverage.

If an employee chooses not to buy health insurance, can they use their HRA dollars for other medical expenses?

Yes. The HRA reimburses for medical expenses listed in IRC Section 213(d).

Can the company use payments made to the HRA as a tax deduction?

Yes. Companies can deduct all HRA payments, and HRA contributions are not considered part of employee compensation, so no payroll or income taxes are paid on the contributions.

Can employees contribute to the HRA?

No. Employees are not allowed to contribute money to the HRA.

Can an employee use their HRA money to pay for the insurance premium of their spouse’s group medical plan?

Generally, no. If the spouse’s company has a Section 125 plan HRA money cannot be used for the insurance premium of the spouse’s plan.

How is COBRA handled?

When an employee is terminated from the company and the Array system, Array sends the employee a COBRA Election Notice. If the employee elects COBRA, Array will manage the COBRA administration.

Does a former employee need to elect COBRA to maintain their individual health insurance policy?

No. Individual health insurance policies are portable and remain with the employee and their dependents after they leave the company.

Are company owners eligible to use the Array HRA?

Sole proprietors, partners, members of an LLC, and individuals owning more than 2% of an S-corporation are not eligible for the HRA plan.

What happens if an employee is denied health coverage?

If an employee is denied, the carrier will refer them to the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) where they are generally offered coverage regardless of medical condition. The HRA reimburses for WSHIP premium. Array leaves no employee behind by providing extensive tools to help denied employees apply for WSHIP coverage. At Array we strive to ensure all employees who wish to use their HRA allowance for individual health insurance have a health insurance option.

Which health insurance carriers are offered on Array’s application platform?

It’s up to you. As the broker of record you choose which insurance carriers you want to offer employees on the application platform. At time of implementation you will notify Array of the carriers you want to represent and we will make those carriers and policies available to employees on the platform.

Do I need to be appointed with all the carriers on the application platform?

Yes. You must be appointed with all the carriers you represent on the application platform.

Can employees purchase policies with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)?

Not currently. Because benefits are offered through an HRA, employees cannot buy policies with HSAs.