Frequently Asked Questions about the Human Resources Benefits of IPA membership

Who is "USFSB"?
The United States Federation of Small Businesses is an association whose membership is comprised of sole proprietors, small businesses, trade associations, non-profit organizations, and Chambers of Commerce. It is located in Schenectady, New York and has been in operation for over 19 years. It was founded to provide the benefits of large group purchasing power for small businesses and organizations who needed access to the same group rates for health insurance that large corporations enjoy, as well as the cost savings and benefits that enable small businesses to remain viable. USFSB's goal is the same as ours -- to support a healthier business environment for small business which includes our own members, independent professionals. USFSB employs a full time lobbyist in Washington, DC, whose purpose is to lobby on behalf of small businesses and the self-employed for affordable access to good health insurance products.

As a non-profit organization, the IPA paid less than $1 per member to provide access to these benefits. The rate to join USFSB as an individual is only $60. As an IPA member, this is provided as part of your membership benefits. However, if you cannot join IPA now, you can access the benefits of the USFSB directly as an individual business, and later enjoy the benefits of both for the yearly cost of your IPA membership.

Will I receive any information about their services from them directly?
All IPA members receive membership cards and information packets explaining the benefits available through our Human Resources provider. If you are a new member, and have not received your USFSB membership card and information packet, please email us at: info@illustratorspartnership.org

Monthly mailings are sent to IPA members from USFSB with news of insurance offerings and benefits, and timely information for the small business owner or sole proprietor.

I saw someplace that not all states are covered. Is that true?
Yes. Currently, health insurance is immediately available to IPA members in only 30 states with the remainder of states available in the future as USFSB's gains licensure in each.

Why isn't it available in all the states?
Finding one source of health insurance for a small group that is not in one local geographic area is very difficult. One reason is that state regulations vary widely and create an undue administrative burden to providers. Another reason is that small groups are not cost-effective in terms of risk and administration. Also, independent contractors and small businesses have proven less fiscally sound than larger businesses who can weather economic slumps more easily, or large groups where the risk and cost can be effectively spread out. This makes it difficult for small business owners, and national trade associations of independent professionals like the IPA to get affordable rates on health insurance for their members.

What if I'm not in a covered state right now?
Our provider is consistently licensing in other states, but the process is very different from state to state, as is the timeline. If you are not in one of the covered states for health insurance purposes, IPA's Human Resources Provider will aggressively pursue the necessary means to establish licensure in your state on your behalf. In the interim our provider will pursue the best rates available for private insurance in your state upon individual member request.

What does "aggressively pursue" mean exactly?
Each state has different licensing requirements and timelines for licensing a provider. "Aggressively pursue" means that when USFSB is aware of a member wanting coverage in an uncovered state, they will closely monitor their licensure procedures through the state's system to move the process along as quickly as possible, and not allow it to be stalled by potential bureaucratic delays.

However, it is important to understand that this does not mean that you will have the option within a few weeks of your request. Many states require a lengthy process that our provider must successfully complete to achieve licensure. It simply means that they prioritize their efforts based on member need to move as quickly as possible through the process, and that you will be notified as soon as it is available to you.

How do I start the process to get my state covered?
E-mail your request to: insurance@usfsb.com, and they will get back to you when a carrier is effective in your area. Include your company name, address, phone number, type of business, number of employees and your e-mail address so they can supply you with accurate information.

What about Dental and Vision coverage? Is that by state also?
No. Dental and Vision is available in all states and can be purchased independently of health insurance. The rates are very competitive with an attractive variety of options available. You can get the information about this online, or at the 800 number listed in the first section of this hand-out.

What if I travel abroad a lot, or decide to live abroad for awhile?
USFSB offers a variety of medical insurance plans for travelers. These plans are very flexible with many options available at very competitive rates. You can get the information online, or at the 800 number listed below.

What are the covered states and their available health insurance products?
A list of currently covered states and their available products is online at
http://www.usfsb.com

Find '"Insurance", "Health", in the navigation bar to the left, click on the link and follow the directions. Same states, like New York and Massachusetts, have rates and plan details online for review once you have completed the form. Other states' rates can be accessed by e-mailing your request from the list page e-mail link or by calling their toll-free number. Be sure to provide the name of the carriers you are interested in, your name, address, phone number, IPA member status, number of employees and your e-mail address.

To call toll-free, dial 1-800-637-3331 during normal business hours, Eastern Standard Time.
Identify yourself as an IPA member and ask for a representative who can help you. If you are calling about health insurance, provide the name of the state you reside in as well, so the appropriate representative can help you. You may also ask to speak with Lori Elligott, the liaison and contact person for IPA members.