Total Benefit Solutions now represents the AmeriBenefit Plan Association (ABP), a non-profit association serving small businesses, self-employed professionals, independent contractors and entrepreneurs nationwide since 1994. For you, that means a new opportunity to explore big-group benefits without having to be a big company.
Why association benefits may matter to you
Running a small business or working for yourself can mean handling everything from finding customers to managing expenses. Health coverage and retirement planning are part of that picture, too, but individual professionals and small teams may not have the same group buying power as a large employer.
ABP brings members together through one association. Its membership provides access to benefit programs that include health plan options, retirement solutions and member perks. That can give you more to consider when you’re looking for affordable group health insurance or group health benefits for a small business.
One membership, three ways to save
ABP organizes its offerings around three areas: major medical, retirement and pooled employer plans, and member perks. Each program has its own terms.
1. Major medical
Through ABP membership, eligible members can access five group health plans using the Aetna and PHCS PPO networks. PHCS stands for Private Healthcare Systems, a national preferred provider organization (PPO) network. A network of healthcare providers that participate in arrangements to provide services to plan members. Humana dental, vision and life coverage is also available.
These options may be worth exploring if you are looking for group health insurance for employers or coverage possibilities as an independent professional. A network name alone does not tell you whether a particular doctor, facility or service is covered, however. Plan terms, eligibility and availability vary, so review the specific plan information before making a decision.
2. Retirement plans and PEPs
ABP membership also provides access to Solo 401(k) options and the Vestwell Elite Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), with FuturePlan as a retirement plan partner.
A Solo 401(k) is a retirement plan option for an eligible self-employed business owner. A PEP allows multiple employers to participate in one professionally administered retirement plan. For a small business owner, joining a PEP can shift much of the plan’s fiduciary responsibility (the responsibility for overseeing the plan in participants’ interests) and administrative paperwork away from the business.
That can make retirement benefits easier to consider when you don’t have a large HR or benefits team. The details of a particular plan, including its requirements and responsibilities, still matter. You can review ABP’s FuturePlan retirement plan information and discuss which options may fit your situation.
3. Member perks
ABP members can also access additional services and programs, including bill negotiation, teledentistry, attorney chat, Allstate identity protection and an on-demand CPA tax hotline.
These services are not a substitute for evaluating your health coverage, legal needs or tax situation. They are additional member resources, and their scope and terms depend on the individual program. You can see more about the offerings on ABP’s member perks page.
Membership at a glance
ABP has served members nationwide since 1994. Membership is open to eligible individuals ages 18 and older in all 50 states, including small business owners, self-employed people, 1099 independent contractors, gig workers and entrepreneurs.
Membership is offered at several levels, with different benefits available at each level. The right place to start is with a conversation about which level fits your situation. For general membership questions, you can contact ABP Member Services at 800-992-8044, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.
Important details to understand before joining
ABP is a non-profit membership association. It is not an insurance company, and membership itself is not an insurance policy. Membership provides access to benefits; some programs provide access to insurance-related products or discounts. Individual program terms and disclosures apply.
Access to a benefit does not mean every member receives the same program or qualifies for every plan. Benefits vary by membership level, and eligibility, plan terms and availability for specific group health plans can vary. Review the relevant documents and confirm what applies to you before enrolling.
That is where an advocate can help. At Total Benefit Solutions, we can walk through what the membership includes, help you identify questions to ask and verify which options may be available for your circumstances. We will explain the details clearly, without treating a membership as a guarantee of coverage or promising a particular savings amount.
Who should take a closer look?
ABP may be worth exploring if you are:
- A small business owner without group benefits today
- Self-employed or working as a 1099 independent contractor
- A gig worker or entrepreneur
- Looking for ways to review group health benefits for a small business
- Interested in a retirement plan option or additional member resources
If you have searched for “health insurance near me” and found it difficult to compare options as a solo operator, an association membership may offer another avenue to investigate. It is still important to compare the actual coverage terms and costs that apply to you.
Let’s talk through your options
Total Benefit Solutions represents ABP because our mission is advocacy: helping people navigate a complicated benefits system and understand the choices in front of them. We can help you determine whether the association membership may fit your needs and what details to verify before you decide.
For a free conversation, call (215) 355-2121 or visit www.totalbenefits.net. We’ll help you take the next step with clear information and a personal approach.
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