Agent shaking hand with HR after discussing group benefits and small business insurance  in Michigan

Comprehensive Insurance Solutions for Your Business
Running a business in Michigan comes with many responsibilities—one of the most important is providing insurance benefits that protect your employees and support your company’s growth. Since 2001, Maple Valley Insurance Group has helped businesses across Southwest Michigan, including Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Portage, and surrounding communities, navigate group insurance. Our independent approach ensures your business gets coverage that fits your size, budget, and workforce needs.

We don’t just sell plans—we educate, guide, and help implement strategies that maximize coverage while managing costs.


Designing Your Group Benefits Package

A strong benefits package can improve employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. It’s not just about offering insurance—it’s about providing solutions employees actually value.

  • Assess Employee Needs: Evaluate your workforce demographics to determine which coverages are most important.
  • Budget & Cost Management: Balance plan richness with affordability for both employer and employees.
  • Compliance: Ensure all plans meet ACA requirements, HIPAA, and other regulatory standards.

Our Group Insurance Services

Group Health Insurance

We provide ACA-compliant group health plans through top carriers, including HAP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health and other carriers.

Why it matters: Health insurance protects employees from high medical costs while improving recruitment and retention. Our guidance ensures your plan includes the right coverage, networks, and cost-sharing for your business.

Group Health Insurance Plan Comparison

CarrierPlan TypeACA-CompliantKey FeaturesTypical DeductibleNotes
HAPPPO / EPO / HMO✅ YesLarge network, local providers, wellness programs$500–$5,000EPO option gives in-network-only coverage with lower premiums
Blue Cross Blue ShieldPPO / POS✅ YesExtensive network, telehealth, wellness incentives$750–$5,000Strong local and national coverage
Priority HealthHMO / POS / PPO✅ YesAffordable premiums, prescription coverage$500–$5,000Flexible plan designs for small businesses

Yes, there are a lot of different combinations of benefits to offer your employees. Where to compromise and where not. We make it less complicated by helping you zero in on solutions that help you manage the businesses budget while offering value oriented benefits your employees are satisfied with.


Group Life Insurance

Group term life insurance gives employees financial security for their families. It’s particularly valuable for employees who might not qualify for individual term life insurance due to preexisting health conditions. Many workers with health challenges can still access life coverage through an employer plan—coverage they couldn’t otherwise obtain affordably on their own.

Key considerations: Coverage amounts, voluntary supplemental options, and how premiums are shared between employer and employees. This benefit can also serve as a retention tool, showing employees that their employer provides access to coverage they might not get elsewhere.


Group Disability Insurance

Short-term and long-term disability coverage protects employees’ income in the event of illness or injury. Like group life insurance, these plans are especially valuable for employees with preexisting health conditions who might be denied individual disability policies.

Why it matters: Disability coverage ensures income continuity, demonstrates care for your workforce, and can make your benefits package more attractive to high-value employees.

Group Life & Disability Coverage Summary

Coverage TypeTypical EligibilityCoverage AmountEmployer vs Employee PremiumNotes
Group Term LifeAll employees$10k–$100k+Usually employer-funded; optional supplemental for employeesCovers employees who may not qualify for individual term life
Short-Term DisabilityFull-time employees40–70% of salaryShared contributionsProtects income during temporary illness or injury
Long-Term DisabilityFull-time employees50–70% of salaryEmployer/employee contributionsOften covers employees with preexisting conditions that individual policies exclude

Dental & Vision Plans

Offering dental and vision benefits helps maintain employee health and satisfaction. We provide flexible plans covering:

  • Routine exams and cleanings
  • Major procedures like crowns and fillings
  • Vision exams, glasses, and contacts

Employees can see any provider, though using preferred networks like Careington can reduce costs.

Optional Employee Benefits Overview

BenefitDescriptionWho it HelpsNotes
Voluntary BenefitsCritical illness, accident, supplemental coverageEmployees seeking extra protectionEmployees can opt in; lowers employer cost
EAPCounseling, mental health supportAll employeesSupports wellness and productivity
Dental & VisionRoutine exams, major procedures, glasses, contactsAll employeesFlexible networks; improves employee satisfaction
Access for Preexisting ConditionsCoverage for employees with conditions that might block individual policiesEmployees with health challengesMakes your benefits package attractive and helps with retention

Why Maple Valley is the Right Choice for Group Benefits in Michigan

  • Independent & Trusted: Access multiple carriers to find the best coverage for your business.
  • Local Expertise: Serving Michigan businesses since 2001.
  • Compliance Support: Guidance on ACA, HIPAA, and other regulations.
  • Personalized Guidance: Enrollment, plan design, and ongoing support tailored to your business.
  • Employee-Focused Solutions: Ensure your staff has access to benefits that truly make a difference in their lives.

FAQ

What types of group insurance does Maple Valley offer?

We provide group health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Additional options like voluntary benefits and employee assistance programs (EAPs) are also available to help round out your employee package.

Can small businesses get ACA-compliant group health insurance?

Yes. We work with top carriers, including HAP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Priority Health, to provide fully ACA-compliant options tailored to your business size and budget.

How does group life insurance work for employees?

Group term life insurance provides a set coverage amount per employee, usually funded by the employer. Employees may also have the option to purchase supplemental coverage. It’s especially valuable for employees who might not qualify for individual term life insurance due to preexisting conditions.

What types of disability coverage are available?

We offer both short-term and long-term disability coverage, helping employees maintain income in the event of illness or injury. These plans are often accessible even for employees with preexisting conditions, which they might not be able to insure individually.

How do I enroll my business in group benefits?

We guide you through the full enrollment process, including plan selection, employee communication, and ongoing plan administration.

Can Maple Valley help businesses outside Kalamazoo?

Yes. While based in Kalamazoo, we serve businesses throughout Southwest Michigan, including Battle Creek, Portage, Vicksburg, Mattawan, Schoolcraft, and surrounding communities.


Our team is ready to help you understand your choices and design a plan that works.

📞 Call Maple Valley Insurance Group at (269) 244-3420
📧 Email us at support@maplevalleyins.com

Have Questions About Group Insurance or Want to Explore Options For Your Business?

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