What is the Retailers Employees Benefit Plan (REBT)?

REBT is a self-funded, state-licensed, non-profit 27 year old health plan.  The Plan is protected by reinsurance contracts for catastrophic claims.

Which employers are eligible?

Independent employers in the retail food industry in Michigan and Ohio. Depending on state insurance regulations, retailers in surrounding states may also be eligible.

What benefits are available?

         Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, short term disability and life    
         insurance.

What makes REBT different from other insurance plans?

  1. A retailer chooses which of 7 medical plans (2 prescription levels) to offer eligible employees
  2. Retailers can have great flexibility in setting eligibility and benefit contribution requirements
  3. Employees can choose from among the benefits offered by the store – full coverage is NOT required
  4. Rates do NOT contain profits or agent commissions
  5. All REBT participants are eligible for COBRA continuation, administered by REBT
  6. Rates are set by an independent actuary, by benefit, on the REBT as a whole, to provide necessary financial reserves.
  7. Employers are NOT age-rated and employees are NOT health-rated.
  8. REBT is subject to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations      
  9. Employees are provided with ID cards and a benefit booklet, detailing their benefits, who to call, who runs the REBT and how to be sure they understand their coverage and their rights.

Why doesn’t the Association sponsor its health plan through commercial insurance?

The REBT goals were set almost 30 years ago because the commercial
marketplace does not:

            First:      Protect and attract good employees
            Second:  Avoid abusive and unfair rate increases
                         often experienced by small retail stores in
                         a large insurance world
            Third:     Set benefit coverage and procedures that
                         are specific to our industry
            Fourth:   Enhance the reputation and mission of the Association

Who is responsible for the REBT?

The REBT is run by 10 retailer Trustees, who volunteer to meet frequently to guide the Plan.  The Board of Trustees is appointed by the Board of Directors of the Independent Food Retailers Association.  Those trustees represent participating employers in Michigan and Ohio.  Each meeting is attended by the REBT attorney, independent accountant and the REBT insurance consultant.  REBT is proud of its contract for claim service with Acordia National, one of the top three and most highly sought-after professional claim administrators in America.

A rate brochure, information on plans available and additional information is available by calling or emailing:

Gail Edwards-Bryant, GBA
(248) 356-1682
gaileb@msn.com