REBT started paying claims for our employees over 30 years ago ...and is getting ready for 30 more under whatever changes healthcare reform brings.

The Retailers Employee's Benefit Plan (REBT) is different - it is partially self-funded and run by volunteer owners of participating independent food retailers.

Employees enjoy:

• Individually selecting medical, prescription, dental or vision benefits, based on store-set plans and contribution requirements.

• No health underwriting or fear of being refused coverage.

• Ability to elect COBRA continuation from the plan.

• Freedom to choose any provider.

• Registered nurses to talk to in the event of major illness.

• The largest PPO network in Michigan.

• No-added cost to cover children at college.

• All the rights, mandated benefits and protections under both Michigan and federal laws.

There are TEN good reasons why retailers participate:

• Rates are almost always lower than commercial insurance for the same benefits.
• Owners have more control over what and how they provide their employee benefits through input to the trustees.
• They know rates are set by an independent actuary to cover only costs, because REBT is a licensed, non-profit plan.
• They have the peace of mind knowing the Michigan insurance department monitors the reserves and solvency of REBT.
• They have a professional benefit resource for their questions - just a phone call away.
• They can offer employees the opportunity to take COBRA and let someone else take care of the legal paperwork and payment collections.
• An officer of the store (and their spouse) can continue under REBT after retirement.
• They know none of their premium pays for agent commission or advertising the REBT plan.
• Participation gives the cost-reducing advantage of a large employer plan and avoids the small business, `community' rating pools.
• To take the work and uncertainty out of the coming healthcare reform changes for small business.

If you are in the food retail business leave the insurance worry to REBT!

CHANGE? - In the last 30 years, the trustees, supported by the REBT attorney and independent professionals ,have adapted to COBRA, HIPAA, Newborns and Mothers Act, Medicare Part D, ERISA appeal changes and claim filing, privacy notifications, mental health parity, multi-state compliance, coordination of benefit options, et cetera!. The Association is committed to its members and to maintaining the non-profit REBT plan on behalf of their employees. Trustees have the experience and knowledge to react faster than any large insurer to reform and all the potential problems/advantages it will bring.

A rate brochure, information on claim payer and the plans available is available by contacting the REBT plan coordinator.
Gail Edwards-Bryant, C.E.B.S. (248) 356-1682 gaileb@msn.com