Honest NEW YORK Group Health Insurance brokers

Peak Advisors, Inc. and James Eckardt's Client Testimonials
"James has been an incredible broker, looking always after the interest of my company and working to identify the best product for our needs. I am highly satisfied with their service and I would highly recommend them."
~ Dimitrios Kostopoulos, Presient Hands-On Companies, Inc.

"After years of experience being a customer of Peak Advisors, we came up with only one conclusion – they are great people at all levels of the company to deal with. They have consistently gone above and beyond their job to satisfy their customers, demonstrate how excellent customer service can have a lasting effect on customer relationships. We really appreciate how Peak Advisors approaches situations with a “can do” attitude ... They demonstrate a high job knowledge, working professional and fast We highly recommend Peak Advisors as the top company to work with. To be their customer it means you are in good hands.
~ Mariola Kaufman, G&F Systems, Inc.

"James has been a valuable business reference for about fifteen years. Whenever one of my clients or business associates had a question related to insurance, Jim was the first option for advice. I guess that I have recommended him once each month in that time span. He is knowledgeable and thorough."
~ Mark Rosman CPA, Partner, Rosman and Company - Lynbrook, NY

"Jim has been providing our company with financial and insurance assistance for over 20 years. During this period of time, Jim has performed his job exceedingly well. Jim is hard-working, listens to our concerns enabling him to provide us with the services that best fit our needs. Jim is a person of strong character and integrity. Jim’s willingness to answer our questions, work with our employees in a patient and informative manner have established the foundation of a trusting relationship. It is with the highest regard that I give reference to James Eckardt. He is a great person, whose services would be an asset to any company or organization."

~ Martin Butera, Owner, Butera's Restaurants

"I have been doing business related health insurance policies with Jim Eckardt for almost 10 years. His experience, insights and customer service mindset have been invaluable to me and my company. He recently helped me with a personal life insurance matter that was not able to be resolved by a number of agents and companies I had worked with previously. Jim's persistence and commitment to addressing my needs was outstanding and the financial savings were the icing on the cake. He is a true professional in every sense of the word."
~ James Dileo, Owner, EDIS Holdings, LLC. - Merrick, NY

"I can't say enough about this company! When we got thrown into the rough waters of healthcare insurance changes, Jim helped us navigate it like a true professional! Knows his stuff and is VERY responsive!"
~ Rob Springer, President, Computer Logic Group - Ronkonkoma, NY

"I have been working with Jim for over 20 years. As an accountant working with many small businesses, I get a lot of questions regarding medical insurance. Jim knows all the angles and has on every referral been able to guide my clients in the best direction. In addition, Jim and his staff, helped me with residential building insurance on an apartment complex that we manage. This insurance is very difficult to obtain from other carriers due to a few claims on record, but Jim’s staff informed me that they were able to renew with another very reputable company saving a few thousand dollars. I highly recommend Jim and his staff for any insurance needs."
~ Joe DeFino CPA, DeFino & D’Elia – Bellmore, NY

"I have used Jim’s services for over 15 years through the recommendation of my accountant. It is a pleasure to deal with a person who is a true professional. His knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the Health Insurance industry has been a huge help for me. He not only gives you complete information and guidance but is there for you afterwards to help with any problems that may accrue. It is a pleasure to deal with an individual that not only helps you through the sale of insurance but continues to help and check-in with you well after the sale. Jim is an asset to any individual or company looking to navigate the complex world of Health Insurance."
~ Andrew Braun, President, BRAN-ART, Inc.

"I have used Jim Eckardt / Peak Advisors for my health insurance since 1997, and switched my car and home insurance to him about 2 years ago. I have been completely satisfied with Jim, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for health, car, and homeowners insurance."
~ Frank Sciulla, President, F&M Abstract - Riverhead, NY

"We have been in business for 28 years. For 8 years we were using an insurance agent that starting out strong, and then was not of the quality we were looking for. My accountant, whose judgement I totally trust, referred us to Jim Eckardt. Jim was exactly the type of agent we were looking for. Where the other agent made several mistakes, Jim and his staff were impeccable. They researched the best companies for us, and made recommendations. We were never told by our prior agent that we could make four payments, with no interest, just a $10 partial payment fee each time. This took such a burden off of us. Our other agent never mentioned it, and instead offered us a high interest loan! We have been through several company changes, and Jim's office has been great about researching all of our options. Everything was done in a timely manner as well. We are now in the process of comparing our personal coverage to see if Jim could help us with that. We highly recommend Jim and Peak Advisors for any business looking for a professional agent with a personal touch."
~ Terry Siegel, Kiddie Junction Pre-School & Camp - Levittown, NY

"G & F Systems has worked with Peak Advisors for the past 16 years. Jim has provided the best resources made available to him and has been doing his best to keep our health insurance costs to a minimum. I highly recommend Jim and his team as the "Go to Team" for any of your insurance needs as they offer a personal touch and take the searching strain out of the work place, finding the best costs available."
~ Ken Hughes, G&F Systems - Roosevelt, NY

"As the owner of a small business it is important to deal with someone who understands the problems that small businesses face every day. Jim has always been someone who not only understands but goes out of his way to help me. He has always been available and patient with questions that might come up. We have been doing business for the last 20 years. My in-laws owned a restaurant and I was introduced to Jim through them. They highly recommended him and I am glad they did. I would definitely recommend Jim Eckardt."
~ Guy Floresta, East Coast Auto Crafting, Lindenhurst, NY

"Jim has been providing help with our insurance needs for almost 20 years. He keeps us well-informed and has helped us through many issues over those years. Jim is friendly, knowledgeable and a person of great integrity. Running a small business is difficult and time-consuming. I need to rely on certain people who have my best interests at heart. Jim is definitely one of those that I trust."
~ Andrew Drosinos, GM, Woodcleft Crabshack - Freeport, NY

"I have known Jim Eckardt for 10+ years. Jim handles all my business and personal insurance needs. He is very knowledgeable, honest and reliable. I have complete confidence in Jim which is the MAIN reason I have referred Jim to my colleagues, friends and family members."
~ Rich Intrabartola, President, 21st Century Appraisers - Oceanside, NY

"I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated the professional service we received from James. Specifically, he always called back or made himself available on a timely fashion whenever I had a question to this most complicated important issue of finding quality, affordable health insurance.

James took his time explaining and comparing every package available to me and quite often re-explained it. After making our choice James was right on it forwarding the application and filing it for us. After the approval, he made sure I called in my premium with the information needed to be sure I would kick in at January 1 with no mistake."
~ Barbara Pantino, Massapequa, NY

"As President of my own business, I rely on my Insurance Agent to be dedicated, knowledgeable and reliable. I have found exactly that in Jim Eckardt! For over 10 years Jim has given me 110%. Whatever issue that arises, Jim has dealt with it with expertise, going above and beyond to find a solution. I would HIGHLY recommend Jim Eckardt for ALL your insurance needs. He always makes me feel like I am his only client."
~ Linda Oliver, President, Linda Oliver Abstracting - Riverhead, NY

"Courteous reach-out by solutions provider. Website is well-designed, very informative and easy to use. Definitely will follow-up."
~ Frances T., Satisfied Website Visitor - Oceanside, NY

Get your FREE Quote for Affordable NY Health Insurance Small Business Health Plans from Peak Advisors.  Compare NY small business health insurance plans in NYC, Long Island, and New York. As NYC and Long Island health insurance brokers, we can help small business owners shop for affordable group health insurance plans.

Introducing HealthPass Small Business Health Insurance- The Health Pass NY private exchange pulls together multiple insurance plan options available across all four metal tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. HealthPass small business health insurance gives employees the freedom to choose a medical plan that is right for them through from multiple carriers including Oxford Health Plans, HealthFirst and Oscar.

HealthPass NY - Simple, Smart Healthcare
Health Pass New York supports employers who empower their employees to make their own group health insurance decisions. After an employer sets a defined contribution (DC) amount, each employee chooses the plan that is right for their personal and family's medical needs and budget. The robust menu of group health insurance options, from leading industry carriers, ensures everyone has access to a small business health plan that is right for their unique healthcare needs.
In addition to group health insurance employees are able to choose from:
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Term Life, AD&D & Long Term Disability
ID Theft Protection Plans
COBRA Administration

Simplicity with HealthPass. There is one enrollment form, one bill and one customer service line to answer your questions. And we take the burden off employers by handling your COBRA administration and providing a confidential advocacy resource to help employees with the questions you don’t need or want to be involved in – resolving claims, setting doctor appointments or handling complex issues and more. We keep it simple.

Access. Through HealthPass' partner carriers, our members are afforded greater access to doctors and hospitals than any individual insurer network of providers. With over 700,000 providers collectively participating in our networks, there is a greater opportunity for employees to choose a plan that covers their most important doctors and hospitals in the area – the ones they want to see.

Choice. HealthPass small business health supports employers empowering their employees to make their own health insurance decisions. After an employer sets a defined contribution (DC) amount, each employee chooses the plan that is right for their family's medical needs and budget. A robust menu of benefit options from leading industry carriers ensures everyone can access a plan that addresses their unique healthcare needs.

HealthPass small business health insurance is for New York businesses with 1-100 full time equivalent employees.

Oscar Small Business Health Insurance in New York provides access to over 20,000 in-network providers and 31 area hospitals. Access to New Jersey hospitals and physicians are available through the Qualcare network. Oscar health insurance plans cover care received with doctors and hospitals in the Oscar network, and no referrals are needed to see in-network specialists!

The Oscar experience is completely unique. All Oscar Small Business Health Insurance members get:

Dedicated Concierge Service
Every Oscar Health Insurance member has a dedicated team of three care guides and one nurse. They’re here to help our members find a doctor, understand their plan, save money, and answer any other questions they may have. Just give us a call, and we’ve got your back.

21st Century Tools
The Oscar Health Insurance website and Oscar mobile app provides members with free 24/7 Doctor on Call, doctor search and appointment scheduling, prescription history, lab work, and a step tracking program that rewards members with Amazon.com Gift Cards — up to $240 per year — for staying active.

Great Care
Our members aren’t going to settle for subpar doctors
and hospitals—and neither will we. We partner with high quality providers who will connect to our systems to provide members with an easy and seamless care experience. We’ve also just opened a Brooklyn clinic exclusively for Oscar members because we’re always working to provide the best care. All plans include free preventative care and no referrals needed for specialists.

Oxford Health Plans small business health insurance is perfect when a large network and employee choice really matters. This allows for multiple plans to be offered side by side, giving employers the option to provide multiple price points for their employees to choose from and in turn increasing employee’s satisfaction with their health insurance plans.

2019 New York Oxford Networks Fact Sheets

There are 3 provider networks to choose from:
Oxford Freedom Network

Oxford Liberty Network
Oxford Metro Network

– Combined, these three networks provide the largest provider network options available of all carriers. Prices range from low to high depending on the network chosen. Oxford offers plans with and without referrals. All plans require 60% enrolled after valid other coverage waivers. No other carrier can be written alongside Oxford. MGMT carve-outs allowed.

Benefits of Oxford Small Business Health Insurance
NATIONAL NETWORK ACCESS
MULTIPLE NETWORKS INCLUDING FREEDOM NETWORK, LIBERTY NETWORK, AND METRO NETWORK
OFFER 3 OR MORE PLANS FOR EMPLOYEE CHOICE
TOP-NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE
If you are interested in exploring options with Oxford Health Plans, or if you are currently an Oxford small group insurance client and wish to have us service your existing account, please complete the quote form on the right and we would be glad to assist you.
Request Oxford Health Insurance Rates

Oxford Affordable Small Business Health Plans

NATIONAL NETWORK ACCESS - With Oxford Freedom Network and Oxford Liberty Network you get national network access when traveling outside of the tri-state area thru United Healthcare’s Choice Plus network.

MULTIPLE NETWORKS - Oxford offers three distinct networks to choose from. Freedom Network is the largest network available, Liberty Network is slightly smaller and the Metro Network has the lowest price point as there are fewer providers to choose from, helping to save employees money.

OFFER UP TO 3 PLANS FOR EMPLOYEE CHOICE - Oxford allows 3 or more plans to be offered side by side depending on group size. Having the ability to offer multiple networks and metal tier plans side by side allows employees a choice to choose the plan that best fits their individual needs.

TOP-NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE - Oxford continually excels at their customer service for both employees and benefit administrators alike. Short to no hold times to speak to a representative, quick resolutions for billing and claim issues, and US based member services department make it easy to work with Oxford when an infrequent issue arises.

Group Health Insurance FAQ
Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding small group health insurance in New York. Some of the benefits of Small Group Health Insurance are:

Lower Premiums vs Individual market plans
Tax Deductible – not included as income to the employee
More Benefits – Plans and carriers not available in the individual market
WHAT IS A GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN?
A group health insurance plan is an insurance plan that provides healthcare coverage to a select group of people. Group health insurance plans are one of the major benefits offered by many employers. These plans are generally uniform in nature, offering the same benefits to all employees or members of the group, or a limited choice of 2 or 3 options of plans.

HOW DOES GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE WORK?
With group health insurance, the employer selects the plan (or plans) to offer to employees. The premium cost is usually split between the employer and employee as a percent of the premium, or as a fixed monthly contribution by employer. Employer Groups with under 50 employees are not required to pay towards the premium, although most do.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GROUP INSURANCE?
In addition to the benefits mentioned at the top of this page, Group Health insurance provides piece of mind to better ensure the physical, mental and financial health of insured members and their families. Some of the additional benefits found in group health insurance plans that are not usually available in individual market plans are Telemedicine, Employee wellness benefits, and dedicated nurse helplines to name a few. Most also include enrollment counseling and advice from licensed brokers during initial and renewal enrollment times, which are not available in the individual market. This benefit helps assure employees and employers are getting the most out of their healthcare dollars.

HOW MANY HOURS DOES AN EMPLOYEE HAVE TO WORK TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR HEALTH INSURANCE?
This depends on the group size. The ACA’s requirement for employers with 50 or more full time equivalent (FTE) employees is to provide ‘affordable’ coverage to all FT employees who work at least 30 or more hours per week to avoid penalties. Employers with under 50 FTE employees can allow for anywhere from 20-40 hours per week as full time, and it is up to the employer to decide those hours.

HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DO YOU NEED TO QUALIFY FOR GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE?
A small group is 1-100 employees consisting of an owner and at least one common law employee working at least minimum wage, 20 hours per week or more. Common law employee is a NON spouse employee.

Glossary of Small Business Health Insurance Terms
This glossary has many commonly used terms, but isn’t a full list. These glossary terms and definitions are intended to be educational and may be different from the terms and definitions in your plan. Some of these terms also might not have exactly the same meaning when used in your policy or plan, and in any such case, the policy or plan governs.

Allowed Amount - Maximum amount on which payment is based for covered health care services. This may be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance" or "negotiated rate." If your provider charges more than the allowed amount, you may have to pay the difference. (See Balance Billing.)

Appeal - A request for your health insurer or plan to review a decision or a grievance again.

Balance Billing - When a provider bills you for the difference between the provider’s charge and the allowed amount. For example, if the provider’s charge is $100 and the allowed amount is $70, the provider may bill you for the remaining $30. A preferred provider may not balance bill you for covered services.

Co-insurance - Your share of the costs of a covered health care service, calculated as a percent (for example, 20%) of the allowed amount for the service. You pay co-insurance plus any deductibles you owe. For example, if the health insurance or plan’s allowed amount for an office visit is $100 and you’ve met your deductible, your co-insurance payment of 20% would be $20. The health insurance or plan pays the rest of the allowed amount.

Complications of Pregnancy - Conditions due to pregnancy, labor and delivery that require medical care to prevent serious harm to the health of the mother or the fetus. Morning sickness and a non-emergency caesarean section aren’t complications of pregnancy.

Co-payment - A fixed amount (for example, $15) you pay for a covered health care service, usually when you receive the service. The amount can vary by the type of covered health care service.

Deductible - The amount you owe for health care services your small business health insurance or plan covers before your small business health insurance or plan begins to pay. For example, if your deductible is $1000, your plan won’t pay anything until you’ve met your $1000 deductible for covered health care services subject to the deductible. The deductible may not apply to all services.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) - Equipment and supplies ordered by a health care provider for everyday or extended use. Coverage for DME may include: oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, crutches or blood testing strips for diabetics.

Emergency Medical Condition - An illness, injury, symptom or condition so serious that a reasonable person would seek care right away to avoid severe harm.

Emergency Medical Transportation - Ambulance services for an emergency medical condition.

Emergency Room Care - Emergency services you get in an emergency room.

Emergency Services - Evaluation of an emergency medical condition and treatment to keep the condition from getting worse.

Excluded Services - Health care services that your health insurance or plan doesn’t pay for or cover.

Grievance - A complaint that you communicate to your health insurer or plan.

Habilitation Services - Health care services that help a person keep, learn or improve skills and functioning for daily living. Examples include therapy for a child who isn’t walking or talking at the expected age. These services may include physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and other services for people with disabilities in a variety of inpatient and/or outpatient settings.

Health Insurance - A contract that requires your health insurer to pay some or all of your small business health care costs in exchange for a premium.

Home Health Care - Health care services a person receives at home.

Hospice Services - Services to provide comfort and support for persons in the last stages of a terminal illness and their families.

Hospitalization - Care in a hospital that requires admission as an inpatient and usually requires an overnight stay. An overnight stay for observation could be outpatient care.

Hospital Outpatient Care - Care in a hospital that usually doesn’t require an overnight stay.

In-network Co-insurance - The percent (for example, 20%) you pay of the allowed amount for covered health care services to providers who contract with your small business health insurance or plan. In-network co-insurance usually costs you less than out-of-network co-insurance.

In-network Co-payment - A fixed amount (for example, $15) you pay for covered health care services to providers who contract with your small business health insurance or plan. In-network co-payments usually are less than out-of-network co-payments.

Medically Necessary - Health care services or supplies needed to prevent, diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, disease or its symptoms and that meet accepted standards of medicine.

Network - The facilities, providers and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted with to provide health care services.

Non-Preferred Provider - A provider who doesn’t have a contract with your health insurer or plan to provide services to you. You’ll pay more to see a non-preferred provider. Check your policy to see if you can go to all providers who have contracted with your small business health insurance or plan, or if your health insurance or plan has a “tiered” network and you must pay extra to see some providers.

Out-of-network Co-insurance - The percent (for example, 40%) you pay of the allowed amount for covered health care services to providers who do not contract with your small business health insurance or plan. Out-of-network co-insurance usually costs you more than in-network co-insurance.

Out-of-network Co-payment - A fixed amount (for example, $30) you pay for covered health care services from providers who do not contract with your health insurance or plan. Out-of-network co-payments usually are more than in-network co-payments.

Out-of-Pocket Limit - The most you pay during a policy period (usually a year) before your health insurance or plan begins to pay 100% of the allowed amount. This limit never includes your premium, balance-billed charges or health care your health
insurance or plan doesn’t cover. Some small business health insurance or plans don’t count all of your co-payments, deductibles, co-insurance payments, out-of-network payments or other expenses toward this limit.

Physician Services - Health care services a licensed medical physician (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) provides or coordinates.

Plan - A benefit your employer, union or other group sponsor provides to you to pay for your health care services.

Preauthorization - A decision by your health insurer or plan that a health care service, treatment plan, prescription drug or durable medical equipment is medically necessary. Sometimes called prior authorization, prior approval or precertification. Your health insurance or plan may require preauthorization for certain services before you receive them, except in an emergency. Preauthorization isn’t a promise your health insurance or plan will cover the cost.

Preferred Provider - A provider who has a contract with your health insurer or plan to provide services to you at a discount. Check your policy to see if you can see all preferred providers or if your health insurance or plan has a “tiered” network and you must pay extra to see some providers. Your small business health insurance or plan may have preferred providers who are also “participating” providers. Participating providers also contract with your health insurer or plan, but the discount may not be as great, and you may have to pay more.

Premium - The amount that must be paid for your health insurance or plan. You and/or your employer usually pay it monthly, quarterly or yearly.
Prescription Drug Coverage Health insurance or plan that helps pay for prescription drugs and medications.
Prescription Drugs Drugs and medications that by law require a prescription.

Primary Care Physician - A physician (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) who directly provides or coordinates a range of health care services for a patient.

Primary Care Provider - A physician (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant, as allowed under state law, who provides, coordinates or helps a patient access a range of health care services.

Provider - A physician (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), health care professional or health care facility licensed, certified or accredited as required by state law.

Reconstructive Surgery - Surgery and follow-up treatment needed to correct or improve a part of the body because of birth defects, accidents, injuries or medical conditions.

Rehabilitation Services - Health care services that help a person keep, get back or improve skills and functioning for daily living that have been lost or impaired because a person was sick, hurt or disabled. These services may include physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and psychiatric rehabilitation services in a variety of inpatient and/or outpatient settings.

Skilled Nursing Care - Services from licensed nurses in your own home or in a nursing home. Skilled care services are from technicians and therapists in your own home or in a nursing home.

Specialist - A physician specialist focuses on a specific area of medicine or a group of patients to diagnose, manage, prevent or treat certain types of symptoms and conditions. A non-physician specialist is a provider who has more training in a specific area of health care.

UCR (Usual, Customary and Reasonable) - The amount paid for a medical service in a geographic area based on what providers in the area usually charge for the same or similar medical service. The UCR amount sometimes is used to determine the allowed amount.
Urgent Care Care for an illness, injury or condition serious enough that a reasonable person would seek care right away, but not so severe as to require emergency room care.