Fringe Benefit Group Announces Framework Health Plan; Launches National Branding Campaign To Support New Product Name

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 27 Mar 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The Fringe Benefit Group, an industry leader in group benefit plans designed specifically for hourly and part-time workers, announced it has launched a branding campaign to support the new name of its limited medical insurance policy, the Framework Health Plan.

"The name Framework really appealed to us because we are providing the framework of benefits from which companies can build out their health plan. We have been providing and administering limited medical plans for 20 years and today our clients include many of the nation's leading retail, hospitality and staffing companies. We have been one of the leaders in this business for a pretty long time, and it was time for a new look and name that more closely relates to how we help people," said Brian Robertson, executive vice president of Fringe Benefit Group.

The Framework Health Plan is specifically designed for employers looking for a health plan that is affordable, flexible, and easily administered. Some of the limited benefit health plan's attractive features include: guaranteed issue (employees and their eligible dependents will not be denied coverage during open enrollment periods), no pre-existing condition limitations, customized enrollment forms, flexible billing technology that corresponds with an employer's existing payroll cycle, and experienced "live" customer service representatives. Framework Health Plan also offers network re-pricing through First Health Network and Beechstreet Corporation, which makes available benefit dollars go further and expedites the claims process. When an insured visits an in-network doctor, for example, they are eligible to pay the price that network has negotiated with the particular physician.

The Framework Health Plan is underwritten by A rated carrier Nationwide Specialty Health, which is part of Nationwide Insurance, and A- rated Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York, a wholly owned subsidiary of Independence Holding Company (NYSE: IHC). Information about the Framework Health Plan is available on the company's new Website: http://www.frameworkhealthplan.com.

As part of the branding campaign, which also includes direct mail and email marketing, the Fringe Benefit Group is conducting its first advertising campaign to educate the industry about the product's new name and advantages. The integrated campaign utilizes two slogans: "I've Got America Covered" and "Think Inside the Box," which accurately depicts two of the company's philosophies with regards to limited medical plans.

"There is an enormous need for health benefits for hourly, part-time and seasonal employees in the U.S.," said Tom DeNoma, in charge of business development for Nationwide Specialty Health. "The Framework Health Plan offers employees and their families an easy-to-use way to access valuable benefits. This, combined with the Fringe Benefit Group's incredible administrative capabilities, is one of the many reasons that we chose to underwrite the Framework Health Plan and we are looking forward to the industry's response to their new branding campaign."

An admitted carrier in 50 states, Standard Security Life (one of the insurance company subsidiaries of Independence Holding Company (NYSE: IHC)) has a flexible product that combines Fringe Benefit Group's highly successful Framework Health Plan and administration with IHC's insurance companies and multiple distribution channels in nearly every state. "The Fringe Benefit Group has a long, successful track record in the limited medical industry and we think it's definitely the right move for them to raise their profile in the producer marketplace with a branding campaign," said Scott Wood, co-chief operating officer of Independence Holding Company.

About Fringe Benefit Group

The Austin, Texas-based Fringe Benefit Group and its affiliate companies have helped employers design and administer fringe benefit programs since 1983. Through its nationwide network of independent brokers and agents and six satellite offices, the Fringe Benefit Group has established itself as the leader in government contractor health and welfare and retirement plans. Leveraging its state-of-the-art hourly administrative platform, the Fringe Benefit Group quickly emerged as a top tier player in the limited benefits marketplace.

Fringe Benefit Group