Designed as a small-business solution

For small businesses, balancing benefits value and cost containment is a constant challenge. Aflac Choice is available at no direct cost to the employer and helps alleviate medical and daily living expenses that can negatively impact employee morale and productivity. And because the base plan is guaranteed issue, any employee who applies for coverage can get it – so there's no pressure to make sure a specific number of employees participate in order for all to qualify for coverage.

"Small-business owners understand the importance of a strong benefits package, but they also have to keep costs in check," said Stephanie Shields, vice president of Product Innovation and Marketing at Aflac. "Aflac Choice makes it simple. Employers offer employees a customizable plan they can tailor to their lifestyle and budget without impacting their bottom line. And employees' lifestyles are better protected when an injury or illness requires hospitalization."

Customizable to meet employee needs and budgets

Major medical insurance is designed to cover everything from a stomach bug to appendicitis, as well as other illnesses and injuries that can result in a hospital visit. However, even people who have major medical coverage often forget to consider that their insurance may not cover the total financial impact of an unexpected hospital stay, which, on average, lasts 4.6 days and costs $11,000. These unforeseen costs can overwhelm employees, causing a ripple effect of challenges that may force them to choose between paying bills not covered by health insurance and paying for day-to-day needs, like transportation or child care. Intended to help employees supplement their existing major medical coverage, Aflac Choice helps provide financial peace of mind by paying a set amount directly to the insured, unless otherwise assigned, helping employees keep their lifestyles intact and focus on recovery, not on bills.  

Aflac Choice has a more simplified base plan design and higher benefits for inpatient rehabilitation facility care, short hospital stays and emergency room visits than previously available, allowing policyholders to customize their coverage to their specific needs and the needs of their families:

• Hospital Stay and Surgical Care Rider: This rider includes the Initial Assistance Benefit, which pays a covered person $100 once per calendar year as soon as they are admitted to the hospital. It also offers benefits for second surgical opinions.
• Extended Benefits Rider: This rider provides additional financial protection through a physician visit benefit, which now covers psychologist visits, acute/urgent care and telemedicine. With telemedicine, policyholders can save valuable time by choosing where to consult with a doctor – whether it's from home, work or on the go.

Receiving hospital coverage has never been easier

The base plan and Extended Benefits Rider are guaranteed issue, meaning they are available to any eligible employee regardless of medical history. And with no participation requirements, any employee who applies for coverage can receive it.