The Idaho Lawyer Benefit Plan is a self-funded group benefit plan designed to serve the needs of Idaho attorneys and firms. Coverage extends to principals, employees, spouses and dependents. The plan provides rich benefit options to select from when making decisions about coverage. As a self-funded plan, premiums that would have gone to an insurance carrier are now paid to a trust as member contributions to finance the cost of member benefits. Money that remains after administrative and claims expenses are paid, is reinvested into the trust.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the Idaho Lawyer Benefit Plan, the applying group must meet all of the following requirements:

• One participant must be a member of the Idaho State Bar
• Hold business residency in the State of Idaho
• Have been in business for greater than 3 months
• Have at least 2 employees that will be covered at the time of enrollment
• Agree to the terms of the Joinder Agreement

Does the plan have minimum participation requirements?

Yes, to participate in the medical coverage the following requirements must be met:

• Minimum Eligible Employee Participation of 75%
• Minimum Employer Contribution of 75%

Note: Employees with other coverage do not necessarily count against the firm for eligibility. Please call to discuss further - (800) 367-2577 or via e-mail.

Does the plan offer benefits beyond medical coverage?

Yes, Dental and Vision plans are also available.  Participation in the Dental and/or Vision Plan is available to those enrolled in the Medical Plan.  These benefits require a 75% participation level of the members enrolled in the Medical Plan coverage.

Can a solo attorney receive coverage under this plan?

Yes, in the event that the solo has at least two employees that will be covered under the plan at the time of enrollment.  The attorney can count himself/herself as one employee.  For example, a solo practitioner and a paralegal employed by the firm would meet the eligibility requirement.

Will the plan ever provide coverage to solo attorneys with no employees?

The long-term vision is to include solo attorneys without employees.  Until such time we can provide you with contact information for a representative that will help you acquire an individually rated policy. Please contact us as (800) 367-2577 or via e-mail.

Where do I find rates for the plan?

There are no published rates for the health benefits program. Each group fills out an application for coverage after which the group is underwritten and priced. We provide seven plan design options to choose from when considering coverage and each plan is quoted during the underwriting process. The application is available here. Quotes are generally available within three to five business days.

How is employee eligibility defined?

The minimum number of eligible employees for the plan is two. An eligible employee is one who works at least 20 hours per week. Employees with other coverage do not necessarily count against the firm for eligibility. If you have specific questions about eligibility, please contact us as (800) 367-2577 or via e-mail.

What is the waiting period before benefits are available?

The waiting period is determined by the Participating Employer.  The plan's waiting period is the period of time from the Enrollment Date to the first day of the month following a period of time or periods of times specified by the Participating Employer in the Joinder Agreement.  Participating Employers often use the following waiting period: The first of the month following the month in which the employee was hired.

Are the health benefits provided under the plan considered insurance?

No, the plan is a self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) in which participating employers make contributions that are paid to a Trust and then utilized to finance the cost of member benefits. The plan is not insurance and it does not participate in the state guaranty association.

Can I leave my group plan and purchase an individual policy through this plan?

No, not unless you plan to become an employer and meet the eligibility requirements of the Trust.