A $3,000 year
A few visits, labs and an imaging test
Today$3,000All of it falls under the $6,000 deductible
LBMC Plan 4$3,000All of it falls under the $5,500 deductible
Same on both plans
Where you are today
Your benefits today, and what renewal does to them
Every line Allied carries, what it costs now, and what it costs from December 1 if you renew as is. Medical drives almost all of the increase: dental goes up 10.4% and Guardian's life and disability coverage doesn't change.
Total benefits spend per year, every line we have rates for
Medical, Blue CrossDental, HumanaLife and disability, Guardian
+$18,984 a year (+19.9%) for the same plans and the same people. Vision isn't in these totals yet.
- Medical
- Blue Cross NC, +22.4%. $6,816.28 a month today, $8,340.93 from 12/1.
- Dental
- Humana, +10.4%. $550.92 a month today, $608.22 from 12/1.
- Life and disability
- Guardian, no increase. $7,187 a year, company-paid.
- Not counted yet
- Vision rates, your HRA and workers' comp. We need these from you.
Allied Sheet Metal WorksSource: carrier renewals and October invoice
Every line, today and at renewal
Monthly and yearly premium for the whole group. Guardian bills a yearly premium by age band, so its monthly figures are the yearly premium divided by 12.
| Coverage | Carrier and plan | Who's on it | Today, a month | Today, a year | 12/1, a month | 12/1, a year | Change a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical | Blue Cross NC, BlueHPN Bronze (HSA eligible) 6000$6,000 deductible, 30% coinsurance, $8,300 out-of-pocket max. BlueHPN network; no out-of-network coverage except emergencies. | 7 employees4 employee only, 2 employee + spouse, 1 family | $6,816.28 | $81,795 | $8,340.93 | $100,091 | +$18,296+22.4% |
| Dental | Humana, NC TRP U&C 14 (100 / 80 / 50)$50 deductible, $1,500 yearly max, 4 cleanings a year, root canals and gum care as basic services. No orthodontia. | 7 employees5 employee only, 1 employee + spouse, 1 family | $550.92 | $6,611 | $608.22 | $7,299 | +$688+10.4% |
| Vision | Humana Vision 200$0 exam, $200 frames every 24 months or $200 contacts. | Pending | Rates and enrollment pendingHumana's renewal letter covers dental only. Your latest Humana invoice will show vision. | ||||
| Life and AD&D | Guardian, $15,000 life and $15,000 AD&DCompany-paid, flat amount. Life reduces at 65 and later ages. | 8 employees | $132.58 | $1,591 | $132.58 | $1,591 | No change |
| Short-term disability | Guardian60% of weekly pay up to $500 a week, from day 8, for up to 13 weeks. Company-paid. | 8 employees | $184.00 | $2,208 | $184.00 | $2,208 | No change |
| Long-term disability | Guardian60% of monthly pay up to $2,000 a month, from day 91. Company-paid. Benefit length depends on class (below). | 8 employees | $282.33 | $3,388 | $282.33 | $3,388 | No change |
| HRA | Alongside the medical planHelps employees with the deductible. | Need from you | Need from you: how much it pays, who funds it and who runs it | ||||
| Workers' comp | Not on file yetThe shop has welders, which drives the rate. | Need from you | Need from you: carrier, yearly premium, class codes and loss runs | ||||
| Every line with rates | Medical, dental, life and disability | $7,966.11 | $95,593 | $9,548.06 | $114,577 | +$18,984+19.9% | |
- Medical network
- BlueHPN, Blue Cross NC's high performance network. Not every doctor and hospital is in it.
- Out of network
- Not covered, except emergencies, which are paid at the in-network level.
- Prescriptions
- 30% after the deductible. Drugs on the HSA preventive list: 30%, no deductible.
- Blue Cross's other option
- Blue Options Bronze HSA 6000: same deductible, broader PPO network with out-of-network coverage. $10,257.66 a month, $123,092 a year, about 50% more than today.
Medical · Blue Cross NCPlan design unchanged at renewal
- Classes
- Two: Welders and All Others. Same life, AD&D and short-term disability for both.
- LTD, Welders
- Paid for 2 years or to age 70, whichever comes first.
- LTD, All Others
- Paid up to age 67, on Guardian's age-based schedule.
- Who pays
- Allied pays all of it. 8 employees are covered.
Life and disability · GuardianRenews 12/1/2026 to 11/30/2027
The quotes
Why we're recommending LBMC
We took your group to five PEOs. Four quoted. LBMC came back lowest, with a plan that's better than today's on deductible, out-of-pocket max and coinsurance, and the only one that costs less than you pay today.
LBMC
Recommended- Medical: BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee high-deductible plans, paired with an HSA. Three to pick from: Plan 4 (closest to today), Plan 5 (leaner) or Plan 3 (richer).
- Cost: Plan 4 is $77,298 a year all in: $22,793 less than renewing and $4,497 less than you pay today.
- Rates: locked for 12 months, to renew 12/1/2027. We're confirming in writing that LBMC's rates apply from a 12/1/2026 start.
- Admin fee: $98 per employee a month with a $1,200 monthly minimum, so $14,400 a year as long as Allied has 12 or fewer employees on payroll (we’re confirming your total headcount). One-time setup fee of $4,900.
- Dental and vision: dental with a higher yearly max for about half of Humana's renewal premium. See Other benefits.
Other quotes
For reference- G&A Partners: Aetna EPO, $8,700 deductible, in-network only. $87,340 a year all in: $12,751 less than renewing, but $5,545 more than today.
- CoAdvantage: Aetna HSA plan, $5,900 deductible, national network. $92,506 a year all in: $7,585 less than renewing, but $10,711 more than today, and its rates renew 10/1/2027.
- VensureHR: Aetna HDHP 5000. About $10,400 less than renewing if its rates held all year, but they reset 7/1/2027, seven months in.
- Prestige: declined to quote. Your industry is a high-risk class for them.
Side by side · Medical
Each LBMC plan next to the renewal
All three are BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee high-deductible plans. Plan 4 is the closest match and beats today on deductible, out-of-pocket max and coinsurance. Plan 5 costs the least but raises the deductible. Plan 3 costs more than Plan 4 and has the lowest deductible and out-of-pocket max.
| In-network | Renewal 12/1/26Blue Cross NCBlueHPN Bronze 6000 · HSA eligible | Plan 4 · RecommendedLBMC Plan 4BCBS of TN HDHP · $5,500 / 20% | Plan 5 · LeanerLBMC Plan 5BCBS of TN HDHP · $7,400 / 0% | Plan 3 · RicherLBMC Plan 3BCBS of TN HDHP · $4,000 / 30% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network | BlueHPNNot every provider is in it | BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee |
| Out-of-network care | Not coveredExcept emergencies | CoveredAt higher limits, per LBMC | CoveredAt higher limits, per LBMC | CoveredAt higher limits, per LBMC |
| Deductible (single / family) | $6,000 / $12,000 | $5,500 / $11,000 | $7,400 / $14,800 | $4,000 / $8,000 |
| Coinsurance after the deductible | 30% | 20% | 0% | 30% |
| Out-of-pocket max (single / family) | $8,300 / $16,600 | $8,000 / $16,000 | $7,400 / $14,800 | $6,500 / $13,000 |
| Office visits, urgent care, ERLBMC's quote doesn't list these separately | 30% after deductiblePreventive care no charge | Deductible, then coinsuranceNot itemized in LBMC's quote | Deductible, then coinsuranceNot itemized in LBMC's quote | Deductible, then coinsuranceNot itemized in LBMC's quote |
| Prescriptions (generic / brand) | 30% after deductibleHSA preventive list: 30%, no deductible | 40% / 50% | 0% / 0% after deductible | 30% / 30% |
| Monthly premium by coverage level | ||||
| Employee only4 on the plan | $718.24 avgAge-rated: average of the 4 | $488.19 | $422.54 | $549.75 |
| Employee + spouse2 on the plan | $1,915.13 avgAge-rated: average of the 2 | $955.17 | $826.50 | $1,075.84 |
| Employee + child(ren)None on the plan today | Age-rated | $828.69 | $717.09 | $933.36 |
| Family1 on the plan | $1,637.72 | $1,378.37 | $1,192.59 | $1,552.60 |
| Total medical premium, a yearToday you pay $81,795 | $100,091$8,340.93 a month | $62,898$37,193 less than renewal$18,897 less than today | $54,429$45,662 less than renewal$27,366 less than today | $70,839$29,252 less than renewal$10,956 less than today |
| Admin fee$98 per employee a month, $1,200 minimum | None | $14,400 | $14,400 | $14,400 |
| All in, a year | $100,091 | $77,298$22,793 less than renewal$4,497 less than today | $68,829$31,262 less than renewal$12,966 less than today | $85,239$14,852 less than renewal$3,444 more than today |
$5,500 better for employees than today40% employees pay more than todayplain = same as today
We recommend Plan 4. It's the closest match to today and better on the three numbers employees feel most: a lower deductible ($5,500 vs. $6,000), a lower out-of-pocket max ($8,000 vs. $8,300) and lower coinsurance (20% vs. 30%). It also adds out-of-network coverage, which BlueHPN doesn't have. Plan 5 saves the most but raises the deductible to $7,400. Plan 3 has the lowest deductible and still saves $14,852 against the renewal. The trade-offs on Plan 4: prescriptions cost more (40% generic and 50% brand vs. 30% today), LBMC's quote doesn't itemize office or ER costs, and the network moves to BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, so everyone should check their doctors.
The network: what changes
Today's plan only pays for care inside BlueHPN. Every quote below covers emergencies anywhere. Before you sign, each employee should confirm their doctors are in the new network; we don't assume any doctor is covered.
TodayBlue Cross NC BlueHPN
A high performance network: not every provider is in it. No out-of-network coverage except emergencies.
LBMC · recommendedBlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Out-of-network care covered at higher limits, per LBMC's quote. We're asking LBMC which network NC members use.
G&A PartnersAetna Open Access Elect Choice EPO
In-network only, like today. No out-of-network coverage except emergencies. No referrals needed.
CoAdvantageAetna Managed Choice POS, national
Out-of-network covered: $12,000 deductible, then 50%, up to $15,000 a person.
The other two full quotes
Both cost less than renewing but more than you pay today, once their admin fees are in.
| In-network | Renewal 12/1/26Blue Cross NCBlueHPN Bronze 6000 | Other quoteG&A PartnersAetna EPO $8,700 · in-network only | Other quoteCoAdvantageAetna NAT MCHD 5900 / 0% · HSA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible (single / family) | $6,000 / $12,000 | $8,700 / $17,400 | $5,900 / $11,800 |
| Coinsurance after the deductible | 30% | 0% | 0% |
| Out-of-pocket max (single / family) | $8,300 / $16,600 | $8,700 / $17,400 | $6,700 / $13,400 |
| Primary care / specialist | 30% after deductible | $10 / $95 copay | $30 / $60 after deductible |
| Urgent care / ER | 30% after deductible | 0% after deductible | $85 / $350 after deductible |
| Prescriptions | 30% after deductible | No deductible: $3 / $10 generic, $55, $90 | Deductible, then $10 / $45 / $70 |
| Rate period | 12 months from 12/1/2026 | 12/1/2026 to 12/31/2027 | To 9/30/2027, then renews |
| Monthly premium by coverage level | |||
| Employee only4 on the plan | $718.24 avg | $562.25 | $567.00 |
| Employee + spouse2 on the plan | $1,915.13 avg | $1,293.19 | $1,304.00 |
| Family1 on the plan | $1,637.72 | $1,742.98 | $1,757.00 |
| Medical premium, a year | $100,091 | $78,940$6,578.36 a month | $81,586Includes an estimated 15% increase for the last 2 months, after its 10/1/2027 renewal |
| Admin fee, a year | None | $8,400 | $10,920 |
| All in, a year | $100,091 | $87,340$12,751 less than renewal$5,545 more than today | $92,506$7,585 less than renewal$10,711 more than today |
What it means for an employee
What one employee pays out of pocket in a year
Three example years for someone on employee-only coverage, using only each plan's deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket max. Illustrative only: it treats every bill as an in-network medical bill and leaves out premiums, prescriptions, free preventive care and your HRA.
An $8,000 year
An outpatient procedure plus follow-up
Today$6,600$6,000 deductible + 30% of the next $2,000 ($600)
LBMC Plan 4$6,000$5,500 deductible + 20% of the next $2,500 ($500)
$600 less on Plan 4
A $20,000 year
A surgery or hospital stay
Today$8,300$6,000 + 30% of $14,000 = $10,200, capped at the $8,300 max
LBMC Plan 4$8,000$5,500 + 20% of $14,500 = $8,400, capped at the $8,000 max
$300 less on Plan 4
$0$10K$20K$30K
Employee-only coverage, in-network. On a family plan each person has their own deductible inside the family one, on today's plan and LBMC's.
The employee pays, for the year
Today, Blue Cross$6,000 / 30% / $8,300 max
$6,600
$6,000 deductible + 30% of $2,000
LBMC Plan 4$5,500 / 20% / $8,000 max
$6,000
$5,500 deductible + 20% of $2,500
LBMC Plan 5$7,400 / 0% / $7,400 max
$7,400
$7,400 deductible, then nothing more
LBMC Plan 3$4,000 / 30% / $6,500 max
$5,200
$4,000 deductible + 30% of $4,000
Today's plan and LBMC's plans are all high-deductible plans, so most care counts toward the deductible first. Plan 4's prescriptions cost more after the deductible (40% generic, 50% brand) than today's 30%. Your HRA lowers what employees pay today; once we know how it works we can show it here.
The cost of change
What Allied would pay in a year, all in
Medical premium plus each PEO's admin fee, compared two ways: with renewing Blue Cross, and with what you pay Blue Cross today. The fee covers payroll, HR support and compliance, so anything you pay for those today comes off the other side.
Swipe the table sideways to see every option →How the savings add up
Step by step, from the Blue Cross renewal to LBMC, all in.
Workers' comp isn't in any total yet; no PEO has priced it. LBMC also charges $4,900 one time at setup: counting it, Plan 4's first year is $82,198, which is $17,893 less than renewing and about $400 more than today; from year two the setup fee is gone. LBMC's quote also lists EPLI at $2.50 per employee a month and a cyber policy at $35 a month, coverage you don't carry today; we're confirming whether those are required. CoAdvantage's rates renew 10/1/2027, so its column includes an estimated 15% increase for the last 2 months to make a full 12.
Contribution strategy
Who saves what: the company or the employees
Pick a plan, then set how much of the premium Allied pays. Everything is compared with Blue Cross at the same split, either the renewal or today's rates, so you can see where the savings land and what each person pays per paycheck.
LBMC plan (Plan 4 recommended)
Compare with
0%25%50%75%100%
0%25%50%75%100%
Paychecks
Total savings vs. the renewal, per year
$22,793
Company saves$0
Employees save$0
Employee only, per paycheckBlue Cross
$0Employee + spouse, per paycheckBlue Cross
$0Family, per paycheckBlue Cross
$0Company's yearly cost, medical plus feeBlue Cross
$0Starts at an example split, not what Allied pays today; set it to match your current split (we don't have it yet). Blue Cross prices each person by age, so its figures are the average for each coverage level. The company line includes LBMC's admin fee and any payroll and HR cost you entered above.
Your questions and open items
What we're still confirming
None of these change the recommendation today, but each one needs an answer before you sign. Nothing here is assumed: where we don't have an answer yet, it says so.
Your HRA
You use an HRA alongside today's plan to help with the deductible. Can the PEO run it?
- We asked LBMC on October 21 whether they can administer it. No answer yet.
- To answer fully we need the HRA's details from you: how much it pays, who funds it and who administers it today.
- For reference, VensureHR lists HRA administration among its standard services.
An ICHRA instead
You asked whether an ICHRA could work.
- An ICHRA (individual coverage HRA) gives each employee a set monthly allowance to buy their own individual health plan, instead of a group plan.
- Karen on Beverly's team can quote individual plans so you can compare them side by side with LBMC.
Workers' comp
Is workers' comp in these numbers?
- Not yet. It's quoted separately, and it isn't in any total on this page. LBMC lists it as "not quoted" so far.
- Because the shop has welders, every PEO will want your current carrier and premium, class codes, payroll by class, and loss runs (your insurer's claims history report).
- Once priced, we'll put it next to what you pay today.
Do LBMC's rates start 12/1?
LBMC quoted its 2027 rates. Do they apply from a December 1, 2026 start?
- We're confirming with LBMC that the rates on this page apply from 12/1/2026 and hold for 12 months, to renew 12/1/2027.
- We'll send the confirmation in writing before you decide.
EPLI and cyber in LBMC's quote
LBMC's pricing lists two coverages you don't carry today.
- Employment practices liability (EPLI), which covers claims like discrimination or harassment: $2.50 per employee a month.
- A cyber policy: $35 a month flat.
- We're confirming whether they're required. They aren't in the totals on this page.
Doctors and the new network
Will our people's doctors be in network?
- LBMC's plans are BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee plans. We're asking LBMC which provider network members in North Carolina use, and for the lookup link.
- Each employee should check their own doctors before enrollment. We won't assume any doctor is covered.
- Unlike today's BlueHPN plan, LBMC's plans include out-of-network coverage, at a higher cost.
What we need from you
These close out the open items on this page. Send them to Beverly whenever they're handy.
Workers' compCurrent policy, premium and loss runs
Your HRAHow much it pays and who runs it
VisionYour latest Humana invoice
ContributionsWhat Allied pays toward each plan today
CensusEveryone on payroll, including those who waive
DisabilitySalaries by employee, to price short and long-term disability
Dental, vision, life and disability
The rest of the package, side by side
Today you have Humana dental and vision and company-paid Guardian life and disability. Here's LBMC's version of each, and what it adds up to so far.
Medical, Plan 4, all in$22,793Company · less than renewing
Dental, Mid plan$3,584Less than Humana's renewal est.
Vision, life and disabilityPendingRates and enrollment still coming
So far, every line together$26,377a year less than renewing
Against what you pay today, the same two lines come to $7,393 a year less: $4,497 on medical and $2,896 on dental. Dental totals use Humana's current enrollment (5 employee only, 1 employee + spouse, 1 family) and Delta Dental's rates.
Dental
LBMC offers the same three dental designs through MetLife or Delta Dental. The Mid plan is the closest match to Humana: same 100 / 80 / 50 coverage, a higher yearly max, and it adds orthodontia for children. LBMC's quote doesn't say how it treats root canals and gum care or how many cleanings a year it covers; Humana covers 4.
| In-network | Renewal 12/1/26HumanaNC TRP U&C 14 | LeanerLBMC LowDelta Dental or MetLife | Closest matchLBMC MidDelta Dental or MetLife | RicherLBMC HighDelta Dental or MetLife |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $50 / $150 family | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Yearly max per person | $1,500 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Cleanings and x-rays | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Fillings and basic work | 80%Root canals and gum care included | 80% | 80% | 90% |
| Crowns and major work | 50% | 50% | 50% | 60% |
| Orthodontia | Not coveredDiscount only | $1,500 lifetimeTo age 19 | $1,500 lifetimeTo age 19 | $1,500 lifetimeTo age 19 |
| Monthly premium (Delta Dental rates shown) | ||||
| Employee only5 enrolled | $57.65$52.22 today | $22.03 | $26.07 | $40.85 |
| Employee + spouse1 enrolled | $115.30$104.44 today | $46.79 | $55.40 | $86.77 |
| Employee + child(ren)None enrolled | $147.01$133.16 today | $47.09 | $55.76 | $87.35 |
| Family1 enrolled | $204.67$185.38 today | $104.57 | $123.82 | $193.94 |
| Group per year, Delta DentalEst., same 7 enrolled | $7,299$6,611 today | $3,138$4,161 less | $3,715$3,584 less | $5,820$1,479 less |
| Group per year, MetLifeSame designs, slightly higher rates | $7,299 | $3,189$4,110 less | $3,775$3,524 less | $6,205$1,094 less |
Who pays for dental today (company or employees) isn't on file, so these are total premiums for the group.
Vision Today's rates pending
Humana's renewal letter covers dental only, so we don't have today's vision rates or who's enrolled. LBMC's two plans use the VSP or Superior networks at the same rates. High is the closer match: bigger allowances, but a $10 copay on exams and lenses.
| In-network | Humana 200 | LBMC Low | LBMC High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye exam | $0 | $10 | $10 |
| Standard lenses | $0 | $10 | $10 |
| Frames allowance | $200, every 24 months | $150, every 24 months | $225, every 12 months |
| Contacts instead | $200 | Up to $150 | Up to $225 |
| Employee only, monthly | Pending | $6.95 | $9.30 |
| Employee + spouse | Pending | $13.90 | $18.36 |
| Employee + child(ren) | Pending | $13.25 | $17.73 |
| Family | Pending | $21.00 | $28.10 |
| Group per year | Pending | Pending | Pending |
Group totals need vision enrollment, which your Humana invoice will show.
Life and disability Company-paid
Guardian renews with no increase. LBMC has priced life; disability pricing is still coming.
| Per year | Guardian today | LBMC |
|---|---|---|
| Life and AD&D$15,000 each today | $1,591 | $10,000 life with AD&D: $2.00 per employee a month$25,000 option priced; rate being confirmed |
| Short-term disability60% to $500 a week, 13 weeks | $2,208 | Pending from LBMC |
| Long-term disability60% to $2,000 a month, from day 91 | $3,388 | Pending from LBMC |
| Total | $7,187 | Pending |
LBMC's $10,000 life is less coverage than today's $15,000; the $25,000 option is more. Disability quotes need salaries.
Need from youYour latest Humana invoice
It shows who's enrolled in vision and at what level, so we can total vision on both sides.
In progressDisability and $25,000 life from LBMC
LBMC is pricing short and long-term disability. We'll put each next to Guardian's.
Next steps
How soon you need to decide
To start December 1, LBMC needs time for enrollment and payroll setup, so the sooner the open items close the better. LBMC's sign-by date is still to be confirmed. Blue Cross renews you automatically unless it hears otherwise; its letter asks for an answer within 21 days of the renewal date.
- TodayWalk through the options
Pick Plan 4, 5 or 3, and the contribution split.
- This week · CBAClose the open items
HRA, 12/1 rates, EPLI and cyber, disability, vision and workers' comp.
- This week · Your teamConfirm your doctors are in network
Each employee checks their own doctors once LBMC sends the network lookup.
- Date being confirmedDecide and sign
LBMC's client agreement. Blue Cross stays in place until then.
- NovemberEnroll and set up payroll
Employees enroll in the new plans and payroll moves to LBMC.
- December 1, 2026Coverage starts
Blue Cross ends November 30. LBMC's plans take over the next day.
Coverage starts December 1, 2026
We're confirming in writing that LBMC's rates apply from this date.
First renewal December 1, 2027
Rates locked for 12 months. Being confirmed with LBMC.
CoAdvantage would renew sooner
Its rates run only to 9/30/2027, which is why its yearly cost includes an estimate.
Questions about any of this? Call either of us.
We'll keep working the open items this week and send you the updated numbers.
Beverly GriffinPhone(704) 218-2899Emailbeverly@c-ben.com
Caleb Sherrill, PEO optionsPhone704-787-1261