Navigating High Healthcare Costs in New England: How NARFA Helps Members Stay Ahead

New England residents face some of the highest healthcare costs in the nation. For example, recent data shows that the average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance in New Hampshire, in many cases, exceeds $7,000 for individuals and $20,000 for families. These numbers hit businesses hard, draining budgets and making it tough to keep employees healthy without breaking the bank. Beyond costs, access to care is a real challenge—about 10% of New Hampshire adults report not seeing a doctor in the past year due to cost or distance, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile, chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, which could be caught early with regular checkups, drive up expenses when left unchecked.

NARFA steps in with a clear mission: help member businesses tackle these challenges head-on. Through exclusive health plans negotiated just for our members, we deliver affordable, high-quality care that keeps both employees and companies thriving. Here’s how we make it happen, with a sharp focus on preventive care, access to care, and flexible plan options tailored to diverse needs.

NARFA’s Exclusive Health Plans: Built for Members

At NARFA, we negotiate health plans exclusively for our members, securing better rates and benefits than what’s typically available. These plans are designed to cut costs without cutting corners, ensuring businesses can offer top-tier care to their employees. We know every company is different, so we offer a range of plan designs—think Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), and some exciting new products coming soon. This variety lets businesses pick what works best for their team, saving money while keeping access to strong provider networks intact.

Preventive Care: Stopping Problems Before They Start

Preventive care is a game-changer, and it’s a key part of every NARFA health plan. Annual physicals come included—no extra fees—making it easy for members to stay on top of their health. Why does this matter? Studies show regular checkups can slash healthcare costs by up to 30% by catching issues like high blood pressure or early-stage cancer before they turn into bigger, pricier problems. In New England, where healthcare spending per person is among the highest in the U.S., this approach is a lifeline. It’s about keeping employees healthy and reducing the need for expensive treatments down the road.

Access to Care: Connecting Members to Providers

Getting care when you need it shouldn’t be a hassle, but in New Hampshire as an example again, geography can complicate things. Rural areas often mean longer drives to see a doctor, and that’s if you can afford it—about 15% of residents live more than 30 minutes from a primary care provider. NARFA tackles this by ensuring our plans connect members to a wide network of providers across the state. Whether it’s a family doctor in Manchester or a specialist in the North Country, our members can find the care they need without excessive travel or delays. This setup not only boosts health outcomes but also cuts down on costly emergency room trips that happen when care gets postponed.

Flexible Plan Options: HSAs, ICHRAs, and What’s Next

No two businesses are alike, and NARFA gets that. That’s why we offer multiple plan designs with our PPOs, HMOs, and more, to fit different needs:

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Employees save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, giving them control and tax savings while keeping costs manageable for employers.
• Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs): Businesses reimburse employees for individual insurance premiums, offering flexibility to customize coverage.

And there’s more on the way—new products are in the pipeline, designed to save even more money while maintaining access to top-notch networks. These options give our members the tools to balance cost and care in a way that works for them.

NARFA’s Mission: Healthy Businesses, Healthy Employees

NARFA is all about the health of our member businesses. High healthcare costs in New England don’t have to hold you back—not when you’ve got plans built with your needs in mind. From preventive care that catches issues early to access that gets employees to doctors fast, plus a lineup of plans, we’re here to lighten the load. Our exclusive deals and upcoming innovations mean members save money without sacrificing quality.

Ready to see how NARFA can help your business stay ahead of New England’s healthcare challenges? Get in touch with NARFA representative today.