The AutoPay payment solution simulates the same cashflow experience as a traditional group plan. Meaning, employers pay the insurance premiums upfront and then withhold the employee's portion from their paycheck as needed. AutoPay enables the convenience of a group plan with the personalization & choice of the individual market.
Alternative Workflows for Non-AutoPay Users
Take Command offers manual processes for those who opt out of AutoPay:
Employees can retain their existing health plans and pay premiums directly to their carrier.
They must upload proof of coverage documents (e.g., insurance ID card or premium statement).
Employees set their premium amount in the portal for reimbursement tracking, but this does not initiate payment to the carrier.
Employers and employees who rely on the reimbursement model must pay their premiums directly to their insurance provider and then submit proof of payment through the Take Command portal to receive reimbursement. This process ensures payments align with the employer's allowance and plan rules.
Who can sign up for Autopay?
Employers utilizing our platform that have at least 30 participating employees.
For employers with fewer than 30 employees, manual administration of QSEHRA reimbursements is recommended as an alternative to AutoPay.
Costs
There are no additional fees for using the AutoPay feature. The primary difference between AutoPay and non-AutoPay setups lies in how payments are processed, not in the cost.
How does AutoPay work?
Employer funds disbursement account with monthly transfers.
Insurance companies pull payment from disbursement monthly. (Take Command cannot initiate the payments)
Employer withholds employee portion via payroll if premium exceeds allowance. (Take command will calculate the difference and provide it to the employer via the monthly report). Additionally, for employer-managed plans, employees may receive invoices as policyholders; however, no action is required on their part. For self-enroll plans, employees must set up recurring payments directly with the insurer using details provided by Take Command. Employers can provide payroll deductions and see clear reporting of all premium flows as per configured allowances. Additionally, to continue using AutoPay for a new plan year, employees must re-select their health plan annually through the Take Command platform.
How can my employee sign up for autopay?
The employee will select an AutoPay enabled plan in our portal & set up payments with the carrier. The employee will be provided a unique account number and routing number that can be provided directly to the carrier. For Easy Enroll, Take Command handles the application process, sets up the recurring payments, and uploads proof of coverage on behalf of the employee. In contrast, Self Enroll requires the employee to manage these steps independently, including ensuring timely premium payments. Employees are also provided a virtual bank account automatically generated by Take Command for premium payments. They must annually re-select their health plan to maintain uninterrupted AutoPay functionality.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up AutoPay
Setting up AutoPay is straightforward once you have your payment details ready:
Log in to your insurance carrier’s online portal or contact their support team.
Use the bank account and routing numbers provided in your Take Command portal. To access these:
Navigate to the AutoPay tab from your dashboard or Settings > Payment Information.
Click the "eye" icon to reveal and copy the account and routing numbers.
Update your insurance carrier account with these details and enable recurring payments so that premiums are automatically deducted each month.
Easy Enroll: Take Command submits the application, sets up the recurring payments, and submits the proof of coverage.
Self-Enroll: The employee enters in the provided AutoPay payment details when submitting the application on the carrier's website. The employee is responsible for ensuring the carrier receives the payment each month. The employee is responsible for uploading their proof of coverage into the Take Command platform. Additionally, carriers often require an initial binder payment out of pocket to activate the policy. Employees can submit proof of this payment for reimbursement, provided it is within the employer's allowance and plan rules. This reimbursement process ensures that even the initial out-of-pocket costs align with employer allowances under plan rules.
Troubleshooting AutoPay Issues
If you encounter issues such as overdue accounts or failed payments, follow these steps:
Verify Enrollment Type: For Self-Enroll plans, payment details must be updated directly with your carrier to ensure AutoPay is active. Delays in payment are often due to incomplete verification. Contact your insurance provider to resolve such issues.
Missing AutoPay Setup: If AutoPay isn’t available because the plan wasn’t purchased using Take Command, you will need to manage payments using the reimbursement model.
Updating Payment Information
To ensure uninterrupted coverage and accurate premium payments, periodically update your payment information when required. Steps:
Log in to your Take Command portal.
Locate the AutoPay or payment information section.
Use the provided bank account and routing numbers to update details on your insurance provider’s portal.
Confirm updates with your insurance provider to finalize the process.
Why leverage AutoPay?
Employer:
Simplified Payments:
Employee premiums paid from a single account, funded monthly, simulation a group plan experience.
Increased Transparency:
Admin connected directly to our secure banking partner to view and manage payment accounts.
Streamlined Reporting:
Take Command provides all necessary reporting and compliance documents through our Admin Portal.
Employee:
No out-of-pocket payments
Employee uses provided payment details to enroll in any ACA-compliant plan, simulating group experience.
Fewer Transaction Issues
Payments are automatically processed by the carrier; Take Command audits payments & can assist with carrier challenges.
Limited Administrative Burden
No need to submit proof of coverage for appointed carriers or remember monthly premium payments.