✉ admin@brawnerinsurance.com 📱 Kirksville: 660-665-1687 📱 Kahoka: 660-754-1000
Employee Benefits & Group Health  ·  Illinois

Illinois Employee Benefits. Group Health & More.

From corn and soybean fields across central Illinois to mixed operations downstate, IL farmers stack ECO on their MPCI policies for maximum federal crop insurance — Brawner Insurance helps Illinois businesses design custom benefits packages with health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement options from over 50 top carriers.

★★★★★5.0 Rating
|
50+ Carriers
|
MO, KS, IA, IL
|
80+ Reviews
Complete Benefits PackageHealth, dental, life, retirement & more
Independent AgencyWe shop 50+ carriers
4 States CoveredMO, KS, IA, IL
Local SupportTwo Missouri offices
Why It Matters in Illinois

Why Illinois Employers Choose Brawner Insurance

Illinois ranks #2 in U.S. corn and soybean production, with over 22 million acres of cropland. ECO offers Illinois farmers the highest level of federal crop insurance protection available — extending coverage up to 90% or 95%, providing maximum gap coverage for high-input row-crop operations.

As an independent agency since 1992, Brawner Insurance simplifies group benefits for Illinois businesses of every size. We work with over 50 top carriers to design custom packages, handle enrollment, support employees with claims, and manage annual renewals.

MPCI crop coverage
22M+Illinois cropland acres protected
44%federal premium subsidy on ECO
50+group benefits carriers in our network

From small businesses to large employers across Illinois, Brawner Insurance builds custom benefits packages that attract top talent, reduce turnover, and keep teams healthy. Our independent agency model means we shop multiple carriers for the best rates.

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Illinois employers — build a better benefits package.

Brawner Insurance helps Illinois businesses design custom group benefits at competitive prices from over 50 top carriers.

Get a Free Quote →

660-665-1687  ·  660-754-1000

Coverage Options

Employee Benefits Through Brawner

Group benefits can include many types of coverage. Here is what we help Illinois employers put in place.

Yield Protection

Group Health Insurance

Comprehensive medical coverage for your employees and their families — including major medical, preventive care, prescription drugs, and access to large provider networks across the Midwest.

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Revenue Protection

Dental & Vision

Add dental and vision benefits to your group package — covering routine cleanings, exams, glasses, contacts, and major dental work to keep employees healthy and productive.

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RP-HPE coverage

Life & Disability

Group life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage — providing financial security for employees and their families when life takes unexpected turns.

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Area Risk Protection

Retirement & 401(k)

Help employees save for retirement with group 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, and other retirement benefit plans — a key recruiting and retention tool for modern employers.

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Supplemental Coverage Option

HSA, FSA & Wellness

Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and workplace wellness programs — giving employees more control over healthcare spending while reducing employer costs.

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Every Operation Is Different

Build your policy.

We tailor MPCI coverage to your crops, location, and risk tolerance — every farm is unique.

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Your Options

Fully Insured vs. Level Funded — Which Fits Your Team?

Small and mid-sized employers have two main funding options for group health. Here is how they differ.

Option 1

Fully Insured Group Health

  • Employer pays a fixed monthly premium to the carrier
  • Carrier assumes all claim risk
  • Predictable, budget-friendly for most employers
  • Plan options and pricing set by carrier
  • Simplest administration and compliance
  • Limited ability to share in good claims experience

Best for: small employers who want predictable costs and minimal risk.

Option 2

Level Funded Group Health

  • Employer pays a fixed monthly amount like fully insured
  • Stop-loss insurance caps the risk
  • Potential refunds in years with low claims
  • More detailed claims data and reporting
  • Often cheaper for healthier employee groups
  • Suits employers with 5 to 100 healthy employees

Best for: mid-sized employers with healthy groups who want potential savings.

Not sure which model is right for your business? We will review your team, budget, and goals to recommend the right fit.

Compare My Group Health Options →

Not sure which model is right for your team?

We will review your team size, demographics, and budget, then recommend the right group health structure for your business.

Get a Free Benefits Review →

660-665-1687  ·  660-754-1000

Key Moments

When to Review Your Employee Benefits

Benefits need to evolve with your business. Here are the key moments to review your program.

Annual Renewal

Renewal is the main window to change carriers, adjust plan design, and re-shop the market. Start 60-90 days before your effective date.

Workforce Growth

Adding employees can unlock better rates and new plan options. A quick check-in can reveal savings opportunities.

Employee Feedback

If your team is unhappy with current benefits, renewal is the moment to change. We help you balance cost with what employees actually value.

Regulatory Changes

Health insurance rules shift regularly. Brawner keeps your program compliant and optimized as regulations evolve.

Planning Tip: Start renewal planning 60-90 days before your plan effective date. Earlier shopping usually leads to better options and better rates.

Our Process

How We Help You Build the Right Program

1

Review Your Situation

We learn about your needs, current coverage, and priorities so we can recommend the right group health policy.

2

Compare Carriers

We shop your group health across top carriers to find competitive pricing and the right fit.

3

Explain Your Options

We walk through coverages, limits, and exclusions in plain language — no jargon.

4

Set Up and Support

We handle the binding, paperwork, and stay available year-round for claims and questions.

Featured Insights

Insurance Insights & Education

Practical guidance to help you make confident insurance decisions.

Video

Why Shopping Insurance Every Year Can Hurt Your Fire or EMS District

Learn why constantly switching providers can create risks and what to consider instead.

Watch on YouTube →
Video

Introducing the ResponderShield Desk Series — Real Insurance Conversations

Real conversations about coverage, risks, and solutions for clients across the Midwest.

Watch on YouTube →

Looking for guidance specific to your needs?

Schedule a Consultation →
Getting Started

How Group Health Works

1

Free Consultation

We start by understanding your situation, needs, and budget so we can recommend the right group health policy for you.

2

Plan Comparison

We compare group health policies from multiple top carriers, explaining coverages and costs in plain English.

3

Easy Enrollment

Once you choose a policy, we handle the paperwork and make sure everything is in force.

4

Year-Round Support

Brawner Insurance is here all year for claims, billing questions, and annual reviews — you have a real advocate.

Client Reviews

Trusted by Clients Across Missouri, Iowa, Kansas & Illinois

See why employers across the Midwest trust Brawner Insurance for employee benefits.

★★★★★
5.0
Based on 80+ Google Reviews
Daniel Goodman
★★★★★

"If you are shopping for peace of mind with insurance contact Caitlin Howe at Brawner. Not to mention correctly written policies, surprisingly good rates and excellent customer service."

Alyssa Baker
★★★★★

"Caitlin Howe at Brawner Insurance was very helpful, and made sure everything was done perfectly. She made the process stress and worry free. Best insurance agent hands down I have worked with."

Corey S
★★★★★

"Brawner recently quoted our district insurance. Jacob was professional and easy to work with. The Board of Directors chose VFIS through Brawner for the best and cost efficient coverage."

View All Reviews on Google →
Common Questions

Employee Benefits FAQ

What does group health insurance cover?

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Group health plans typically cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, preventive care, and more. Plan design varies. Brawner Insurance helps you compare networks, deductibles, and benefits.

How much does group health insurance cost?

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Premiums depend on your team size, age mix, location, plan design, and funding model. Brawner Insurance shops multiple carriers and funding options to find competitive pricing for your group.

What is the difference between fully insured and level funded?

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Fully insured means the carrier assumes all claim risk for a fixed premium. Level funded means the employer pays a fixed amount with stop-loss protection and can share in good claims experience. Brawner helps you choose.

How many employees do I need to offer group health?

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Most carriers accept groups as small as two enrolled employees. Some states have specific rules. Brawner Insurance can confirm what your state and carrier partners require.

Can I offer dental and vision with group health?

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Yes — dental, vision, life, and disability can be bundled with your medical plan or offered separately. Brawner Insurance helps you build a complete benefits package that fits your budget.

Can Brawner Insurance help me find the right employee benefits policy?

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Yes — as an independent insurance agency, Brawner Insurance shops your employee benefits coverage across multiple top carriers to find the right protection at a competitive rate. We work with clients across Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois.

Get benefits your team actually values.

Brawner Insurance helps employers across the Midwest build the right employee benefits program — group health, dental, vision, life, and disability — with unbiased advice from independent agents.

Get a Free Quote →

660-665-1687  ·  660-754-1000

Visit Us

Our Office Locations

Kirksville, MO

2605 N. Baltimore St., Kirksville, MO 63501

660-665-1687

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Kahoka, MO

465 S. Johnson St., Kahoka, MO 63445

660-754-1000

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