What is Benefi?
ACA-compliant MEC with real virtual care, built for hourly workforces.
Benefi is a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) health plan designed specifically for employers with hourly, variable-hour workforces. It combines 24/7 virtual primary care, $0 generic prescriptions, mental health therapy sessions, and preventive care into an affordable monthly benefit that helps Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) meet their ACA requirements while keeping employees healthy and productive.
Understanding MEC Plans
MEC plans provide the minimum level of health coverage required under the Affordable Care Act. For ALEs with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees, offering a MEC plan satisfies the §4980H(a) mandate to provide health coverage. This eliminates the risk of the "sledgehammer penalty" that applies when no coverage is offered at all.
Benefi takes the MEC framework further by including meaningful healthcare benefits that hourly employees actually use. Unlike bare-bones MEC offerings that exist solely for compliance, Benefi provides real access to care through Virtual Primary Care available 24/7 via text, phone, or video with U.S.-based doctors licensed in each member's state.
Key MEC Benefits
MEC plans help employers:
- Satisfy ACA §4980H(a) coverage requirements
- Provide affordable benefits to variable-hour employees
- Reduce unplanned absences with convenient virtual care
- Demonstrate investment in workforce health
Two Plans Built for Hourly Workforces
Benefi offers two plan tiers tailored to different workforce needs and budgets:
Essential Plan ($59/employee/month): Unlimited Virtual Primary Care visits, 500+ common generic medications at $0 through participating pharmacies, 6 mental health therapy sessions per year, and 100% coverage for in-network preventive care.
Plus Plan ($129/employee/month): Everything in Essential, plus an expanded formulary of 1,000+ generic medications at $0, 10 mental health therapy sessions annually, and coverage for in-person medical visits including 5 primary care visits, 1 specialist visit, and 2 urgent care visits per year (copays apply).
Both plans use nationwide pharmacy networks including major chains and most independent pharmacies. The First Health network provides access to in-person care providers across all 50 states when members need preventive services or medical visits beyond virtual care.
Members access their benefits through the Benefi app on iOS or Android, connecting with doctors anytime without appointment scheduling or wait times. Mental health therapy sessions are scheduled with licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists based on member needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Benefi coverage?
Benefi is designed for employees of Applicable Large Employers (companies with 50+ full-time equivalent employees) who work variable or hourly schedules. Your employer must offer Benefi as a benefit option for you to enroll. If you're unsure about your eligibility, check with your HR department or supervisor about available health benefit options.
What's the main difference between Essential and Plus plans?
The Essential plan ($59/month) focuses on virtual care with 500+ $0 generics and 6 mental health sessions. The Plus plan ($129/month) adds in-person medical visit coverage (5 primary care, 1 specialist, 2 urgent care visits per year), doubles the $0 generic formulary to 1,000+ medications, and increases mental health sessions to 10 annually. Plus members pay copays for in-person visits.
Can I see doctors in person with Benefi?
Yes, both plans include 100% coverage for in-network preventive care like annual checkups and screenings. The Plus plan also covers specific in-person medical visits with copays. However, Benefi's primary focus is Virtual Primary Care, which is available 24/7 through the app for both plans at no additional cost.
How do I access Virtual Primary Care?
Download the Benefi app on your smartphone and connect with U.S.-based doctors licensed in your state via text, phone, or video chat. Virtual care is available 24/7 without appointments or wait times. You can discuss symptoms, get treatment recommendations, and receive prescriptions when medically appropriate.
Are all prescription medications free?
No, only covered generic medications on the Benefi formulary are $0. The Essential plan covers 500+ common generics, while Plus covers 1,000+ generics at participating pharmacies. Brand-name drugs and generics not on the formulary will have a cost. Check your plan documents or the Benefi app to see if your medication is covered.