Today we’re switching things up—welcome to Behind the Benefits! We sat down with Deb Krump, owner of Krump Benefit Consulting and the person we trust with our own supplemental insurance here at Moxie.
Deb’s been in the insurance world for more than 20 years, specializing in Aflac supplemental coverage and, more recently, Medicare. Fun fact: she also provided the very first benefit Moxie ever offered to employees. She’s been in our corner since day one, and she knows how to explain benefits without putting people to sleep.
So…What Even Is Supplemental Insurance?
We’ll keep it short and sweet: health insurance pays your doctors and hospitals. Supplemental insurance pays you.
That means when life throws something major at you—like cancer, an accident, or a complicated hospital stay—you’re not left scrambling to cover deductibles, lost wages, travel, childcare, or even the grocery bill. Aflac cuts you a cash check, and you get to decide how to use it.
Deb explained that 51% of employees don’t have $1,000 in savings. Pair that with rising deductibles, and it’s easy to see why she calls supplemental insurance not just a “nice-to-have,” but a need-to-have.
Real Stories That Hit Home
This isn’t theory—Deb has seen it all:
- Cancer Coverage: One client battling cancer over seven years received more than $24,000 in a single claim. That money covered expenses beyond hospital bills and gave her family stability during a tough time.
- Accident Coverage: Taylor’s toddler broke his leg right before his birthday (every parent’s nightmare). Between weekly ortho visits and copays, costs added up fast—but accident insurance handled it.
- Hospital/NICU Coverage: Fellow Moxie, Brittany, once called her newborn the “$10,000 baby” because Aflac’s NICU benefits helped cover unexpected hospital costs.
- Disability Coverage: From maternity leave to sudden injuries, disability insurance protects your income. As Deb says: if the “goose” can’t lay the golden eggs (aka your paycheck), everything else suffers.
Or, in Deb’s words: health insurance keeps the lights on at the hospital. Supplemental insurance keeps the lights on at home.
What It Means for Employers
Here’s the part small business owners love: offering Aflac doesn’t have to cost you a dime. It can be totally voluntary and payroll-deducted, but it still:
- Boosts your recruiting power (benefits are a deal-breaker for many candidates).
- Improves retention—people stick around longer when they feel cared for.
- Creates possible tax savings when structured pre-tax.
- Doesn’t spike in cost like traditional health insurance.
Deb also gets that owners worry about lost productivity. But her enrollment sessions are short, informative, and pressure-free. And when employees need to file claims? Deb’s the one helping them pull the right records, texting reminders, and making it simple—so owners don’t have to.
What About Minnesota’s New Paid Family & Medical Leave?
Starting January, PFML will be here. It’s a good step, but Deb is clear:
PFML doesn’t replace supplemental insurance.
Other states that already have PFML (California, Washington, New York, Colorado) still rely heavily on Aflac. Why? PFML only covers part of your income and only in certain situations. It doesn’t touch deductibles, copays, or those “hidden” costs like gas for hospital trips or childcare while you’re recovering.
So yes, PFML will help. But supplemental insurance is still the safety net.
What About Solopreneurs and Tiny Teams?
Good news—you don’t have to be a big company to get covered.
- Sole proprietors and freelancers can still sign up individually (though rates are usually better in a group).
- Once you have three employees enrolled, it counts as a group plan with lower rates and more options.
- Family plans are flexible—employee only, employee + kids, employee + spouse, or full family. And here’s a fun perk: the cost is the same whether you have one kid or five.
So even if you’re just starting out, supplemental benefits can grow with your business.
Medicare Made (a Little More) Simple
Deb doesn’t just handle Aflac—she also helps people navigate Medicare. If you’ve ever turned 65 (or watched a parent turn 65), you know the amount of confusing mail that shows up.
Deb calls her process “Medicare 101.” She breaks down the alphabet soup—Parts A, B, C, D—and does what she calls “Medicare math” to help people compare their group plan to Medicare Advantage or supplements. For some, staying on their employer plan makes sense. For others, Medicare saves money. Either way, her goal is clarity.
And the best part? Meeting with her costs nothing. She’s compensated by the carriers, not the client.
A Quick Q&A
Q: Is supplemental insurance expensive?
A: Not compared to deductibles or lost income. Most payroll deductions are small enough you hardly notice them.
Q: Can my spouse and kids be covered?
A: Yep. Options include individual, employee + kids, employee + spouse, or full family. And it’s the same rate whether you’ve got one child or five.
Q: Do I need to be part of a big company?
A: Not at all. Solopreneurs can enroll, and once three employees participate, it counts as a group plan.
Q: What about PFML—can I cancel disability coverage now?
A: Nope. PFML is helpful, but it’s not comprehensive. Supplemental insurance fills different gaps and coexists with PFML.
Q: Does it cost anything to meet with you?
A: No—whether it’s Aflac or Medicare, the consultation is free.
Tune In and Get Inspired
After chatting with Deb, it’s clear why she’s affectionately called our “BFD” (Best Friend Deb). She’s not just selling policies—she’s educating, cheering you on, and making sure your family and your business are protected.
Benefits can feel overwhelming, but with the right advisor, they don’t have to be. Supplemental coverage gives peace of mind when life doesn’t go according to plan—and that matters for both employees and employers.
Want to learn more? Connect with Deb Krump at Krump Benefit Consulting to explore Aflac and Medicare guidance. And if you’re ready to tell your own benefits story in a way that attracts great employees, you know the Moxie team can help.
Tune in to the full episode of Behind the Brand to hear Deb’s stories, insights, and tips. Share it with a fellow business owner—because benefits don’t have to be boring when Deb’s the one explaining them.
