For N. American employers, the options for group medical plans change dramatically depending on your employee count. Given that group plans are generally better than individual policies, most employers want to arrange plans for employees, even if employees pay for most of the cost. However, to attract quality employees, competitive plans often need to be designed just right, and continuously managed.
How do you know if what you offer is under, over, or at market levels, and how can you crack the high cost of healthcare?
Expertise
We focus on cost, compliance & competitiveness of benefit plans - with independent analysis & ongoing guidance.
Often employers will hire us for a fresh perspective and expert analysis. Sometimes we are hired to strengthen a company’s financial position pre-IPO. For our due diligence work for Private Equity M&A deals or for mid-sized firms making acquisitions, our accelerated cost and liabilities assessment is critical for the Buyer in negotiating the purchase price. Our expertise includes all strategies related to healthcare plans (Medical, Rx, Dental, Vision), retirement plans (401k, 403b, DB, NQDC), and group insurance (Life, Disability (STD/LTD), Flex (FSA/DCA/Commuter/HRA/HSA), Voluntary, and other ancillary programs.
Technology
We provide enrollment tools, compliance services, and benefits management.
We provide ACA and COBRA tools, but also prepare the required 5500 filings. The required Wrap Plan Documents and SPDs, along with an employee benefits handbook can also be provided. Compliance and administration go hand-in-hand so advisory services, HRIS reviews, and payroll tools are available. Of special interest to many employers is our online enrollment service.
Service Team & Individualized Support
We Offer Advocacy, Education & Call Center Services
Locally we always include over a dozen specialists to assist our clients. Nationally, and in Canada, we have over 100 team members available as needed. For employees, we have independent advocates that are HIPPA compliant specialists to help employees and their families resolve claim issues and deal with managing their benefit plans. To help with educating and informing employees, benefit statements may be provided. As appropriate, surveys and other engagement strategies may also be developed for clients.
Multi-Year Strategies
We help control costs and promote employee Physical & Financial Wellbeing.
We provide group and one-on-one employee meetings and help each employee personally. Our focus is not only on their understanding and appreciating the group benefits package, but also helping them and their families improve their health and financial decisions. The end goal is not just a reduction in healthcare costs, but more productive, less absent, less stressed, and happier employees.
Special Projects
We assist in M&A activity, International Needs, or pre-IPO reviews
With dozens of benefits due diligence projects completed, we have had a significant impact on Private Equity firms’ negotiating tools as well as the ongoing impact on their portfolio companies. We also have a close partnership with a benefits advisory firm in Toronto Canada as well as access to an international network of insurance brokers and advisors.