Why Your Employee Benefits Consultant Matters More Than You Think
I’ve spent more than a decade focused on employee benefits, working as a wholesaler at a group insurance carrier and group MGA, and, for the past six years, as an independent consultant. I may not have seen everything, but I’ve seen enough to understand what employers truly need to make informed, strategic benefits decisions.
In my view, the single most important decision an employer makes in this space is choosing the right consulting firm, which can feel overwhelming. After all, everyone promises the lowest rates and the best service, so how do you decide?
Generally speaking, there are two distinct levels of service and advice available in the market:
- Generalist Advisors
Generalist advisors typically focus on individual insurance & investment planning and may extend group benefits to their business-owner clients as an additional service. While they can facilitate the implementation of a group plan, their service approach is typically reactive, and have basic knowledge of plan design, market options, and pricing. - Consultants Specializing in Employee Benefits
At minimum, it’s essential to partner with a firm where employee benefits represent the core of their business (look for “benefits” in their company name). These firms are better positioned to keep you informed about industry trends, ensure plan compliance, and navigate the complexities of the employee benefits landscape with confidence.
At Benefits Consulting Plus, we take it a step further. We have made strategic investments in our team specifically designed to meet the employee benefits needs of SMB’s. We do not outsource our administrative services so that we have more control over the outcomes for our clients. Here’s how our team can help:
For Your Business
- Renewal negotiation
- Plan design strategies
- Mid-year claims updates
- Plan administrator training
- Onboarding & terminations
- Calculating payroll deductions
- Templates (day-to-day administration)
For Your Employees
- Education (employee education sessions)
- Custom communication (ongoing communication throughout the year)
- Escalated claim issues
As a business owner or HR leader, I challenge you to think about the services and advice that you're currently receiving.
Think we can help? Let’s start the conversation.
