Every day in the benefits world holds something new and exciting. Whether it’s advancements in voluntary benefits or simply helping a client discover their full plan potential, we love what we do. But as with any industry, there are some elements we encounter on more than one occasion. In fact, we frequently hear the same thing from our prospective clients.
“I’ve been with my agent for years, and they do a good job.”
Unfortunately, we often find that, after several questions, those agents or brokers aren’t actually doing a good job, and the client had no idea. This lack of knowledge isn’t due to any failing on the client’s end. You simply don’t know what you don’t know.
So, if you are questioning how good your agent or broker is, we’ve put together a few questions to ask yourself.
How often do you meet with your agent?
If the answer to this question is once a year at renewal, something is wrong. Your broker should be guiding you through the world of benefits, and that means more than a once-a-year meeting.
Does your current agent conduct the annual enrollment informational meeting?
The answer to this question should always be yes. Benefits can be confusing and overwhelming. An informational meeting is necessary to fully grasp what is being offered to your employees.
Does your current agent provide assistance to you during open enrollment other than the informational meetings?
Many of our potential clients answer no to this question, too. Your benefits partner should be helping you with every step of enrollment, not just giving you the basic information.
What types of technology do your current agent provide to help you with open enrollment product selection and education?
The world of benefits has advanced so much over the last decade. The amazing technology available now not only makes the enrollment process easier, but also allows employees to educate themselves at their own pace and fully understand the benefits offered.
Does your current agent provide assistance with Plan sponsor compliance?
Any well designed Health & Welfare plan has its foundation in compliance, which can be a tricky thing for those not versed in that area. Maintaining compliance and helping with routine benefits problems is a key part of a good benefits partner. If you aren’t receiving help in these areas, it’s time to rethink your broker relationship.
Ready to take a step in a better direction? We’re here to help take the complexity out of your benefits decision! Contact us to learn more about the services we provide and how we can help you create a great benefits program for your employees.
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