What is Involved in Choosing a Carrier?

Healthcare is a regional commodity.  An extensive knowledge of available provider networks and their associated discounts is imperative when trying to manage claims cost.  There are different types of discounts such as “percentage of savings”, DRG (Diagnostic Related Groups) and “per diem”.  The net savings offered by each can vary greatly.

Provider discounts also vary significantly by region.  A carrier with superior discounts in a metropolitan area may have moderate or poor discounts in other parts of Texas and New Mexico.  Because of our long history and status as one of the largest producers in West Texas, we have worked with a number of large, multi-location, self-funded employers.  We therefore have compiled statistical data allowing us to recommend carriers with the highest discounts, depending upon the client’s concentration of employees.

You’ve Selected a Carrier; Now What?

As broker-consultants, we work with our clients to customize their health plans to maximize cost efficiency.  We work as an extension of their Human Resource department to communicate plan design and enroll employees in their benefits.  In addition, we meet routinely with the client to ensure the plan is meeting their needs, and to review the year-to-date claims experience.  In doing so, we allow the client to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to their renewal
Considerations in Selecting a Broker

  • Knowledge of provider networks and corresponding discounts
  • Experience, quality, and depth of support personnel
  • Leverage in the marketplace
  • Relationship with carriers
  • Scope of services provided
  • Value added HR tools and seminars


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    Insurance Associates' use of UBA tools such as the online Employee Benefit Center and Hidden Paychecks has enabled us to communicate the scope and value of our benefits package to our employees in multiple locations. In addition, their staff has offered valuable consultation to our insurance committee resulting in significant cost savings to our health plan over the last three years.
    -- Ron Appling
    Wayland Baptist University
     
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    Insurance Associates
    4902 Lakeridge Drive
    Lubbock, Texas 79424

    806.765.7264 [Office]
    866.765.7264 [Free]
    806.765.8216 [Fax]

    info@iabenefits.com

     
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