Benefits Consultants

Guide to Benefits Consultants

Benefits consultants: who's who and how to integrate into your business model
By Colleen Loew

Benefits consultants are popular in many business sectors to minimize confusion and to select the best plans for implementation within an organization. Benefits consulting is offered in several forms, including 1-on-1 consulting services or group discussions. There are many benefits consulting firms that offer benefits guidance and recommendations regarding the best benefit packages for your firm.

Employee benefits consultants offer expertise and considerable knowledge regarding a variety of benefits packages for large and small organizations. Businesses often take advantage of these offerings through ongoing employee benefits consulting seminars at the employer's locale. Consider employee benefits consultants as helpful advisers and financial planners regarding current and future benefits offerings for the following reasons:

1. Benefits consulting firms are a popular choice for both new and established organizations.
2. Employee benefits consulting is a feasible alternative for organizations seeking to consolidate their benefit packages.
3. Benefits consulting services recommend a variety of benefits service providers, such as Aetna, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and United Health Care.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select benefits consultants that support a wide variety of benefits services Many employee benefits advisers focus on medical, dental, and vision insurance for organizations. However, it is strongly recommended that businesses seek additional alternatives to incorporate into their benefit plans, such as 401(k) services and other ancillary practices.

I recommend:  Diversified Benefit Services provides medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) consulting and administrative offerings. Marsh Consulting Group offers a financial analysis of benefit costs to improve an organization's bottom line.

Select benefits consulting firms with extensive experience in your field Educational institutions often require different benefits plans than typical for-profit organizations, and vice versa. Select benefits consulting companies with a high level of knowledge and experience in your field to identify the most cost-effective solutions for your organization.

I recommend:  Benefit Brokers & Consultants, Inc. offers a wide range of benefits consulting services for school districts and other educational providers. Ward Services is in the business of matching benefits plans to the employers that require them on an individualized basis for cost effectiveness and retention.

Choose employee benefits consultants with expertise that extends beyond benefits programs Health and benefits consultants that also offer a wide range of human resource solutions are a popular choice for organizations seeking extensive changes from their current practices, such as wellness initiatives.

I recommend:  ArlenGroup offers Worksite Wellness Seminars as part of a comprehensive benefit package. Astron Solutions provides comprehensive human resource tools to promote effective human resource management, including benefits.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Seek corporate benefit consultants that are experts in their fields. Local organizations are often more aware of the limitations of the surrounding economic environment, so they are generally available to offer highly specific consulting services for your benefit needs.