SERVICES

Core Consulting

• Advice and counsel on all aspects of group benefits plan management including strategy, design, financing, delivery and communications

Renewal Negotiations
Annually

• Review of proposed renewal action and subsequent negotiations with the carrier
• Preparation and presentation of comprehensive renewal report, as required
• Calculation of costs of any plan changes as a part of a collective bargaining process or agreement

Financial Analysis
Initially

• Review of competitiveness of current costs, financial/funding arrangements and impending liabilities
• Financial audit of premium calculations, reserve levels, rates and funding arrangements
• Identification and report to management on discrepancies and required funding or accounting changes

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Quarterly

• Audit of quarterly financial results and report to management

Annually

• Audit of annual financial results and report to management
• Assistance in budgeting for next fiscal year

Plan Design Review
Initially

• Identification and collection of relevant material required for analysis of existing plans
• Review of —
  • Overall plan design
  • Adequacy of benefits relative to employee and company needs
  • Duplication and/or overlapping of benefits
  • Contract terms and provisions
  • Administration and claims settlement procedures
  • Compliance with government legislation
  • Tax implications
  • Integration with social benefits
  • Industry-specific benchmarking plans
• Comprehensive report of the current arrangements and recommendations for any changes in plan design and/or financial arrangements, as required
• Plan reviews to ensure continued value

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Provider Search
Every three to five years (or more frequently if required)

• Preparation of specifications (current and proposed plan) and review and sign-off with client
• Submission of specifications (and other relevant data) to the marketplace
• Review all submissions, including identification of deviations from specified contractual provisions
• Negotiations on pricing, funding, and benefit plan coverage and provisions
• Review of general claims administration options and recommendations to client
• Detailed report to management, outlining the results of the survey and recommendations

Plan Implementation
Initially and upon change of carriers

• Assistance with all aspects of a plan transfer from carrier to carrier
• Assistance with plan changes
• Drafts of all letters to insurers and government entities
• Drafts of communication material for employees
• Employee meetings
• Review of contract amendments and employee booklet drafts

Support Services
Ongoing

• Advice and cost calculations on plan changes
• Assistance with difficult claims situations
• Counsel regarding benefits upon termination of employment
• Design and advice on retiree benefits
• Custom designed third party administration
• Periodic newsletters on topical benefit issues
• Information and advice on changes in government legislation and impact on client plan

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