Group Employee Benefits Services

The continuing escalation in health care costs makes a well-designed Employee Benefits Program essential to your company's financial security. We specialize in designing programs to fit your needs and budget as well as servicing your company’s needs throughout the policy year.

Sample of Carriers We Represent Aetna AmeriHealth Cigna Delta Dental Guardian Hartford Horizon BC/BS of NJ Independence Blue Cross MetLife Oxford Health Plans United Healthcare Unum GE Capital

THOROUGH ANALYSIS
Carleton Insurance Agency will perform a complete and thorough initial analysis of your company’s group Employee Benefit Programs, including:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Vision
• Dental
• Life
• LTD
• Section 125

STRATEGIC PLANNING
By reviewing your benefits objectives, constraints, and contribution levels, Carleton Insurance Agency can identify and schedule long-term benefit strategies and contribution methodologies to help control cost over the long term. The benefits of strategic planning include fewer carrier changes, fewer benefit design changes, and consistent contribution plans.

ANNUAL NEGOTIATIONS
We will annually market all lines of coverage and negotiate with the appropriate carriers for the lowest possible cost. We then analyze the competitive quotes, and re-negotiate with the desired carriers. The Plan Design Review, Network Analysis, Open Enrollment Coordination, and Annual Benefits Report are handled entirely by our team of professionals.

CLAIMS EXPERIENCE REVIEW
On a quarterly basis, Carleton Insurance Agency will meet with your company and review the claims experience from the prior quarter (if applicable) in order to strategically plan for the renewal. Such preparation will eliminate potential surprises.

LEGAL COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE
A team of benefit experts conduct procedural audits and assist in the implementation of corrective actions in order to reduce, and in some cases, eliminate significant liability associated with COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, Section 125, and Section 105-Medical Expense Reimbursement (MERP) Plans.

EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION
Employees attach only 30% of the actual value to the cost of most benefit programs. A good communications program will raise the employee’s perception of value to over 70% of actual cost and boost morale, which helps retention in a tight labor market. One of the NEW services offered to our group clients is the creation of personalized Employee Benefit Statements. In addition, our employee “Quick Tips” trouble-shooting guide helps reduce frustration with carriers.

CLIENT SERVICES TEAM
The resolution of claims, billing, enrollment, and general service issues is the sole purpose of this team. A dedicated internal service representative, will support you, your entire HR Department and your employees. The team averages over 15 years of member services experience and utilizes a state-of-the-art tracking system to ensure your satisfaction. Having a personal service representative assigned to your company is essential to Human Resources because:

• The service team reduces valuable HR time spent handling repetitive service issues.
• They reduce resolution time because of their dedication to resolving outstanding issues.
• Tracking software generates reports detailing service issues and areas of possible concern.

5500 PREPARATION ASSISTANCE
A plan document is required for Pre-Tax employee contributions. Having an approved plan document ensures that health contributions qualify for favorable tax treatment. Carleton Insurance Agency provides assistance for our clients at no cost. An annual 5500 must be prepared within 7 months after the end of each plan year for a Section 125 plan.

VOLUNTARY PRODUCTS
The fastest growing segment of employee benefits is voluntary products; that is, benefits paid 100% by employees via payroll deduction. Many employees hired are accustomed to having access to voluntary benefits from former employers. They appreciate such coverage.

With low unemployment making recruiting a challenge for all employers, we want your company to have every advantage in the hiring process. Carleton Insurance Agency works with many carriers to secure the most cost-effective, broad coverages for employees.

COBRA ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Based on typical client’s objectives for COBRA administration, outsourcing these services can guarantee compliance regarding COBRA and HIPAA regulations, reduce the amount of time necessary to administer COBRA and HIPAA, and allow the HR department to better utilize its time. Carleton Insurance Agency will provide competitive proposals while offering reduced rates for our group clients.

HRAs, HSAs, MSAs, FSAs and Section 105 - MERP Plans
Carleton Insurance Agency will provide education and information on these programs, thus allowing our clients to determine whether they would benefit from these “Wave of the Future” creative strategies for controlling employee benefits costs in the future.

We are committed to a high standard of excellence in all that we do and establish a firm relationship of mutual trust and service with each of our clients.