Summaryof Services

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

IPG provides comprehensive services to deliver the best results for our clients.

IPG helps employers develop and administer the full spectrum of employee benefit services.

Develop agenda for employee meeting(s).
Create all critical employee communications, including enrollment information, explanation of benefits, videos, etc.
Coordinate vendor (carrier) presentations.
Participate in all benefits-related employee meetings.
Consult with employer on "Total Compensation" approach to benefits communications.
Create a newsletter to publicize the value of the employer's plan to employees.
Conduct Employee Opinion Survey and compile summary report of results to Senior Management.

Assist organizations wanting to send their administrative burden to an Application Service Provider (ASP) or outsourcer.
Educate the client about possible solutions.
Assist in developing current and long-term strategies.
Assist in the decision and selection process of vendors by utilizing our National Database developed from our proprietary and national Request for Information.
Develop client-specific Request for Proposal.
Provide comparison of Request for Proposal responses.
Provide assistance throughout the implementation process.

Perform a complete assessment of current employee benefit plans.
Produce a report outlining available communication vehicles and available products, recommend an employee communication strategy, and project enrollment levels.
Perform an extensive marketing effort on recommended products.
Provide customized delivery strategy based on client demographics, geography, and technological capabilities.

Assist employer in resolving claim problems between employees and carriers.
Assist employer in resolving administrative issues, billing discrepancies, contract interpretation, etc.
Provide timely guidance on legislation affecting benefit plans.
Assist with the research of legal questions posed by employer.
Develop written service schedule and meet with employer representatives on a predetermined basis at least once every other month.
Request renewal at least 120 days prior to anniversary.
Respond as requested by employer on all issues pertinent to benefit plans.

Project expected and maximum claims on an annual basis.
Produce monthly experience reports, plotting actual claims against expected/maximum claims.
Research large claims and significant variances.
Monitor status of reinsurance reimbursement.
Prepare mid-year and annual experience reviews and projections.

Write Request for Proposal (RFP) and distribute to carriers.
Respond to carrier questions during selection process.
Monitor process to ensure quotes are received by due date.
Review each proposal and compare and clarify significant elements for client management.
Prepare report comparing and contrasting all viable alternatives in terms of fixed costs, claims costs, benefits, networks, performance guarantees, and any mid-year caps and guarantees.
Follow up (if necessary) with parties involved to refine proposals or accumulate additional data.
Develop/deliver final report to client management.
Take lead in implementing changes by coordinating all tasks between employer and carrier for successful transition.

Review provider including evaluation of service, compliance, and communications.
Develop a long-term strategic plan.
Prepare detailed request for proposal and evaluate provider responses based on objectives identified in the strategic plan.
Create investment policy statements.
Perform benchmarking based on investment performance.
Provide legislative updates and oversee compliance activities.

Obtain renewal from carrier(s) at least 120 days prior to anniversary.
Verify all calculations are accurate with special attention to trend, paid claims, pooled claims, enrollment figures, and basic math.
Prepare IPG projection and compare to proposed renewal.
Negotiate variance between IPG projection and carrier renewal with the carrier.
Prepare renewal report and deliver to client management with recommendations.
Conduct further negotiations (if necessary) with carriers on behalf of client.
Present results of plan marketing (if required) to client management 60 days prior to anniversary.

Review funding options, including evaluations of the effects of managed care measures on financial results.
Evaluate component approach to plan design and purchase of services, including complete review of self-funding and administrator/TPA selection.
Review options for employer/associate cost sharing, including industry or local market evaluation of competitors' programs.
Consult on issues involved in employer evaluation of a shift from defined benefit welfare programs to a defined contribution approach including HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs.