Streamlining Benefits Enrollment Process and Containing Healthcare Costs

The Zemar Podcast

In this episode, Butch Zemar explores the importance of leveraging technology and implementing cost-containment strategies in the healthcare industry, particularly for middle-market companies. He emphasizes the need to embrace automation in benefits enrollment, ensure accuracy, and prioritize HR and benefits compliance. Here's a breakdown of the discussion:

Introduction:

• Butch Zemar underscores the significance of embracing technology and automation to streamline the benefits enrollment process for small and mid-sized companies.
• He highlights the challenges associated with paper-based enrollment and the benefits of transitioning to technology-driven solutions.

Embracing Technology in Enrollment:

• Zemar discusses the importance of utilizing technology and automation tools to manage employee benefits and streamline the enrollment process.
• He emphasizes the efficiency gains and accuracy improvements achieved through technology adoption.

Employer-Sponsored Healthcare:

• Highlights inconsistencies in company culture and processes that hinder successful initiatives, despite efforts to change through consultants.
• We stress the importance of accuracy in benefit enrollments and the increasing demand for HR and broker assistance in the process.

Auditing Insurance Invoices:

• Employers should regularly audit insurance invoices for accuracy, especially for products like dental, vision, and short-term disability.
• Leveraging technology to streamline the audit process and avoid overcharges or undercharges will reduce man hours and stress.

Streamlining HR and Benefits Compliance:

• Designating a main contact person for benefit packages within a company is crucial for efficiency.
• Zemar recommends outsourcing tasks to third-party administrators or HR outsourcing firms to streamline compliance efforts and minimize legal risks.

Action Items:

• Expand Lead Benefits team to accommodate growth opportunities.
• Consider adjusting benefit plan renewal cycles to alleviate burdens during peak periods.
• Conduct periodic audits of benefit invoices to identify discrepancies and potential savings.
• Prioritize HR and benefits compliance to avoid legal fees and penalties.

In conclusion, this episode underscores the importance of embracing technology, ensuring accuracy in benefits enrollment, containing healthcare costs, and prioritizing HR and benefits compliance for organizational success.

For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.