Brokerage & annual plan management services


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Brokerage & annual plan management services

Every employer needs some degree of help managing their benefit programs. Some employers are so resource constrained that they need help with every aspect. Mercer can provide point solutions and full-service solutions. Our plan management and benefits administration solutions are based on established best practices, yet we have the flexibility to configure our solutions to meet clients’ unique needs.

Annual planning: How do you make sure that everything is done on time? The starting point for Mercer’s relationship with our clients is an agreement on objectives, a work plan and an annual calendar for all aspects of program management. The calendar represents our formal commitment to what we need to get done. Yes, ad hoc issues always arise. But, we need to agree on what will be done and when.

Benchmarking: How do your plans and costs compare to your competitors and the market? This question will always be asked and you need the best answer. Mercer’s research group provides access to the largest and most statistically valid database for employers of all sizes. Data can be cut by location, size, industry or select questions to get the answers you need. Further, we continually conduct ad hoc surveys on the hottest issues facing the benefits community.

Design & pricing: How can you manage your plan’s cost and trend? With health costs continually exceeding general inflation and wages, employers need to respond to financial challenges and bring plan cost in line with what’s affordable for them and their employees. Modeling tools and data analysis are essential to help you efficiently look at the impact of adjusting design and contribution amounts.

Marketing & renewals: Do you have the best vendors? Employers need an efficient approach to finding the best vendors, implementing their programs and renewing coverage. What’s different about Mercer is our commitment to disclosure about how this process works and what we are paid. Also, we were the industry leader in implementing an electronic platform to improve overall efficiency and ensure an auditable approach to disclosing terms and agreements.

Administration: How can you simplify enrollment, billing and eligibility reporting? Mercer provides tailored solutions for highly complex program administration through our outsourcing business and we meet the needs of less complex programs through Mercer Single Source 1^TM. Our Single Source 1 offering has a full range of services and solutions including enrollment, reporting, billing, and benefit advocacy. We know that accurate and timely enrollment and eligibility reporting to carriers is key to ensuring that claims are paid accurately. We also help you provide specialized benefit administration services such as voluntary benefits and executive benefits.

Compliance: Are your plans and processes meeting state and federal requirements? Benefits are highly regulated on the federal and state levels, and it appears that the regulations will only become more complex. Our attorneys, complemented by our Washington Resource Group, are dedicated to keeping you informed about regulatory changes and new legislation, reviewing your plan documents, bringing your programs into compliance, and filing necessary forms. Learn more at Mercer Select.

Communication: How can you improve employees’ knowledge, use and appreciation of your programs? The challenge of getting employees to value the significant investment their employers make on benefit programs has never been higher. Employers are asking employees to get more engaged in reducing their risks, choosing the best providers, participating in care management programs, and managing their current and post-retirement benefit decisions. Mercer provides a full range of assistance from highly customized to standardized programs that can be easily adapted by any employer.

Vendor performance evaluation & audit: How can you manage the risk of vendors not meeting your performance expectations? Increasingly employers are asking for a sound corporate risk management program that includes how vendors perform on key metrics including financial and claim processing, eligibility management, customer service and compliance responsibilities. Mercer’s attorneys and audit teams help you establish the safeguards needed to ensure performance expectations are met. For many employers, a well defined, proactive audit schedule further ensures that risks are mitigated.

DC advisor services: What are the best options for introducing a defined contribution program? Mercer’s DC Advisor service helps employers understand the landscape of DC approaches, vendors, and success measures. We gain a thorough understanding of your workforce, objectives, and financial commitment as elements for program design. Our deep knowledge of the vendor market is key to helping you select the best vendor and manage that vendor’s performance prior to and following implementation.