As with all facets of life, technology can, when properly applied, provide tremendous value, but having access to the proper technology, understanding how to use it, having it available on a cost effective basis, and being able to determine when the technological solution is not right for the client, these require the expertise that comes from being among the early workers in the web-based technology field along with the clout that comes from national purchasing power to drive down the cost of such technology.

Whether or not possible technological solutions are a right fit for a particular employer will often require an analysis of the employer’s existing programs, size, industry, funding methodology, sophistication, geographical spread, etc. Here are sample technologies and solutions available for the right situation:

benefitsCONNECT

It is estimated that over $50 billion is spent annually on duplicative paper processes in the administration of group insurance products.

United Benefit Advisors’ (UBA) unique partnership with benefitsCONNECT offers a web-based employee benefits enrollment and management system, which can reduce administrative time and costs.

Online enrollment, management system offers multiple efficiencies

benefitsCONNECT streamlines enrollment processes, enhances benefits management, and improves information sharing among employees, employers, and insurance providers.

How does benefitsCONNECT streamline the enrollment process?

• Enables efficient data sharing and transferring of benefits information to any third party who can accept
  electronic files
• Produces enrollment forms populated with information entered online by the employees for vendors who
  require forms
• Produces online employee benefit statements
• Allows documents, such as SPDs or benefit overviews, to be uploaded for employees to access any time

Includes a modeling component to calculate benefit costs during the enrollment process

How does benefitsCONNECT enhance benefits management?

• Leverages the use of information collected for management reporting purposes.
• Information can be downloaded into Microsoft Excel or Access to further customize reports
• Integrates benefit election data with existing internal systems, such as payroll, HRIS, and other corporate accounting and management systems
• Produces vendor billing information
• Maintains a chronological transaction log vital to the integrity and accountability of any benefits
  administration system
• Increases accuracy and efficiency by collecting all required employee information the first time.

AnswerSource Knowledge Center

AnswerSource, from Enwisen, is the large employer’s premier tool for explaining employee benefit programs on the Web through an extraordinarily thorough analysis of the existing benefit plans and then explained in a standardized but deep fashion, with the ability to connect to existing HRIS or HRMS programs, such as PeopleSoft/Oracle, Lawson, etc., as well as any of the major online enrollment programs. Features include a customized Life Events program, onboarding, benefits tours, cost estimators (especially helpful for employees new to Consumer Directed Health Plans such as HRAs and HSAs), etc.

Note: The depth and sophistication of the AnswerSource product generally makes it appropriate only for mid-market to Fortune 1000 employers. That high-powered program is not to be confused with the generally small employer products offered by ADAM/OnlineBenefits (Benergy) and Zywave.

For smaller firms, we offer the PlanSource BrokerSource solution or the proprietary Employee Benefits Center product from UBA.