Purchasing insurance for a company's employees can be a difficult process, and it doesn't usually help to deal directly with representatives of an insurance carrier. It is often a much better option to work with an experienced benefits consultant instead.
Group insurance carrier reps will give a great deal of advice about the right insurance options for a company. They may offer wellness programs and seminars as well as plan design changes that may seem varied and appealing However, it is crucial to realize that these individuals are only working for one company. As a result, the only options that they can offer are the ones that have been approved by the management of their employers.
The best insurance plans and benefit strategies can only come from experienced, unbiased employee benefit consultants that have experience dealing with multiple carriers. Individual carriers in many instances are trying to sell their own products rather than always making the best product recommendations for a company. They may have limited benefit experience or been directed by management to promote specific products. When they abruptly adjust or reduce renewal premiums, it is often in response to a competing carrier's effort to replace their business.
Conversely, employee benefit consultants are beholden to no single carrier and can make much more discerning decisions about how a company should organize its employee health and welfare benefits.