Does Your Benefit Consultant's Size Determine Their Value?

A recent conversation with our client, a mid-sized manufacturing company, highlighted a common assumption: that larger benefit consulting firms automatically deliver better results. Their HR team initially believed that bigger firms would secure preferential carrier rates and provide superior vendor relationships.

The reality proved different. After years with a major consulting firm, they found themselves dealing with frequent staff turnover, missed renewal deadlines, and benefits costs that continued to rise above market averages. Most frustrating was the lack of proactive solutions to address these issues.

When we met, their first question wasn't about our size - it was about results. We shared specific examples of how our approach had helped similar companies reduce their healthcare spending while improving employee satisfaction. For instance, we recently guided a client through implementing a self-funded plan that reduced their annual healthcare costs by 23% while maintaining the same benefit levels.

Our method is straightforward: we focus entirely on employee benefits, carefully select specialized partners, and hold them accountable for results.

This concentrated expertise allows us to spot opportunities that others miss. For example, we recently identified that a client's pharmacy benefit manager was charging spread pricing that added 18% to their prescription costs - an issue their previous consultant had overlooked.

We believe what matters isn't the size of your consulting firm, but rather:

• Direct access to experienced advisors who understand your business

• Regular, detailed reviews of your plan's performance

• Clear recommendations based on data, not just market trends

• A willingness to challenge carriers and vendors when necessary

The HR director who questioned our size? Their company is now entering their third year with us. Their benefits costs have stabilized, employee satisfaction with their health plan has improved, and they spend less time managing their benefits program.

If you're interested in learning how our focused approach could help your company, let's schedule a conversation to review your current benefits strategy.