As a member of the Benefits Alliance Group we have access to a proprietary database of over 6,000 group benefit clients of all sizes, representing many industries and geographic areas of Canada to assist in the benchmarking exercises that help us provide relevant and valued information to our clients.

Market surveys are an effective means to determine the competitiveness of a benefit program’s pricing structure and cost. The days of going to market to simply get “a better price” are gone and create more disruption and added costs to any program. However, a properly executed marketing strategy can achieve certain goals including long term savings. CFS uses a well-established marketing process where a number of factors are measured to achieve the best value at a sustainable price.

No employer should ever be surprised at renewal that rates are going up or down. All clients receive a quarterly claims experience report with commentary allowing them to understand any possible outcomes as the program approaches the annual renewal date. These reports allow for discussion as well as assist the clients in making timely and informed decisions regarding cost management of their programs.

Group benefit plan funding alternatives (refund, non-refund, administrative services only) Employers willing to take some risk to gain rewards when it comes to the cost of their benefit program may want to look at a Refund or ASO method of funding the program.  If claims are stable and the employer is not concerned about possible spikes in costs that may disrupt cash flow, these are viable alternatives.  However careful analysis must be carried out before such a decision is made. These alternate funding methods are usually used by “larger” employers however they are becoming more popular with “smaller” employers willing to take on some risk in order to save some money.  CFS can provide the appropriate analysis to help employers determine which alternative funding method best suits their needs.

CFS carefully reviews each policy or booklet issued to ensure they are correct. While this seems a logical step that should be completed, we find it is not always the case and only when there is a problem with a claim is an error discovered creating stress and extra work to correct.

CFS keeps all clients informed and updated on any tax or legislative items governments may be thinking of imposing or changing.

One of the most important services we provide clients is the expert analysis and process we conduct each year as our client benefit programs renew. The complexity of the renewal process is such that a small unjustified adjustment to just one factor can have a significant effect on the overall required renewal. This is compounded further if the adjustment is not corrected and is allowed to continue at each renewal. We strive to achieve the correct pricing for clients that will provide long term cost sustainability of their program. We do this by analyzing each component or factor affecting the renewal and ensuring that it can be verified and is justified.

Providing advice is not the only way we help clients. Once a decision is made on moving forward with a specific program whether it is a new program or a change to an existing one, we are there to manage the implementation process to ensure a seamless and stress free experience. We do this by co-ordinating and facilitating meetings with the insurer to complete any required paper work and employee meetings where new plan features or changes can be communicated.

Employee meetings are an effective way to communicate program details to ensure that members truly understand and value the program being provided. This can be especially true in the case of a Flexible Benefits program.