The best alternatives need weeks, and the deadline does not wait.
Taking a group to market takes time: the census, the claims, the plan design and the carriers’ underwriting. A late start leaves only the incumbent’s offer on the table.
The calendar sets the choices.
What Is Actually True
Carriers need the census and plan details to quote, and some need claims data. Underwriting takes time and carriers close their books on effective dates.
Starting late limits both the number of carriers that can respond and how much they can offer.
What We Do About It
We work back from your renewal date to set the dates for data gathering, quote requests and decision.
We tell you which years are worth marketing, because a test with no real chance of beating the renewal costs goodwill for nothing.
From a late scramble to a calendar.
What We Need
The renewal date and the data we need to start.
What We Do
We set the timeline and request the quotes.
What You Get
A calendar and a comparison when the quotes return.
Questions on this topic.
Short answers for agency owners.
How far ahead should we start?
Well before the renewal deadline, so every option is still open. We tell you the dates once we know your effective date.
What if we start late?
We still do what is possible, but fewer carriers can respond. We say so up front.
Does marketing the plan hurt our carrier relationship?
It can if done without a real chance of savings, which is why we advise on which years to market.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm the rules that apply to your agency with your attorney or tax advisor.
Send us your renewal.
We’ll tell you whether it looks competitive, where we see opportunity, and the five questions we’d put to your carrier. No cost, and no obligation to move anything.
The renewal letter
Your current plan summary
Contribution split by tier
Enrolled counts by tier
Four documents, two more if your group is 50 or more. Nothing else; every extra one is a reason to postpone.
An independent employee benefits consulting firm. We look at the entire benefits program — cost, plan performance, risk and administration.
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