Open Enrollment

Ninety days before your plan year ends is when open enrollment prep should start — not 30. Here's exactly what to do at each stage so nothing gets rushed. We've written before about the mistakes that come from starting late. This is the checklist that prevents them. 90 days out: Review and shop Pull your current plan's claims experience and utilization from your broker or carrier Re-shop the market — even if you like your current carrier, you need a real comparison to negotia

Open enrollment season exposes the same problems every year for small employers around Oklahoma City and Norman. If any of these sound familiar, it's worth fixing before your next renewal — not during it. Mistake #1: Starting the Renewal Conversation Too Late Waiting until 30 days before renewal to review options leaves no time to shop the market, negotiate with your current carrier, or make a plan change without scrambling. Fix: Your broker should be reviewing your renewal 9

Open enrollment only comes once a year — but the preparation should start well before your renewal date. Miss a step and you're scrambling. Do it right and your employees walk away with coverage they actually understand. Here's the checklist we use with our clients at Service 1st Benefits. 60–90 Days Before Renewal ☐ Request renewal rates from your broker Your carrier should send renewal rates 60–90 days before your plan anniversary. If you haven't received them, ask. Waiting

Most small business owners approach their group health insurance renewal the same way: they wait until the paperwork arrives, review the new rate, wince at the increase, and ask their broker if anything can be done about it. By that point, the answer is usually "not much." The businesses that manage their benefits costs most effectively don't wait for the renewal to show up. They start preparing 90 days in advance — and that preparation is what gives them options. This guide

A good employee benefits broker should do far more than just send renewal numbers once a year. Unfortunately, many businesses rarely hear from their broker unless it’s renewal season. If your broker is reactive instead of proactive, your company could be overpaying for benefits while receiving very little support. Here are five signs your benefits broker may not be doing enough for your business. 1. You Only Hear From Them at Renewal Your broker should provide year-round supp