How does Service 1st Benefits support my business during open enrollment?

We personally manage the entire open enrollment process — from educating employees to handling enrollment forms and answering plan questions. Our goal is to make open enrollment smooth and stress-free for everyone.

Can employees contact you directly for help?

Yes. Employees can reach out to us anytime for questions about claims, coverage, ID cards, or plan details. We act as your team’s benefits partner, not just your broker.

What size businesses do you work with?

We specialize in serving small and medium-sized businesses, typically ranging from 1–200 employees. If you’re growing or planning to expand, we help scale your benefits as your team grows.

Do you handle communication with insurance carriers for us?

Absolutely. We take care of claims issues, employee changes, renewals, and any carrier communication so you don’t have to spend hours on hold.

Do you offer voluntary or supplemental benefits?

Yes. We can provide optional add-ons like disability, accident, or critical illness insurance to enhance your benefits package at little or no cost to the employer.

What types of group benefits do you offer?

We provide comprehensive group health, dental, vision, and life insurance options for small and medium-sized businesses. We help you compare plans, handle enrollment, and manage carrier communication.

What information do you need to provide a quote?

We typically need: Number of employees Basic employee census (age, gender, ZIP code) Current plan (if applicable) Desired benefits or coverage goals We keep the process as simple as possible.

Do you charge fees for your services?

No. Our services — including plan comparison, open enrollment, and year-round support — are provided at no additional cost to your business.

The Hidden Costs of Managing Employee Benefits Without a Broker

Charlie Hopgood
Mar 10
1 min read

Many small businesses try to manage employee benefits internally in an effort to save money. While this approach may seem efficient at first, handling benefits without professional support often leads to hidden costs.

From compliance risks to administrative challenges, managing benefits alone can place a significant burden on business owners and HR teams.

Administrative Time and Complexity

Employee benefits involve far more than selecting a health plan. Ongoing administration includes managing enrollments, communicating with carriers, handling employee questions, and updating payroll deductions.

For many businesses, these responsibilities take hours each week.

Compliance and Regulatory Risks

Employee benefits are subject to numerous regulations including ACA reporting, ERISA compliance, COBRA administration, and HIPAA privacy rules.

Failing to follow these regulations can result in costly penalties.

Missed Opportunities to Reduce Costs without a Broker

Without market comparisons, many employers simply renew existing plans and accept premium increases each year.

Working with a broker allows businesses to compare multiple carriers and explore more cost-effective options.

Employee Support Challenges

Employees often have questions about their benefits during open enrollment or after life events. Providing expert support improves employee satisfaction and ensures they understand their coverage.

Strategic Benefits Planning

Benefits should support recruiting, retention, and financial planning. Professional guidance helps businesses make smarter long-term decisions.