Employers have a lot of choices when it comes to buying group health insurance, including going directly to a carrier (or one of its agents), buying online, or going through a broker. Direct-to-carrier paths make it more difficult to shop the market across product lines, and buying online can leave the employer responsible for navigating “representative” quotes, difficult terminology, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) compliance and ongoing service issues. Good brokers, on the other hand, have the market, compliance, and product knowledge to help employers save money and appropriately manage risk. They will typically offer hands-on experience, free top tools and resources, and a one-stop shop for programs and services. United Benefit Advisors (UBA) is a partnership of the country’s leading independent brokers, a unique model that offers the “Wall Street” savings, resources, and efficiencies of a large centralized company along with the “Main Street” personalized service and entrepreneurial spirit of a local business. In fact, that’s why we like to call UBA Partners “advisors,” not “brokers.” There are many questions you should ask before hiring an advisor, but first and foremost, benefit advisors should have the heart of a teacher in order to effectively guide you through the complex maze of regulations, legalities, coverages, plans, and options.
