Who Can Deliver the Greatest Value?
To educate and enable employers to clearly and prospectively differentiate between their current and/or alternative benefits brokers or consultants, AIA Benefits Resource Group offers and encourages the use of an analytical methodology adopted from hospital quality assurance efforts. The method is called Structure. Process. Outcome. which allows an employer to define, categorize and measure the quality of a consulting/brokerage firm in the following areas:
Structure: Firm Credentials, Staff and Technology
Typically the easiest (and frequently the only) quality measure assessed. Unfortunately, many firms look very similar in terms of the experience of consultants/brokers and laundry lists of services. Although a review of a firm's Structure is important, only a thorough analysis of Process and Outcome will clearly differentiate top performers from the rest.
Process: How Firm Structure is Deployed and Applied
To truly measure a firm's Process, an in-depth and rigorous analysis is required. This analysis must include targeted interviews with firm staff and a review of standard and custom client deliverables such as proprietary analytical models, benefit plan performance measures, health care utilization and financial reporting, carrier underwriting assessments and employee communications.
Outcome: Actual Results Produced through the Combination of Structure and Process
Although this is obviously the most important quality factor, it is also the most difficult to measure. Presentation of case studies and client testimonials can be helpful, but no one can predict the impact on your specific situation. Only the risk-free AIA/BRG Opportunities Assessment can specifically identify alternative Outcomes for your benefit plan and, at the same time, have you experience the AIA Structure and Process before you decide to engage our firm.
Interested? Contact AIA Benefits Resource Group today to learn more.
