Our Carrier-Side Experience Gives Your Business a Smarter Advantage in Health Plan Strategy
Small and mid-sized businesses are navigating an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. Between rising premiums, shifting employee expectations, and evolving compliance demands, making informed benefits decisions is more challenging—and more critical—than ever.
At TBC Benefits Group, we offer more than just brokerage expertise. Our founder, Barry Cohen, brings over 20 years of hands-on experience from both the brokerage and carrier sides of the health insurance industry. With a background that includes underwriting, product management, and sales leadership roles at Lincoln National (now Lincoln Financial) and Aetna, Barry brings insider knowledge few brokers can match.
This unique perspective helps us guide clients through smarter, more strategic benefits decisions—driven by real data, not guesswork.
Underwriting Insight: Tailored Plan Designs with Precision
What sets TBC Benefits apart is our ability to think like a carrier. We apply underwriting logic to your business before the insurance company does—evaluating employee demographics, claims history, and risk factors.
This proactive analysis allows us to:
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Customize plan designs that fit your workforce and budget
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Identify and address potential cost drivers early
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Recommend wellness programs that reduce claims over time
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Reduce the risk of unexpected rate increases at renewal
Our insight into carrier pricing methodologies means we can build smarter strategies that anticipate underwriting decisions—before they’re made.
Smarter Negotiations: Using Data to Your Advantage
We don’t just "accept" carrier renewals. We challenge them—with facts.
With Barry’s extensive background negotiating on behalf of insurers, we prepare aggressive, data-backed renewal strategies that speak the carrier's language. Our process includes:
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Strategic benchmarking and historical claims analysis
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Alternative plan modeling and contribution strategies
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Early-stage negotiation preparation (not last-minute scrambles)
Because we understand how carriers evaluate risk and profitability, we’re able to drive conversations that lead to better results. Whether it’s renegotiating rates or marketing your plan to new insurers, we know how to get competitive pricing—and how to make your case stick.
Long-Term Strategic Planning: More Than Just Renewals
TBC Benefits Group doesn't just focus on your next renewal—we focus on the next 3–5 years.
We work with clients to:
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Monitor ongoing claims trends and risk indicators
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Benchmark performance against peers in your industry
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Recommend long-term savings strategies (e.g., preventive care, self-funded options)
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Educate employees on how to use benefits more cost-effectively
Our long-term, data-driven approach makes us more than just a broker. We act as an extension of your HR and finance teams—ensuring your benefits strategy evolves with your business and your workforce.
Experience That Delivers Results
With hundreds of plan and pricing negotiations under his belt—on both the carrier and broker sides—Barry Cohen and the TBC Benefits team offer unmatched strategic insight. Our clients benefit from a process rooted in industry knowledge, data analysis, and long-term thinking.
If your business is tired of escalating health plan costs and cookie-cutter broker services, it’s time for a smarter approach.
Connect with TBC Benefits Group
Let’s talk about how our insider experience can help you lower costs and make better benefits decisions—today and over the long haul.