Master Your Renewal with This Strategic Health Plan Checklist
At TBC Benefits Group, we believe that your employee benefits renewal isn’t just a deadline—it’s a strategic opportunity to manage cost, improve plan design, and align your benefits with company goals.
With decades of experience inside the health insurance industry, our team—led by former carrier executive Barry Cohen—knows how underwriting really works. We use that insider insight to guide employers through a disciplined, data-driven process that leads to smarter decisions and stronger outcomes.
Below is our 7-step group health plan renewal checklist—designed to help HR teams, CFOs, and business owners prepare with confidence and make the most of their renewal cycle.
1. Analyze Claims & Utilization Data
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12–24 months of medical and pharmacy claims experience
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Loss ratio review (premiums paid vs. claims incurred)
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Identify large claimants and chronic conditions
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Review pharmacy trends, including specialty drug costs
TBC Insight: We normalize claims data and remove anomalies to avoid unjustified rate hikes—helping carriers see your group’s true risk profile.
2. Review Group Demographics
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Updated employee census (age, gender, ZIP, coverage level)
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Changes in workforce: retirements, remote work, new hires
TBC Insight: We apply carrier-based demographic modeling to account for workforce shifts, leading to more accurate and fair renewal rates.
3. Evaluate Plan Design & Utilization Shifts
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Changes to deductibles, copays, or coinsurance
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Network modifications (e.g., tiered or narrow networks)
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Wellness or disease management program rollouts
TBC Insight: We quantify the impact of plan design changes in underwriting terms—turning improvements into leverage for lower renewal trends.
4. Measure Participation & Eligibility Compliance
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Year-over-year participation rate trends
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Shifts in voluntary vs. employer-paid contributions
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Changes in eligibility policies
TBC Insight: We help ensure compliance with carrier participation thresholds while optimizing tier strategy and cost-sharing effectiveness.
5. Consider Business & Industry Factors
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Projected headcount changes
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Structural changes: acquisitions, new locations, etc.
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Compare your plan to industry benchmarks
TBC Insight: Using real-time carrier benchmarks, we make sure your group is rated competitively within your industry and geographic region.
6. Stay Ahead of Market & Regulatory Trends
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ACA, state mandates, or compliance updates
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General medical trend forecast (typically 6–9%)
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Carrier rate patterns across similar group profiles
TBC Insight: Our team brings early access to market insights and pricing trends—anticipating how underwriters will view your group.
7. Optimize Employer/Employee Contribution Strategy
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Current employer contributions by tier
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Contribution methods: flat vs. percentage-based
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Participation patterns by plan type (PPO vs. HSA)
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ACA affordability compliance
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Strategy to shift migration or balance cost
TBC Insight: We model how different contribution strategies affect enrollment, cost, and plan selection—then help align your approach with business objectives.
Ready to Make Your Renewal Work Smarter?
TBC Benefits doesn't just run quotes—we bring decades of underwriting experience, data-backed insights, and personalized strategy to help you take control of your renewal. Whether you're trying to contain rising costs, redesign your plans, or improve employee experience, our method puts you in a stronger negotiating position—and sets the stage for better long-term results.
Contact us today to schedule a strategy session before your next renewal.