Group retiree healthcare is complex, and for many brokers and consultants, it’s just one part of a broader book of business. It’s renewal season for your group clients, and there’s a lot happening in the marketplace. Multiple forces are in play within Medicare Advantage that could lead to rate actions, along with increased attention on network changes. As you’ve likely seen, there have been instances of provider disruption with specific carriers, adding another layer of complexity as plan sponsors evaluate their options. We specialize in supporting brokers and consultants help solve these challenges as we keep pace with changing regulations and understand the intricacies of the Group Medicare market.
At LaborFirst, we work on more than 1,000 proposals and renewals each year, giving us deep visibility into pricing trends, plan design considerations, and evolving market dynamics. In close partnership with brokers and consultants, we help design, implement, manage, and administer group retiree healthcare benefits. Allowing you to deliver deeper expertise, reinforce your role as a trusted advisor, and strengthen your client relationships. In a crowded marketplace, LaborFirst can be the differentiator that gives you a competitive edge.
How We Can Partner
Our goal is simple: to make you look good while making your job easier.
We offer a flexible working model that adapts to your style—whether you want us front and center with the client or behind the scenes supporting your efforts. From pricing and carrier responses to proposal development and ongoing advocacy service, you will be empowered by Medicare specialists and equipped to deliver more without taking on more.
“From quoting to implementation, LaborFirst takes care of every aspect in obtaining the right medical and prescription retiree benefits at a more favorable cost. We value our partnership with LaborFirst as they serve as an extension of our services, ensuring our clients’ retirees receive the exceptional level of benefits they deserve with ongoing support. You don’t need to be an expert in Medicare if you partner with LaborFirst.”
—Peter Abitanto, Senior Partner, Taft-Hartley & Labor Practice, Connor Strong & Buckelew
How We Support
1. Review Client Goals & Analyze Their Benefits
When a broker or consultant engages us with a client who is reviewing their retiree benefits, we begin with a benefits analysis, including the client’s existing plan design, how it is being funded, and their census and claims data. Our advisors also gain an understanding of the client’s motivations for shopping options (dissatisfaction with a steep renewal, searching for savings, simply performing a market check, etc.), and goals for the short- and long-term.
2. Strategize Plan Design
We evaluate Medicare plan design, cost, and funding strategies, looking for opportunities to improve benefits, reduce spend, or mitigate long-term liabilities like OPEB. Whether it’s shifting contribution structures or designing a more sustainable funding model, our approach is collaborative; we take the lead where you need us and step back where you don’t.
3. Analyze the Market & Negotiate with Carriers
LaborFirst partners with all major national carriers and strategically-aligned regional carriers to select right-fit options based on premium trends, network coverage, and name recognition. We manage the quoting process directly and negotiate pricing to maximize the value of the plan while containing costs.
4. Compare Options & Package Findings for Broker/Consultant
Once carrier responses are in, we first vet and analyze the options, comparing them to the client’s existing plan. Our team then compiles and packages our findings for the broker/consultant in a clear, client-ready format that can range from rate sheets to comprehensive presentations, disruption analyses, and full plan comparisons with potential savings or enhancements. From there, it’s up to you.
5. Broker/Consultant Presents to Client (with or without LaborFirst)
You can lead the client discussion directly, or we can join you to present the findings together. Either way, we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared to move forward and advise your client with confidence.
6. Manage Implementation & Ongoing Advocacy to Retirees
If the client chooses to move ahead, we manage the full implementation and work with the carrier for a smooth transition. After go-live, we provide ongoing client services and high-touch retiree advocacy—ensuring members have access to responsive, personalized support. Our personalized advocacy and human-centric approach is the heart of what we do.
At LaborFirst, we’re here to enhance your role as a trusted advisor, elevate your offering with the only end-to-end Group Medicare solution of its kind, and achieve the goals of your clients.
Let’s work together. Contact us to get started.
