When it comes to quoting small group health plans, brokers don’t just need accurate numbers—they need a way to present those numbers clearly. And that’s where the format of your spreadsheet matters more than you think. Some brokers swear by horizontal layouts (where each plan is a column). Others prefer vertical formats (where plans run down the page as rows). Each has its pros and cons, and understanding the difference can help you choose the right layout for each client. Let’s break it down. Vertical Layouts (Rows): Clean, Concise, One-Pager Friendly In a vertical format, each plan is listed as…
Author: Chat GPT
Employee benefits are complicated. Multiple plan options. Deductibles vs. copays. Networks. Formulary tiers. Pre-authorization. Enrollment windows. Compliance disclosures. It’s a lot. And too often, the materials meant to explain these benefits are just as confusing—dense packets, cluttered spreadsheets, inconsistent formatting, and technical jargon that only a seasoned broker can decode. If your goal is to help employees make better decisions and reduce headaches for HR, then design isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a critical piece of the communication puzzle. Why Design Matters More Than You Think Clean design isn’t about being trendy. It’s about being clear. Great design…
You’ve seen it happen. A client’s health plan includes a 24/7 nurse line, a mental health support app, a free gym membership, and discounts on everything from dental work to eyeglasses. But when you ask employees if they’re using these resources, the answer is almost always the same: “Wait—we have that?” It’s not that these perks aren’t valuable. In many cases, they’re incredibly useful and well-designed. The problem is employees often don’t know they exist—and if they do, they don’t remember how to access them. So let’s talk about the real issue: how these “extras” get lost in the shuffle…
If you work in employee benefits—whether you’re a broker, agency owner, or HR professional—you know that time is one of your most valuable (and limited) resources. Yet somehow, the hours always slip away. You start the day with a plan. Then an email comes in. A question about a plan design. A request for a packet. A quick quote. A last-minute change. A small group wants to see “just a few more options.” Before you know it, it’s 4:30, and you’re behind on everything you were actually trying to get done. It’s not just you. Benefits professionals across the industry…
There was a time when employee benefits were a once-a-year conversation. Brokers delivered a renewal, HR handed out packets, employees made their selections, and that was that—until next year. Not anymore. Today’s HR professionals are under increasing pressure to deliver a modern, engaging employee experience year-round. Benefits aren’t just about cost anymore—they’re about access, understanding, personalization, and flexibility. And as expectations evolve, brokers must evolve with them. Let’s look at what’s changed, what HR teams now expect from their benefits partners, and how brokers can rise to the occasion without burning out. The Evolving Role of HR Modern HR is…