At our health care seminar two weeks ago, we introduced our clients and guests to a new product that connects employees, employers, Austin Financial Group, and insurance carriers on a secure website. Smart Benefits Online is a collaborative, secure online enrollment solution that allows employers and employees to enjoy paperless enrollment 24/7.
#1 Eliminate the Paper Chase
Generally the enrollment process begins with a meeting and presentation of employee benefit options by our AFG Account Managers. Packets of paperwork are provided to employees and are to be returned to us by a deadline date to enroll each individual and/or family into the appropriate plans. What is often a headache for employers is often the same for employees—too many forms to fill out, return, and track. With Smart Benefits Online, employees will receive one form with log in information, and will complete the entire process online. (Enrollment meetings will still be conducted to explain plan options and assist employees.) The “paper chase” as we call it, is eliminated with Smart Benefits Online.
#2 Consolidated Information and Decision Making
I’m sure everyone would agree that selecting the right plan for you or your dependents is vital. Smart Benefits Online consolidates benefits information so that employees can compare plans side by side and reference which plan he or she participated in the year prior. With all essential benefit information at your fingertips, the decision making process will be more efficient and will leave employees feeling more confident in their choices.
#3 Human Resources
From the perspective of a Human Resources Manager, Smart Benefits Online addresses the administrative burdens associated with enrollment. Furthermore, it can process life events, help maintain notification compliance under Health Care Reform, and send transactions to carriers electronically.
In addition to online enrollment, Smart Benefits Online has HR capabilities to:
- Track vacation and time-off, reviews, raises, bonuses, dependents, documents, news, events, etc.
- Applicant tracking
- Onboarding-Track progress, complete and sign forms electronically, etc.
- Payroll processing-view history and prior year W-2s, file payroll tax and W-2s
So far, the clients that have participated in Smart Benefits Online have agreed that it simplifies the enrollment process for both the employee and the employer and reduces administrative burdens, while giving each employee constant access to their benefits information. With our world becoming more complex every day, what more could you ask for?
For more information regarding Smart Benefits Online and how Austin Financial Group can help you with your employee benefits plan, please contact us today at 888-277-0077.
