Benefits Consultant & Brokerage Services

Newton County Board of Commissioners will be receiving separate sealed proposals to solicit qualified providers for Benefits Consultant and Brokerage Services for the Newton County Board of Commissioners. The health plan renews on 7/1/2027, and the selected consultant/broker shall analyze all aspects of the current plan, design, vendors, and make recommendations to Newton County. The selected broker/firm will be named as Agent of Record for the appropriate policies.

Newton County currently sponsors a health and dental plan comprised of 581 enrolled employees and 1,182 total members. There are 749 employees who are eligible for enrollment. Employees of the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority, will also be included in the overall plan assessment.

Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze existing coverage, identify and develop cost-saving alternative benefit strategies and plans. Provide innovative approaches to benefit challenges facing Newton County and recommendations for benefit plan changes.
• Assist in the development of short and long-range goals and strategies, including making projections of potential savings.
• Provide analysis and recommendations based on utilization and performance reports, statistical and financial reports, and plan-specific data.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate performance measures and guarantees for providers.

Liaison and Problem Intervention

• Act as liaison with (and between) the County, insurance carriers and providers.
• Provide day-to-day consultation on plan interpretation and problem resolution.
• Represent Newton County Board of Commissioners in all negotiations with providers on all issues, including, but not limited to those related to fees, benefit levels, plan design, and special terms and conditions.
• Attend annual open enrollment meetings (on site at several County buildings) and continuing enrollment services as appropriate for both current and new County employees.

Compliance

• Assist with ongoing plan administration and ensure that County programs comply with State and Federal legislation.
• Provide on-site training to County staff, as needed, regarding regulatory updates and/or Best Practice seminars for the effective administration of benefits plan.
• Assist County staff with annual audit and reporting to ensure compliance with all mandated reporting and posting/notice requirements for benefit plans including but not limited to, ACA, IRS forms completion and fee calculations.

Annual Renewal Process and Evaluation

• Provide an annual report (more often when necessary and/or requested) outlining the in-force programs and their status, and a preliminary marketing report describing the market conditions for each benefit.
• Conduct thorough and applicable market research in preparation for contract renewals.
• Prepare specifications and compile data, obtain quotes and proposals, analyze and compare proposals and negotiate rates.
• Provide communication and support for the annual open enrollment period, new benefit offerings and/or changes to the existing benefits offerings.

Other Services Requirements

• Assist in the development, implementation and ongoing process of an employee wellness program, to improve employee health and reduce employee health-care costs, both in the short and long-term, including mental health and stress management.
• Audit resulting contracts for accuracy of coverage, terms, and conditions.
• Monitor ongoing contracts, including provider plan administration, provider compliance with contract, and incurred claims.
• Provide a key contact person to be available to answer questions and resolve issues that arise during the year regarding employee benefits, contract administration, and service provisions.
• Perform other related consultation services as needed or requested

**Submission:** ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH EUNA’s ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION PORTAL. Your submission must be uploaded prior to the Proposals Due Date. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted. The maximum upload file size is 1 GB. Telephone, Telegraphic or Facsimile proposals will not be accepted.

All of the PRICE PROPOSAL RESPONSES should be loaded into the portal under "Price Proposal" ONLY.

Evaluation Criteria

• Firm’s History and Experience 35pts
• Account Team Qualifications 25pts
• Clients and References 25pts
• Cost & Fee Structure 15pts

**Insurance:** Comprehensive General Liability, Commercial Automobile Liability and Statutory Workers’ Compensation Insurance, including **$1,000,000.00** employer's liability insurance, are required.

**Term of Contract:** The Contract term will be for one (1) year with up to four (4) one (1) year optional renewal(s).

Submitted proposals shall be valid for a period of ninety (90) days from the proposal due date.