Problem:

An AFIS Benefits client has several different branches throughout the United States. In addition, each branch has a separate and unique plan customized to meet the needs of that particular division. However, with such specialization of benefits, the company had difficulty communicating the correct benefits information to all of their employees. As a result, employees were provided with incorrect benefit information and enrollments were not submitted on a timely basis. The division managers became so frustrated that they diverted all inquiries to the home office. One employee eventually quit and threatened to sue for lack of coverage. Benefit information was difficult to communicate because of the breadth of carriers that varied from state to state.

Solution:

Since few employees had access to a computer, AFIS Benefits created customized versions of an employee booklet for each division. With the new booklets, employees were able to determine their exact benefit plan choices, contact numbers for each insurance company, waiting periods, and pertinent dates.

Success:

Employees now are able to check the employee benefits booklet for answers about their benefits. This saves time not only for the employee, but frees the HR department from tedious research and response activities. Phone numbers of the different carrier sources are provided to the employees who are then able to contact the carriers directly, leaving the division manager without the burden of having to answer benefit questions.

Problem:

Many clients and employer groups were unaware of the new COBRA changes that were about to take place on January 1, 2000, including changes in basic rules, qualifying events, qualified beneficiaries, continuation of coverage, and duration of coverage. AFIS Benefits recognized the need to bring clients and prospects up-to-speed on the Federal mandate to save clients thousands in non-compliance fees, as well as avoid possible lawsuits.

Solution:

AFIS Benefits hired a leading COBRA Compliance firm to conduct a seminar covering the new laws governing COBRA and CalCOBRA. AFIS Benefits negotiated with key contacts at the compliance company to provide this seminar to clients and prospects at a discounted price. Included, was a COBRA binder summarizing the material at the seminar, as well as important compliance forms that could be used to protect clients from legal problems related to compliance issues.

Success:

After attending the COBRA Seminar, several of the attendees made immediate changes to their COBRA procedures resulting in savings of thousands of dollars in non-compliance fees and litigation expense.

Although AFIS Benefits encourages participation in the numerous functions that are presented, some were unable to attend the COBRA meeting. For those people, AFIS Benefits provided binders to keep them aware of the COBRA changes that were reviewed.

AFIS Benefits Home