Renew by 12/15 for 1/1 coverage. Stay covered with Ambetter Health.
Choosing an ICHRA Benefit Administrator Platform
Think of benefit administrator platforms as the interface of ICHRAs. They coordinate transactions, provide decision support to employees, serve as a place to enroll, and more. Because platforms are central to administration and plan selection, finding a partner with the level of support and features you need is an important part of the process.
It’s worth noting that carriers and platforms have distinct roles with ICHRAs. Carriers offer health plans (just as they do with group insurance), but they do not handle enrollment or payments — ICHRA benefit platforms take on that role.
Platform Types
Finding the right platform depends on your needs and budget, but it’s helpful to understand that platforms tend to fall into two categories: service-led and technology-led. Some platforms offer a balanced mix of both.
Service-Led Platforms
Platforms with a service-led model offer added guidance to employers and staff but may come with a higher fee as a result. Expect a higher touch, white-glove experience.
Technology-Led Platforms
Platforms that are more technology-led require employers and employees to take on a more active role, but may come with a lower cost. Expect a user-friendly, self-guided experience.
ICHRA Platform Considerations
As with any business decision, there are important things to consider when evaluating potential partners. The following questions can help you cover the right ground as you evaluate ICHRA platforms.
- How will the platform support you during implementation and ongoing administration?
- Will you have visibility for where your employees are in the enrollment process?
- Can they provide case studies and/or references from existing clients?
- What is the user experience like for employers?
- What is the user experience like for employees?
- How well do they help employees narrow down and select a plan?
- Do they offer support for employee questions?
- Are they open to adding new features if a need arises?
- Is the platform SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) certified, ensuring it meets standards for the confidentiality, security, and privacy of customer data?
- Do they meet HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines and comply with ACA (Affordable Care Act) reporting requirements?
- Do they integrate with your payroll and HRIS vendors?
- Do they offer bank account autopay for reimbursements?
- Are they licensed in all the states where your workforce is based?
- Do they offer compliance and reporting?
- How well does the platform support non-English speaking employees?
- What is their per-employee-per-month fee?
- Do they have a minimum employee count or minimum monthly fee?
- What makes them different from other platforms?
- What are the fees for their services?
Decision Support
It’s helpful to know the benefit administration platforms offer a variety of ways employees can shop and navigate their options. For example, being able to enter their current doctor or prescriptions to see which plans include them, or filter by premium and deductible costs.
Demos Help Demystify
ICHRAs are still a new territory for many people. One of the best way to understand how they’re implemented is by getting practical experience with platform demos. Your broker can help you decide which platforms to consider.
Explore Other ICHRA Topics for Employers
Talk With Our Team
Considering an ICHRA raises new questions. Our team is here to help.