Employers

Implementing an ICHRA

These milestones capture the typical journey employers will follow from considering an ICHRA through implementation.

Analysis

Onboarding

Enrollment

Phase 1Analysis

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1 ICHRA Consideration

Employees usually learn about switching to an ICHRA through an announcement from their employer. The announcement will typically explain why a change from group insurance is needed, what to expect, and why an ICHRA is beneficial. The two biggest benefits are more predictable costs and health plans that are personalized for each employee’s needs.

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2 Platform Partner Evaluation

Employees usually learn about switching to an ICHRA through an announcement from their employer. The announcement will typically explain why a change from group insurance is needed, what to expect, and why an ICHRA is beneficial. The two biggest benefits are more predictable costs and health plans that are personalized for each employee’s needs.

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3 Platform Partner Evaluation

  • How often do you see doctors, need prescriptions, or expect procedures?
  • Are you managing chronic conditions or planning for maternity care?
  • Consider plans that meet your needs well.

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4 Platform Partner Evaluation

A silver-tier health plan is used to determine baseline affordability and inform the employer’s contribution model. The model can be compared with current coverage and shaped to suit different employee classes and different employee locations.

Phase 2Onboarding

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1 Platform Onboarding for the Business

With due diligence completed and a partner selected, employers begin onboarding with their chosen platform, signing key documents and contracts.

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2 Employee Class & Enrollment Setup

The benefit administrator works to set up all employee classes and get the initial enrollment period ready.

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3 Change Management

  • How often do you see doctors, need prescriptions, or expect procedures?
  • Are you managing chronic conditions or planning for maternity care?
  • Consider plans that meet your needs well.

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4 Staff Education & Enrollment Preparation

Brokers and/or administrators lead staff education in order to prepare the workforce for open enrollment, typically via webinars or in-person meetings.

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5 Employee Platform Onboarding

Employees are provided with onboarding materials to get familiar with the benefit administration platform. They are also asked to verify or add information for themselves and others on their plan.

Phase 3Enrollment

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1 Open Enrollment

Employees are asked screener questions and offered filters to generate plan options that best meet their healthcare and financial needs. Filters can include specific doctors  and prescriptions covered as well as preferences for premium and out-of-pocket costs. Live agents are available to support employees via online chat and video calls — they can even be on location as well.

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2 Enrollment Monitoring

The employer, broker, and administrator all monitor enrollment progress through the platform, supporting employees along the way. Automated reminders are deployed as needed to ensure employees complete enrollment on time.

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3 Premium Payment

Once enrollment is complete, Employers make premium payments through the benefit administration platform to streamline the transaction. Where applicable, employers deduct the difference between their pre-tax contribution and the total plan cost from each employee’s paycheck.

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4 Ongoing Optimization

Employers collaborate with brokers and administrators to address any needs or make adjustments to their contribution model. And each year, employees gradually progress from the basics of health plan shopping to becoming well-informed consumers.

Explore Other ICHRA Topics for Employers

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