Benefits Breakdown: Preparing for Your Annual Group Health Renewal
Renewal season doesn’t have to be a scramble. By preparing early and reviewing your options carefully, you can make strategic decisions that strengthen your benefits package while keeping costs under control. Here’s what to consider when gearing up for your annual renewal.
Key Timelines
90–120 Days Before Renewal: Review your current plan, gather claims data, and check in with your broker.
60–90 Days Before Renewal:  Begin collecting carrier quotes and exploring alternative plan options.
30–60 Days Before Renewal:  Finalize plan decisions, confirm contributions, and prepare open enrollment materials.
0–30 Days Before Renewal: Hold employee meetings, collect enrollment forms, and submit final paperwork to carriers.
What to Review
Plan performance over the past year (claims, usage, satisfaction).
Premium increases and cost trends.
Participation rates in each benefit offering.
Market competitiveness and benchmarking data.
Feedback from employee surveys or previous open enrollments.
Cost Control Strategies
Adjust cost sharing between employer and employees.
Offer multiple plan options to give employees more flexibility.
Consider switching to level-funded or self-funded plans if appropriate.
Leverage voluntary benefits to add value without increasing cost.
Communication Planning
Clear communication is key to a successful renewal. Make sure employees understand:
What’s changing (if anything).
How to enroll and deadlines.
Where to go for help.
The value of what’s being offered.
Renewal season is a critical time to assess, improve, and realign your benefits strategy. Planning ahead ensures you get the most value out of your plan and sets the tone for a smooth year ahead.
To learn more, contact the Frost / Beck Insurance Agency. Call us at 419-592-4476, send an email to frost@frostins.com, or click here  to submit your request today! Alternatively, stop by and see us at one of our four convenient locations in Archbold, Napoleon, Holgate, or Whitehouse.
Coming next week, we will break down what to expect from your broker—and how to get the most out of that relationship.
—Ross Durham
Employee Benefits Agent, Frost Insurance