Managing employee benefits can be complicated, but using an independent broker with Rippling makes it easier. Here’s why:

• Save Money: Independent brokers help secure better rates, while Rippling reduces administrative costs.
• Stay Compliant: Automated tools and broker expertise help avoid fines and penalties.
• Simplify Admin Tasks: Rippling automates enrollment, payroll syncing, and compliance reporting.
• Improve Employee Satisfaction: Brokers provide tailored plans, and Rippling offers easy self-service tools.

This partnership combines expert advice with automation to simplify benefits management and improve efficiency. Keep reading to learn how it works and how to get started.

A Hidden Advantage of Rippling is Enabling Independent Insurance Brokers

Independent Brokers + Rippling: How It Works

Role of Independent Brokers

Independent brokers act as impartial advisors, guiding employers through the often-complicated world of employee benefits. Unlike captive agents tied to a single insurance carrier, independent brokers can explore and compare plans from various providers, ensuring they find the right match for each company’s needs.

With Rippling, these brokers gain access to tools that make their jobs easier and more efficient. For instance, they can instantly generate quotes and compare small-group health insurance plans, complete with built-in rates and SBCs. This feature alone cuts processing time from days to just hours .

Let’s take a closer look at how Rippling’s platform boosts these capabilities.

Rippling’s Platform Features

Rippling’s integrated platform complements broker expertise by simplifying benefits management. Here’s what sets it apart:

"Rippling isn’t fitting to be one solution and neglecting the other areas. It’s a holistic approach to the technology, and we’re providing a holistic approach to consulting and benefit operations."
– Taryn Barnes, VP of Strategic Technology Operations at Bennie

Combined Benefits for Employers

The collaboration between brokers and Rippling offers clear advantages for employers. The platform automatically syncs payroll with benefits deductions and adjusts them during qualifying life events, eliminating common errors and reducing administrative tasks . For case submissions and renewals, Rippling completes carrier forms and attaches all necessary documentation, streamlining the process even further . This automation is so effective that Bennie’s clients rarely need to submit support tickets .

Rippling’s impact is especially apparent during open enrollment. Employers can:

• Quickly compare costs and select new plans
• Track enrollment progress in real time
• Send automated reminders to employees
• Access detailed reports to monitor plan usage

"My team fights for Rippling builds because they know it’s going to be so simple. It configures things accurately in such a short amount of time."
– Taryn Barnes, VP of Strategic Technology Operations at Bennie

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4 Main Advantages of Broker-Rippling Partnership

Custom Plan Options

Independent brokers craft health insurance plans that fit each employer’s specific needs. They consider various options, such as self-funded plans, direct primary care memberships , and HDHPs paired with HSAs , ensuring the plans align with both budget limits and employee preferences.

Simplified Benefits Management

Rippling makes managing benefits much easier. By integrating with broker services, the platform simplifies tasks like enrollment, updates, and carrier communication. Employees can handle their benefits through self-service tools, cutting down HR’s workload while maintaining accuracy .

On top of simplifying processes, this partnership helps businesses save money.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Independent brokers use Rippling’s analytics to find ways to cut costs without reducing coverage quality:

• Strategic Plan Design: Brokers analyze data on usage and costs to create efficient plans, such as HDHPs combined with employer HSA contributions for pre-tax medical expenses .
• Wellness Program Integration: Through Rippling, brokers measure the impact of wellness programs, helping businesses achieve long-term savings .
• Group Purchasing Power: For smaller businesses, brokers can explore PEO partnerships, letting them access large group plan rates .

These strategies not only reduce expenses but also ensure compliance with regulations.

Rules and Requirements Support

Health insurance regulations are tricky to navigate. For example, the IRS mandates that the most affordable plan option must not exceed 9.83% of an employee’s household income .

Brokers use their expertise to handle these challenges by:

• Monitoring ACA compliance for companies with 50+ employees to meet the 95% coverage requirement .
• Keeping track of state-specific insurance laws.
• Consulting ERISA law specialists when necessary .
• Staying ahead of compliance deadlines to avoid penalties .

"Rippling brings your entire employee benefits administration experience – plan selection, broker partners, payroll, and HRIS – into one system, ensuring seamless integration and automating your benefits busy work."
– Rippling

Setting Up Your Broker-Rippling Partnership

Finding Your Broker

You can either stick with your current broker or choose one from Rippling’s network. Rippling’s network offers professionals with expertise in various industries, local market insights, and strong service capabilities. Referrals can also help guide your decision .

If you choose to stay with your current broker, simply add them as a Rippling user to take full advantage of the integrated benefits system . Alternatively, Rippling can connect you with a broker from their network who has the experience to meet your needs .

Once your broker is set, it’s time to design a benefits plan that works for your team.

Planning Your Benefits

Your broker will evaluate your company’s demographics, budget, and employee needs. They’ll analyze more than 4,000 available plans and provide side-by-side comparisons of coverage, costs, and extra perks .

This personalized approach ensures your team gets a benefits package that fits.

Rolling Out to Employees

Start preparing to share the benefits plan with your team 4–6 weeks before the launch. Use a mix of communication channels, provide multilingual materials, and offer enrollment support to make the process as smooth as possible. Gathering employee feedback afterward is also key .

Here’s a breakdown of the rollout phases:

4-6 Weeks Before Launch

• Develop a communication plan
• Create educational materials
• Schedule information sessions

2-3 Weeks Before Launch

• Send out initial employee communications
• Organize workshops or webinars
• Ensure materials are available in multiple languages

During Launch

• Provide hands-on enrollment support
• Offer multiple support options
• Enable easy online enrollment

Post-Launch

• Track employee engagement
• Collect feedback from your team
• Make adjustments based on input

"Rippling brings your entire employee benefits administration experience – plan selection, broker partners, payroll, and HRIS – into one system, ensuring seamless integration and automating your benefits busy work."
– Rippling

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Main Points Review

Working with an independent broker and Rippling makes benefits management simpler through expert advice and smart automation. Rippling’s all-in-one platform ensures smoother operations and greater accuracy in handling benefits.

Here are the standout features:

• All-in-One Platform: Combines benefits, HR, IT, and spend management in one system.
• Broker Flexibility: Keep your current broker or pick one from Rippling’s trusted network.
• Streamlined Automation: Handles admin tasks and compliance effortlessly.
• Affordable Pricing: Workforce Management plans start at $8 per employee per month, plus a $35 monthly platform fee .

These features make Rippling a practical choice for improving your company’s benefits experience.

Getting Started

Here’s how to begin:

• Schedule a Demo: Reach out to Rippling for a live demo and discuss your needs with their Broker Partner Team .
• Select Your Broker: Stick with your current broker or choose a trusted professional from Rippling’s network to optimize benefits management .
• Plan Your Implementation: Work with your broker to design a benefits strategy that leverages Rippling’s automation tools.

"Rippling’s flexibility is great for clients who don’t want to go through multiple implementations, or are worried about extracting data back and forth." – Taryn Barnes, VP of Strategic Technology Operations

Rippling combines cutting-edge technology with broker expertise to deliver a streamlined, tailored approach to benefits management. This partnership ensures a seamless experience for employers seeking both efficiency and personalized support.

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