Employee Education

Most benefits questions don't come up in November. They come up the week someone has a baby, or the day a prescription costs more than they expected.

Employee benefits education is the ongoing work of helping employees understand how their coverage works, so they can choose and use it well.

What employees usually ask us

Which plan is actually cheaper for my family?: It depends on how they use care. We work it out with their own doctors and prescriptions, not averages.
What's the difference between a deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum?: The deductible is what you pay before the plan starts sharing costs. The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you'd pay for covered care in a year.
Is my doctor in network?: We check. Then we show them how to check for themselves next time.
Should I put money in my HSA?: If they're on an HSA-eligible plan, it's usually worth a look. We explain the tax side and what happens to the account if they leave.
I just had a baby. What do I need to do?: A birth opens a special enrollment window, and it doesn't stay open long. We tell them the deadline and what the carrier needs.

Starting a new job

New hires get a short walkthrough of the plans and a deadline they won't miss. It's a lot to take in during someone's first week, so we keep it brief and make sure they know who to call later.

When life changes

Marriage, divorce, a new baby, a move, a spouse losing coverage. Each one can open a special enrollment period. We explain what can change, how quickly it has to happen and what paperwork the carrier will ask for.

How we explain things

With your actual plans and real numbers. Sometimes that's a ten-minute call with one person. Sometimes it's a lunch session for a department, or a one-page explainer HR can forward.

The aim is for people to understand their plan before they use it, not to piece it together from a bill afterward.

When the same question keeps coming up

We pay attention to that. If half a department is confused about the same thing, either the plan or the way it was explained needs work, and we'll bring it to you before renewal.

“Our team has developed a great partnership with PAKG Benefits, their dedication to our employee needs is evident. We appreciate their attention to detail and going above and beyond to insure they provide the highest level of service! Thank you PAKG Benefits!”

Nichole E., Director of Operations