The complete guide to building benefits around choice
THE GUIDE TO CHOICE BENEFITS

Find the value hidden inside your benefits decision.

Compare traditional Group, CHOICE/ICHRA and ancillary benefits in one clear process. Start with a standard plan configuration—or add workforce-level medical and Rx intelligence to make the funding decision more defensible.

Groups from 5 eligible employeesSecure census intakeFeasibility targeted in under 24 hours
BEFORE YOU BUILD

Choice Benefits is bigger than a CHOICE Arrangement.

A CHOICE Arrangement is one way to fund medical coverage. Choice Benefits is the employer-controlled system for deciding which funding option belongs where—and connecting it to the rest of the benefits program.

CHOICE ArrangementDefined-contribution individual medical coverageLearn the arrangement →
Choice BenefitsGroup + CHOICE + classes + ancillary + intelligence + implementationYou are reading the complete strategy guide
01 — CHOOSE THE DEPTH

Every employer gets a complete comparison.

Both paths organize Group, CHOICE and ancillary options. Decision Intelligence adds appropriately authorized, de-identified medical and pharmacy signals.

STANDARD CONFIGURATION

Build from census, plans and budget.

A fast feasibility review using the current plan, contribution, employee census, participation and market availability.

  • Group participation and geography
  • Individual-market pricing by ZIP
  • Employer contribution modeling
  • Ancillary and work comp package
Start a standard quote →
DECISION INTELLIGENCE • FROM $5,000

Add medical and Rx evidence.

For difficult renewals, unclear risk or a funding change that needs stronger financial justification.

  • Workforce-level risk and high-cost exposure
  • Medical and pharmacy cost signals
  • All Group, CHOICE and combination
  • Decision-ready findings and priorities
See the intelligence experience →
02 — COMPARE THE PATHS

Do not force the workforce into one answer.

Test the rules and economics of each path, then show where one strategy—or a compliant combination—may perform better.

DecisionAll GroupCHOICE / ICHRABest Combination
CoverageEmployer selects group plans.Employees select individual coverage using an allowance.Permitted classes use different funding approaches.
ParticipationCarrier rules apply; 75% is a planning benchmark.No group-plan participation minimum.Test participation for the class retaining Group.
GeographyService areas and out-of-state rules affect eligibility.Plans are evaluated where each employee lives.Use each path where access is strongest.
RiskEmployer plan retains pooled claims experience.Individual coverage transfers that plan risk.Evaluate funding by permitted class—not individual health.
Group participation matters.We screen at 75%, then confirm the actual carrier, state, product and out-of-area requirements.Test participation →
03 — PREDICTIVE RISK INTELLIGENCE

How much value must a $5,000 analysis uncover?

The value is not the score. It is avoiding a funding mistake, identifying a cost opportunity or supporting a better Group, CHOICE or combination decision.

STARTING INVESTMENT$5,000Scope depends on group and data.

Model the investment

MODELED ANNUAL OPPORTUNITY$18,000A 3.00% improvement on $600,000 in annual spend.
$13,000Net modeled value
3.6×Value-to-investment
0.83%Break-even improvement
$8.33Break-even PEPM
The modeled opportunity exceeds the investment.Test funding, plan design, Rx exposure and class strategy.

Illustrative planning model only. Savings are not guaranteed. Actual value depends on data quality, current funding, carrier terms, permitted classes and implementation.

04 — SPLIT-PLAN CALCULATOR

One family does not always need one plan.

Compare employee-only coverage plus a spouse/dependent alternative with the employee’s current family payroll cost.

Employee plan+Family alternative

Compare monthly costs

ESTIMATED HOUSEHOLD OPPORTUNITY$2,460/yearThe alternative structure is $205 lower per month.
Current family payroll cost$780/mo
Employee + family alternative$575/mo
A split plan may improve household affordability.Confirm networks, deductibles, eligibility and tax-credit rules.

Illustrative comparison, not an eligibility or subsidy determination. Review total premiums, cost sharing, networks and applicable Marketplace rules.

05 — COMPLETE THE PACKAGE

Medical funding is the start—not the whole benefit.

Build one employer contribution strategy across protection, savings and voluntary choices.

D

Dental

Individual and group options.

V

Vision

Routine care and materials.

L

Life

Employer-paid and voluntary.

DI

Disability

Income protection.

+

Voluntary

Accident and critical illness.

WC

Workers’ compensation

Workforce, safety and cost signals.

06 — WHAT YOU RECEIVE

A decision package—not a pile of quotes.

Complete secure intake once. We organize the market, funding and implementation work into a clear employer recommendation.

01

Feasibility

Participation, carrier rules, market access and contribution scenarios.

02

Decision

All Group, CHOICE Only and Best Combination side by side.

03

Evidence

Optional medical and Rx signals, thresholds and action priorities.

04

Implementation

ERISA Wrap, Section 125, ACA, COBRA, MSP, payroll and enrollment handoff.

READY FOR A DEFENSIBLE DECISION?

Upload once. Compare every viable path.

Full feasibility is targeted in under 24 hours after complete secure intake, with or without Predictive Risk Intelligence.

Start the secure quote workspace →