Category Archives: Benefits

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NFTC International HR Conference Report-Part 1

Posted on March 23, 2010 by | 3 comments


Author:
Warren Heaps – Birches Group LLC

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to attend the Houston International HR Conference sponsored by the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC).  The conference was well-attended; over 150 delegates, both corporate staffers and suppliers were there.  My colleague and contributing editor, Alan Freeman, was also there.  We would like to share some of the highlights from the conference proceedings.  We hope this will allow our readers to benefit from the learnings of the conference, even if you were not there personally. This is the first installment of our report.

Global Wellness
One of the most interesting and innovative topics at the conference was Global Wellness.  Two companies, Chevron and Intel, presented their experiences with the development and implementation of wellness programs in the US and in various global markets.  While each company took a slightly different approach, there were many similarities in their experience.

Chevron’s Experience
Chevron is one of the world’s largest integrated oil companies, with operations in over 100 countries.  The company identified cardio-vascular health as a primary risk factor in their population and decided to focus on health awareness and improvement programs to address this risk.  Chevron began their program with pilot tests in the US, Nigeria, Angola and Thailand, among others.

The wellness program consists of a health assessment conducted by a third-party, measuring basic health statistics such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body fat index, and similar risk factors.  Employees are then provided with coaching on lifestyle and behavioral changes they can adopt to reduce their risk for cardio-vascular disease.  Some of the changes are typically smoking cessation, exercise, weight reduction, stress reduction, sleep and healthier food choices in their diet.  In addition, the company worked with it’s vendors in the the target countries to introduce heart-healthy options in their food service programs, introducing both new menu choices and some items with substitute ingredients or modified recipes, such as reduced sodium content.

The program has been a strong success, and is now being rolled out in additional countries.  There were many learnings from the pilot experience, but here are a few that I thought were particularly powerful:

  • Cardio-vascular disease is often thought of as an illness that strikes mainly in developed countries.  This was, in fact, the initial reaction in Nigeria.  In fact, however, the World Health Organization reports that 82% of deaths from cardio-vascular disease are in low- and moderate- income countries, and affect men and women equally.  Chevron’s employee demographics, which include large numbers of men in their 50’s, are a primary risk group.
  • The counseling sessions which followed the health assessment needed to be tailored to local conditions and culture.  Suggestions for changes to diet, for example, had to be adapted to reference the typical food choices available in country.
  • The communications to staff were adapted to the individual market.  While there was a consistent message, the images and illustrations were chosen to reflect the population of the particular country, so employees.
  • There were measurable results that indicate the program is helping to reduce risk for cardio-vascular diseases amongst the participants.  As the program continues, Chevron will develop statistics to demonstrate specific financial and other impacts; but in the US, there is already strong evidence among a group of staff who have consistently participated in the program since it’s inception that it’s working.

The Intel Experience
Intel Corporation is the world’s largest manufacturer of semi-conductors. They rolled out a wellness program in the US and several overseas markets, including Malaysia, Israel, Costa Rica and China. Initially, Intel staff examined several years of health surveillance data to confirm that staff were properly protected from the chemical processes used in the semi-conductor fabrication process. The study indicated there was no effect from the work environment, and that rather, lifestyle behaviors were the larger risk areas for Intel employees.

Some stress-reduction programs were introduced, but it wasn’t until Intel CEO Andy Grove had a medical event that the focus on wellness was renewed and elevated in the company. Building on a substantial array of existing services, such as occupational medicine, on-site clinics and various online resources, Intel began to introduce a more dynamic program to help improve employee wellness.

The Intel program is a 3-Step Wellness Check, including a Biometric Health Check, a Health Risk Assessment, and Wellness Coaching. The Coaching is provided face to face in most major locations.   In China, the coaching is provided in person by prominent local physicians.   Follow-ups are also integrated with the local EAP. These design changes were made based on the recommendation of the local committee responsible for implementation of the wellness initiative in China. It has proven to be very effective, and Intel plans to continue rolling out the program to additional locations over the next few years.

Observations
I was quite impressed by the efforts of these two prominent global companies in the area of employee wellness.  In both cases, the companies have a long-established focus on employee safety; the wellness initiatives are consistent with this focus and enhances this commitment.

What is especially impressive is the success in introducing the program not only in the United States, but also in overseas markets, mainly in the developing world.  While it’s still too early to draw any major conclusions about the long-term impact of these programs on company health care costs, other related items such as absenteeism, and overall impact in the community, the preliminary data indicates positive impact for the companies, their employees and the community.

What Are You Doing to Promote Employee Wellness?
Global Employee Wellness is a new area of focus for companies, and there is a lot still to be learned.  What is your company doing in the area? Please share your comments and experiences with us!

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Warren Heaps

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Developing Markets Compensation and Benefits Group on LinkedIn

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Posted in Benefits, Developing Markets, Global HR Expertise, International Benefits

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What Would You Do As A New Compensation and Benefits Manager?

Posted on February 15, 2010 by | 9 comments

Author:
Warren Heaps – Birches Group LLC

A few weeks ago on LinkedIn, Ravinder Bhan asked the following question:

“You have just joined a company with more than 15, 000 employees as a (Compensation & Benefits) manager.  What are the first three things you would do to make a lasting impact at the organization?”

As soon as I noticed this question, I was compelled to answer it.  Here is the answer I posted:

“This is truly an excellent question.  For C&B to be an effective business partner and not just another run of the mill HR function, as you state above, it requires an immersion in the business.

To that end, here are my three things:

  1. Understand the business. Talk to the business leaders, their deputies and employees. Learn what the company does. Don’t just sit in corporate and get opinions from those at HQ – go into the field and see what happens there. If it’s a manufacturer, visit a factory. Spend time with the sales force, meet some customers. And if the company is global, and you are responsible for international as well, get on a plane and follow the same steps in the key operations overseas.
  2. Take inventory. Compile information about how the company manages C&B. Hold off on judgement – instead, focus on gathering information and getting a complete picture of what are the prevailing practices. Talk to managers about what’s working and what’s not. Learn the HRIS system and do some analysis yourself. Speak with the incumbent consultants to understand their role and their perspective about the company’s practices. Find an industry group of peers and get involved, and do some benchmarking.
  3. Formulate your strategy for impact. To do this, look for opportunities to make changes that will improve efficiency and eliminate bureaucracy; programs to empower managers to manage rewards, and hold them accountable to do so; initiatives to support globalization (if applicable); develop dashboard metrics for management to measure effectiveness of C&B programs; and finally, cost-saving steps, such as multi-national pooling of insurance and strategic relationships with providers.

Of course, the above is not a one-year plan — it would take two or three years to achieve. But there would surely be a lasting impact.”

There were other answers to the question, about 15 all together.  I was flattered to be cited as the Best Answer (many of the other answers were excellent as well).  If you want to, take a look at the whole Q&A on LinkedIn. But the timing coincided with the Olympic Games, so I sort of felt this is my gold medal.  Those of you who know me, know for sure that there is no way I will ever get a real Olympic medal :-).

These days, there is so much being stated about how HR needs to “get a seat at the table” and “become an effective business partner,” I thought sharing this topic with our readers would be beneficial.  In particular, I am keen to understand what your first three things would be if you were to find yourself in the situation described above?

Would you follow the same steps that I outlined?  Why or why not?  What else would you do?  How would your actions be influenced by the culture of country where you operate?

Please tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment.  I am very anxious to read some more “Best Answers!”

More About Warren

Warren Heaps

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Five Secrets to Reduce Benefits Cost, Part 3

Posted on January 13, 2010 by | 3 comments

Author:
George Bashaw – Atlas Global Benefits

I didn’t know you have kids.  Seriously, aren’t you single? I need to see some documentation.

Ok, that is a bit overboard. However, if you want to get serious about saving money on benefits, a dependent audit may be a bumpy but lucrative road.   This blog is the third in a series of five techniques to lowering your benefits cost without changing your plan design or carrier.  Prior posts in this series include Know Your Claims and Duplication of Coverage.

Secret Three:  Dependent Eligibility Audit
The intention of a dependent eligibility audit is to ferret out those who are ineligible for benefits.  Examples of ineligibles may include non-resident step children, college grads who may feel like dependents but technically are not, or the classic unemployed ex-husbands who will not get off the couch, but like an old hound, you feel sorry for them.  Joking aside, these people add up quickly. Finding one ineligible participant in your plan can save up to $6,000 per year.  Finding a slew of them will have a noticeable impact and go straight to the bottom line.

Communication is Key
Caution!  People get a pit in their stomach when they hear the word audit. Second, they do not like sharing personal information. Therefore, the way you deliver the message about the audit is key. In other words, you do not want to blast out an email today saying “proof of your dependent status is due by the close of business Friday.”

Sell the benefits of an audit to the participant.  The participants’ costs are going up and their benefits are getting cut, too.  Explain, as an employer and plan sponsor, you have a fiduciary responsibility to make sure all dependents are eligible, and to misrepresent is fraud.  Therefore, it is necessary to make sure the plans are in compliance.

Steps to Successful Audit

  1. Positive Communication
  2. Communicate at least a month before you start your audit to set expectations
  3. Create a plan and review with your employment attorney
  4. Communicate “the plan” (don’t call it an audit)
    • The definition of eligibility requirements
    • Methods to prove eligibility
    • Halo period where the participant may change status without penalty or embarrassment
    • Final deadline (here is where you may decide to define the nature of fraud)

Please share any stories you have about your experience with employee dependent audits.  If you happen to try one and you do not find any ineligibles, I may respond, “Look closer, the employees committing fraud may have left the building out of embarrassment.”

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International HR Forum Year in Review 2009 – Best of Compensation and Benefits

Posted on December 21, 2009 by | Comments Off on International HR Forum Year in Review 2009 – Best of Compensation and Benefits

This is the first of our three-part “Best of …” series, where we will feature links to our best posts on selected topics.  This part is focused on Compensation and Benefits.  Over the long holiday period between now and the new year, we will publish two more “Best of …” posts featuring articles on Expatriates and International Assignment Management, and Leadership Development and Training.

The posts below are some of the most popular ones featured on the International HR Forum.

We hope you find these summary posts to be a helpful way to explore some of the best content on our blog.

Best of Compensation & Benefits from the 2009 Archives of the International HR Forum:

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Creating A Global Benefits Strategy

Posted on November 25, 2009 by | 3 comments

Author:
David Bryan – Norfolk Mobility Benefits

Editor’s Note: We are pleased to welcome David Bryan as a Guest Author.  David has extensive experience in international employee benefits, and is currently a Marketing Consultant for Norfolk Mobility Benefits in Naperville, IL.

Change is constant, particularly in the realm of international employee benefits. There is a social time bomb ticking — the number of employees paying into various social security systems around the world is diminishing while the number of recipients is increasing. To defuse this situation, many governments are reducing benefits while raising taxes, thereby shifting the burden to the employer.

Today’s multinational employer is evolving into the transnational of tomorrow as corporations do away with defined headquarters and instead move to regional centers of operations. To meet these and other changes, benefits professionals are implementing global benefits strategies (GBS).  Yet, in recent surveys in which I have participated, nearly 78% of multinational firms have no formal international employee benefits strategy!

Designing Your Strategy
There appears to be more centralization of core corporate functions in light of the global economy.  While authority for certain functions may be retained on a local or regional level, strategy setting is still at HQ.  In the end, as long as the global corporate benefit strategy is being deployed, certain aspects, for example the selection of vendors/contracts, can be left to the local operations.

A Global Benefits Strategy will provide for some of the following benefits:

  • A blueprint of your company’s decisions describing what employee benefit strategies should be deployed for the enterprise.  It is a living, breathing document that needs to be adaptable to change.
  • Agreed-upon policies to create universal understanding and, hopefully, support from the local subsidiaries.
  • A framework for future benefits changes and enhancements.
  • A written strategy which allows employees to see how certain benefits decisions were made, and is very helpful when new stakeholders are brought into the process.
  • Strategies to manage costs; global benefit costs are substantial.
  • An organization-wide reference when trying to understand or drive employee benefits decisions and planning.

Key Elements of a Global Benefits Strategy
Global benefits strategies can take many forms, and range in length and depth, but most successful strategies will include many of the following elements:

  • Global Benefits Committee – This team should consist of representatives from HR, legal, treasury/finance, risk management and, when possible, various global business units. Initially, the committee should meet frequently and agree upon a system of review and evaluation for the work as it progresses. Remember: the more senior the committee representation, the stronger the strategy’s influence on upper management.
  • Statement of Objectives – The team should develop a written, agreed-upon statement or set of statements that defines the overall objectives of the GBS. Some statements try to benchmark by using outside data from consultants (e.g., having benefits at or above the 50th percentile). While data may be readily available in some countries, it may not be in others. Benchmarking can be a useful measurement tool, but benefits professionals need to be aware of the need to obtain consistent criteria across countries.
  • Policy Guidelines – Policy guidelines provide specifics about the various benefits and levels of benefits that support and are tied to the GBS statements. For example, life, accident, disability, medical, retirement and savings plans are outlined with target levels of coverage; and integration with social plans is detailed. Keep in mind, though, that too much detail can lead to guidelines that cannot be applied globally. With medical plans, for example, specific co-insurance percentages may not apply when a supplemental medical plan in a particular country is based on a schedule of fees.
  • Implementation and Review – After agreeing on its strategies and supporting guidelines, the GBS committee must put certain processes in place to activate the plan. Typically, an announcement from a senior-level executive to key, local employees helps gain attention and buy-in. Local buy-in should be targeted to management, HR and, in many countries, should include the Works Councils or unions. This step is critical to successful implementation of any global benefits strategy.

Reaping the Rewards
After the announcement of the new global benefits strategy, a benefits audit is often conducted to educate the central benefits staff about what plans are in place.  For a new company, implementing a GBS is easier than for a well-established firm that must harmonize many plans to create a unified and consistent global benefits strategy. The benefits professional’s role is essential at this stage. Many consultants and insurers offer software packages to assist in this process, although many corporations devise their own audit form to meet their specific needs.

Set procedures need to be in place to implement, review and enhance local plans. Usually, one individual has a certain dollar amount of approval authority to exercise any latitude permitted by HQ (for new and/or enhanced benefits). The more senior the individual, the more authority. Local benefit needs — and wants — must be measured against predetermined criteria. This authority can be with corporate, local or both, as set forth in the GBS.

Along with these approval procedures, established communication chains must be followed. In cases of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, reliable benefits data (pension reserve, for example) must be readily available. Pre-established lines of communication will help in this type of scenario.

In most instances, resources are scarce, resulting in a decentralized approach.  In spite of this, there have been more than a few “ideal” GBS roll-outs.  An announcement, then an audit, followed by site visits from benefits staff to bring the local plans into compliance with the new philosophy is a typical, effective approach.

Taking the First Step
While global benefits strategies can be similar, each company must tailor one to fit within its industry and corporate HR philosophy. The first step in this process is creating a shared vision for a GBS that is flexible, simple, legal and tax compliant. Further, it should integrate governmental social plans with new or existing supplemental plans provided by the company.

A multinational enterprise must look after its global employee benefit plans.  We all are under the budget microscope.  However, a well-articulated global benefits strategy will enable HR to manage benefits resources globally and ensure a compliant and competitive benefits approach in every country.

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Preparing Your Company for a Global Pandemic

Posted on November 23, 2009 by | 2 comments

Author:
Mariana Villa da Costa – Littler Mendelson

Over the last decades, we have seen new infectious diseases appear, some of which could kill millions of people within days: mad cow disease, bird flu, SARS, Hantavirus, Ebola, dengue fever, and most recently, spread of the H1N1 “swine” flu.  In 2009, the World Health Organization declared H1N1 a pandemic.  As of November 15, WHO reports that H1N1 is present in over 206 countries and territories globally, and over 500,000 cases have been documented.  The pandemic raises many HR issues, especially for global employers.  Why?

The workplace is an ideal place for spreading disease, from the common cold to the serious swine flu, as people are in a close daily contact, sharing printers, telephones, eating together in the office’s kitchen, and, most of the time, breathing the same, re-circulating air.  Every company strives to keep its employees healthy and safe, not only for their own benefit, but also to ensure its operations continue full force.  Let’s highlight a few of the issues companies need consider when preparing a plan to address a global pandemic:

Go global, but do not forget local!

Companies can draft a global, standard pandemic plan, but you still need to account for different laws and regulations in the specific countries or regions where you operate. So make sure your company reviews any local employment and health laws before implementing the plan, in order to avoid potential legal issues and liabilities.

What’s in the plan?

Every global pandemic plan must address at least these issues:

  • Communication – Procedures on how an employee must inform their employer of a disease and steps the company needs to take to ensure immediate safety for the sick employee and the other employees.
  • Discipline – How the company should deal with employees who refuse to go to work for fear of getting sick, and measures for abusive and unfounded absences.
  • Privacy – How the information about a sick employee or a sick family member must be managed, including required government reporting.
  • Shut Down – If a shutdown of the company facility becomes necessary because of the spread of a contagious disease, the company needs to define, according to domestic laws, how employees will be paid and alternative ways to keep the employees working.
  • Travel issues – Your plan should address issues related to employees traveling for work to risky locations.  The plan should cover the conditions when travel should be deferred or suspended. It should also address how employees traveling for personal reasons should deal with a potential contagious disease in order to protect the rest of your workforce.

Adapt, adapt and adapt!

Once you have your broad global pandemic plan, consult a local or international lawyer to draft specific provisions and re-write any conflicting ones, just like most companies do for their other global policies, such as Codes of Conduct, discrimination and harassment policies.

Tell your employees!

Communication is key.  Make employees aware of the implementation of a global plan by preparing presentations and/or training on the issues addressed by the plan. Use simple, common language to make sure employees understand the plan and are not alarmed by it.  Be sure to communicate the plan in all the common local languages in each country.  Encourage employees to take the information home and share it with their families.

Get Involved Now!

HR staff plays a key role in creating and implementing a plan to respond to a pandemic.  In addition to helping draft the plan and organizing implementation of it, Global HR must also focus on:

  • Education – Develop plans to educate employees in the prevention and spread of contagious and potential pandemic diseases in the workplace – signs, training, providing hand sanitizing, etc.
  • Partnership with the Community – Work closely with local health departments and other officials to take advantage of their resources, and secure a role for your company in community prevention efforts.
  • Awareness – Make employees aware of the resources available to them for prevention and cure under the company’s health care plan or clinic, national health insurance, and other resources.
  • Policy Updates – Review and update sick leave policies to address a pandemic situation (for the employee and to take care of sick family members).

As you can see, there are many things to consider in developing a plan to address a global pandemic.  I hope this article provides you with a good start in developing a plan for your company.  Don’t forget that any global plan must be carefully prepared and reviewed by local or international counsel to avoid any liabilities for the company and risks for the employees.

Have you already developed a plan for responding to a pandemic?  Share your comments to enrich the information in this post!

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Littler Mendelson

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Posted in Benefits, General, Global HR Expertise, Insurance, International Benefits, International Employment Law

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Medical Tourism: Saving Money on Global Benefits, Part 3

Posted on September 25, 2009 by | 4 comments

George Bashaw

Author:
George Bashaw – Atlas Global Benefits

Medical tourism is a hot topic, but can it save money for your company?  And if the answer is yes, should you adapt your health plan to incent certain employees to go overseas for medical procedures because it is less expensive?  This is a complex issue and requires that you do your due diligence before deciding anything.  This blog on medical tourism is part 3 in a series to help companies save money on international benefits.

Medical Tourism
If you are unaware, medical tourism is exactly what it sounds like, people traveling abroad for medical procedures.  According to McKinsey and Company, the industry is expected to reach over $100 million by 2012.  With medical cost skyrocketing in developed countries like the US, people are traveling to places like India, Singapore, and Thailand for savings up to 90% on certain procedures. For example, a heart bypass in the US can cost around $150,000 compared to $15,000 in India, which includes air fare and a brief vacation. Therefore, self insured corporations with and without global operations are taking notice and beginning to investigate.

Multinational Companies
If you already have a multinational employee base with a true global benefits plan, medical tourism is a viable option for your employees covered under the existing plan.  Typically, under these plans your employees can seek medical attention from the provider network.  However, it is also typical to find the domicile country of your company to be excluded from these plans.

If you have a true global benefits plan, ask your broker or your carrier about the possibility of medical tourism within this population.

Self-Insured Plans
Perhaps the greatest potential savings can be realized by self-insured plans in developed countries like the US where medical cost are high.  Unfortunately, I am unaware of a clear solution you can implement.  However, large medical carriers like CIGNA will help you explore the opportunity.

I recommend performing a utilization study going back 3-5 years to determine the occurrences of planned medical procedures which are good candidates for large savings like heart bypass, hip replacement, or knee replacement.  Armed with this data, you can compare those costs with alternatives in other counties.  Then, create an incentive plan that may appeal to a segment of your employees.

Sounds great for the wallet but India for Heart Surgery?
The thought of traveling thousands of miles to a distant country, where you may be unfamiliar with the culture and customs, and sometimes even the language, may sound like a big step, and it is.  However, you may find the quality of care equal or better than you are receiving now.  I live in Tulsa, OK and going to Cleveland Clinic sounds appealing if faced with a medical procedure.  Did you know that the Cleveland Clinic has a joint venture with the UAE and a clinic in Dubai?  Did you know that the Harvard Medical School has a joint venture with Wockhardt in India?

In Summary
There are many additional aspects to explore with medical tourism: cost, quality of care, cultural, legal, liability, and more.  Unfortunately, it would take a novel to address them all and I cannot in a blog piece.  However, if you are serious about saving money the potential is there.  Just be sure you do your due diligence.  Please leave a comment to let me know your thoughts or experience with this topic.

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Expats: Saving Money on Global Benefits, Part 2

Posted on August 18, 2009 by | 2 comments

George Bashaw

 

Author:
George Bashaw – Atlas Global Benefits

I hear snippets everyday about the economy recovering. Try telling that to your HR friends.  They are still getting pressure to cut costs and create efficiencies.  Adopting a true expat plan for benefits can create numerous efficiencies.  This blog is Part 2 in a series to help companies save money on international benefits by creating a global health benefits package specifically for expats.

Hard Cost
I am surprised every time I run into a company that does not have a global benefits package for expats.  A typical response is, “we don’t want to spend the money.”  This is a common misconception.

Did you know:

  • Expat plans are typically less expensive and more compressive than a comparable domestic plan;
  • The plans typically they do not have copays and many of the exclusions common with domestic plans;  and
  • The hard cost does not take into consideration the cost of a critical event like a heart attack or a medical evacuation and repatriation without international coverage.

Do a comparison and see where your company falls.

Efficiencies for HR
A company has three options when insuring expats:  keep them on a domestic plan and run claims through their current carrier; put them on a local (country-specific ) plan; or a specialized expat plan.  By choosing the latter, you can greatly reduce the administrative burden.  Here’s how:

  • Compliance:  Administering employee benefit plans in multiple countries creates a significant amount of compliance with local laws.  Adopting a global benefits package for globally mobile employees shifts the burden of compliance from the HR department to the insurance carrier.
  • Claims and Service:  This becomes the responsibility of the expat carrier.  It is only a matter of time before you have an employee in an assignment country on the operating table demanding payment to begin surgery.
  • Consistency in Benefits:  It is common for companies to provide expats with a local health care solution rather than one that is fully transportable around the globe.  Since benefits vary from country to country, you could end up with a disgruntled expat when they discover that one country’s benefits are richer than the next assignment.

Benefits for the Expat

  • Freedom:  Expats are on foreign assignment and their needs are significantly different than someone who is a local employee.  By nature, the expat will travel (different countries and home) and they need coverage that will follow them.
  • Productivity:  A global benefits package keeps your expat focused on their assignment.  They no longer worry about having to travel for medical care or deal with claims and medical provider issues.

Foreign Nationals
Creating a global benefits plan for non-US citizens working abroad requires some due diligence and proper communication.  The challenge is to design a plan that is integrated with any social benefits so there is no duplication. Perception of the new plan is very important.  In order to be well received, it is necessary to properly communicate the benefits to the expatriates so they are comfortable with the new private coverage as compared to their prior social system.

Use a Broker for a Complete RFP
I know this sounds self serving, but use a broker who writes international coverage.  Out of ten companies I call on, nine have one of two expat carriers. But there are more than a half a dozen carriers who provide quality coverage and it would serve you well to get a full RFP.  Second, a broker has knowledge of the market, leverage with carriers, and can match your needs with the appropriate insurance provider.  Third, most brokers have enough business to merit carrier discounts that can help negate commissions or broker fees.  In sum, make sure you are specifically insuring your risk and use a professional to facilitate the process.

I hope this helps you navigate through the complexities of expat health care options.  Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.

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Update! Employer Mandated Health Coverage in Dubai

Posted on July 6, 2009 by | 3 comments

George BashawAuthor:
George Bashaw – Atlas Global Benefits

In early May, I wrote a blog on the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) efforts to implement employer mandatory health insurance.  Since my blog, the Director-General of the DHA has put the funding scheme on hold until 2010.

Instead of paraphrasing a nice article in the Khaleej Times, you may find it here if you would like more information on the topic.

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Multinational Pooling: Saving Money on Global Benefits, Part 1

Posted on June 23, 2009 by | 14 comments

George Bashaw

Author:
George Bashaw – Atlas Global Benefits

With pressure from the C-Suite, HR is walking a tightrope to reduce cost and provide equal or better benefits.  Multinational pooling is one option to consider for a company that has multiple international locations.  This blog is Part 1 in a series of suggestions to reduce cost without sacrificing the quality of benefits.

Multinational Pooling
Multinational pooling is a contract in which a corporation with two or more locations can spread insurance risk by joining a larger pool of insureds.  This contract is facilitated by a pooling network which has a network of providers in various countries. Pooling can be used to spread risk for a number of employee benefits including medical, life, and disability insurance.

Many pooling networks require a minimum of ten employees per country.  Therefore, pooling can be a great way for smaller companies to provide consistent benefits, reduce administration, and save money.

How Can Multinational Pooling Reduce Cost?
Since the pool consists of a large group, the risk is experience-rated instead of fully insured.  The nature of an experience-rated contract eliminates some of the administrative costs and margins of a fully insured plan.

Providing the experience is good (determined during due diligence), the premium may be less.  If the corporation decides to participate in a pool and the experience is favorable, a dividend payment is received at the end of the year.  If the experience is poor, it may be mitigated by stop loss insurance, or the balance will be carried forward and can be recovered by future dividends.

Additional Benefits of Multinational Pooling
Underwriting small groups is always challenging.  By pooling with a larger group, there are better guarantees, limits, and benefit offerings.  This allows smaller groups to meet a common objective: consistency in benefits. Additionally, the pooling arraignment will likely provide enhanced financial reporting, consistency in communications, lower acquisition costs, and reduce the burden on HR.

What Else?
Multinational pooling is not for everyone.  Due diligence with a few pooling networks can determine the pros and cons.  As this is a complex, technical area, it’s always best to work with a benefits professional with experience in this area.

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