The leadership of Benefits Network’s Coalition Management Services division has established numerous business coalitions, some of which serve employers in specific geographic locations, and some that serve particular industry types, such as public sector employers.

Dave Straight, founder and CEO of Benefits Network, presently serves as Executive Director for two prospering coalitions, the Regional Employers Health Alliance (REHA), and the Employers Medical Access Partnership (E.MAP). These coalitions combined serve more than 800 employers and have delivered more than $15 million in health care cost savings through preferred pricing arrangements. He is the premier expert in coalition formation and administration in the industry.

Capabilities

Coalition Management Services can work with a group of employers to develop a turnkey coalition. There are three phases:

1. Formation Phase – During this phase, a business plan is created that outlines all steps required for successful formation of a business coalition including the creation of a legal structure and by-laws, obtaining mass interest from employers, and conducting a formal Request for Proposal and securing insurance partners and preferred pricing deals.

2. Initial Launch Phase – Once insurance partners have been secured and preferred pricing has been negotiated, this phase “gets the ball rolling” with execution of a publicity strategy, development of professional brochures and sales collateral materials, a series of group meetings, and much more.

3. Marketing & Administration Operational Phase – Once operational, a successful coalition must be continually marketed and have a strong administrative infrastructure. This phase includes managing the ongoing sales initiative with insurance agents and brokers, building strong carrier relationships, membership dues billing and collection, negotiation of future deals, coordinating Board of Director and Annual meetings, etc.

A large group of strongly interested employers is not required to form a successful coalition. The coalitions that we have helped to establish began with zero members. Their success was driven by interest from one or two influential individuals or “champions” and the efforts of the leaders of Benefits Network’s Coalition Management Services division.