The Broker Edge

Ask the Underwriter, Part 2: Beyond the Rate: What’s Driving Life & Disability Costs Today

In this episode of Ask the Underwriter, we explore the shifting landscape of life and disability insurance costs. Our panel of experts dives into post-pandemic mortality trends, demographic shifts, and the economic pressures influencing participation rates and underwriting decisions. We also unpack actionable strategies for brokers to improve enrollment outcomes, secure competitive quotes, and understand the deeper drivers behind disability claims. Whether you're a seasoned broker or new to the space, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate today’s complex benefits environment. 

API Integrations: Transforming the plan build and eligibility processes

Our guest, Michelle Bertrand, a technology practice leader at Guardian, explores the transformative power of API integrations in the employee benefits industry. Join us to hear insights on how APIs can help streamline the plan build and eligibility processes, ultimately shortening setup time, reducing errors, and improving overall efficiency.

Guardian and Workday: Revolutionizing the employee benefits experience

Discover the innovative features of the new Workday Wellness benefits platform and how it integrates with Guardian's solutions to help provide a seamless experience for planholders. Learn about the latest API technology that can help ensure better support and engagement for wellness-related benefits.

Decoding ASO Dental: Smart strategies for brokers

In this episode, we dive into the strategic decision-making behind offering ASO (Administrative Services Only) dental plans to clients. Brokers will learn how to identify the right timing and client profile for ASO dental, understand the pricing dynamics, and explore how to limit risk while maximizing value. Whether you're advising a mid-sized employer or a large organization, this episode will help you guide clients toward smarter, more informed dental coverage choices.

Modernizing EOI: From friction to flow

Join Sarah Mitchell, Benefits Technology Practice Leader, Guardian and Meredith Block, Manager, Client Relationship Management, The Cason Group In this engaging conversation, we explore the current state of Evidence of Insurability (EOI) and how outdated processes are creating pain points across the benefits ecosystem.

The Balancing Act: Dental network size, access and discounts

Hear Ashlee Carroll, Head of Network Practices and Field Support, discuss the delicate balance when considering network size, access, and discounts. A smaller network can have better access (targeted) and deep discounts which provide more savings for planholders and members.

Better Efficiency, Better Business: The advantages of working with a single carrier

Hear Mark Harris, Executive Sales Consultant and Megan Richard, Client Manager, Premier, Group Benefits at Guardian discuss how to build value and efficiency by building your carrier relationships.

Guardian’s Paid Leave Rider: An employer solution for equitable family leave benefits

Discover how Guardian’s Paid Leave Benefit Rider is transforming traditional short-term plans to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. This episode explores how the rider fills critical gaps in both states with and without paid family and medical leave (PFML) laws — offering a more complete and equitable leave solution. Learn how brokers can leverage this innovative offering to help clients support multi-state employees with consistent, inclusive leave policies. 

Ask the Underwriter: Market forces shaping dental plan pricing

Our underwriters Dan Tessitore, Leader/Regional Underwriting Director and Jack Burke, Head of West Advisory, Premier, & Select Underwriting as they discuss the dental pricing trends, the impact of AI and technology, and how Guardian is supporting brokers, planholders, and providers. 

 

Helping clients navigate dental network disruption

There’s often more to dental network size and coverage than meets the eye.  Understanding how dental networks count and report on provider locations can be tricky as there isn’t consistency across carriers. But understanding the potential for disruption … and how carriers address gaps or issues with network coverage is critical to the plan member experience and employer satisfaction.