Anthony Mccarren, Vice President, Client Services, Dorothy M. Cociu, President“At ABC, we put ourselves in their shoes, we listen to them, we really hear them, and we find ways to assist them,” says Dorothy M. Cociu, president of Advanced Benefit Consulting (ABC).
A boutique employee benefits broker and consulting firm, Advanced Benefit Consulting (ABC) stands out in the competitive field of employee benefits through its comprehensive suite of products and services tailored to meet the unique needs of its diverse client base. With a strong focus on self-funding, the firm prides itself on customizing plans 100 percent for the specific needs of each employer client.
In the fully insured market, ABC offers a full line of insured products, but its true distinction lies in the services it provides beyond product sales. For example, every benefits broker can offer fully insured products, which are considered the “meat and potatoes” of the industry. However, ABC excels in custom designing and managing plans in self-funding, discovering niche solutions for each employer client, whether fully insured or self-funded. ABC’s vast experience in self-funding and creative plan design broadens the scope of benefit offerings for all employers, fully insured and self-funded alike. Its dedication to client needs extends well beyond traditional offerings.
Customization Holds the Key
ABC provides a myriad of educational programs on a monthly basis, complemented by an on-demand education center. Here, employers can register free of charge for themselves or team members to access past programs available in the exclusive “Clients Only” section of the ABC website. Additionally, the firm’s weekly podcast series, The Benefits Executive Roundtable, is transitioning from an audio format to a video format for its sixth season starting in September 2024, enhancing the accessibility and engagement of its content.
For large groups, ABC organizes Benefit Fairs where employees can meet with vendors, ask questions, and enjoy a fun, interactive experience. These fairs often feature raffles, food, and beverages and can be combined with Open Enrollment live training meetings or pre-recorded videos tailored to client requests. The firm’s commitment to client engagement is further demonstrated through on-site visits and group meetings, supplemented by one-on-one assistance when needed. For clients with multiple locations, ABC offers on-site services at larger locations and Zoom hybrid meetings to reach employees and their families in outlying areas.
Customization extends to video production, where ABC creates videos specific to each client’s benefit plans. These videos are made available on demand on the client’s intranet, payroll provider platform, or the ABC website on a secured page, ensuring convenient access for open enrollment and new hire orientations.
Unlike many brokers, ABC offers specialized services as HIPAA Privacy & Security consultants and trainers. They assist employers with HIPAA and related compliance issues and collaborate with partners Aditi Group, a tech firm specializing in HIPAA Security, HITECH, and Cybersecurity implementation and training. These services are in addition to ERISA, Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), ACA/IRS, COBRA, and state law compliance services, where Ms. Cociu works closely with their ERISA and Benefits Attorney, Marilyn Monahan, to ensure compliance at all levels.
Taking a Hands-On Approach
Customer service at ABC is characterized by a hands-on approach. The customer service team is dedicated to helping both employers and plan participants resolve issues effectively. This commitment is rooted in the firm’s leadership, as both owners started their careers in the third-party administrator (TPA) business.
We are constantly looking at the market conditions, evaluating and readjusting
Notably, Cociu brings over a decade of experience running a TPA. This hands-on experience in administering benefit plans equips the firm with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved, setting it apart from typical benefit broker firms. The team’s unique background enables them to effectively collaborate with all benefit plan partners, business associates, and vendors, truly understanding each role within the ecosystem.
A key competitive advantage of ABC is its boutique size. Unlike larger firms where clients might feel like small fish in a vast ocean, Advanced Benefit Consulting offers a personalized, boutique experience. This approach ensures that each client feels valued and special. Clients have direct access to the owners without navigating through multiple layers of service and management. This direct line of communication reinforces the firm’s commitment to personalized service and client satisfaction.
Being Proactive Goes a Long Way
Adaptability has been a hallmark of ABC, particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The firm swiftly transitioned to virtual platforms, utilizing Zoom for meetings, training, and Open Enrollment sessions. It supplemented these efforts with instructional videos for employees.
Recognizing the importance of safety, the team also invested in outdoor event tents for in-person meetings, measured and marked six-foot distancing, and implemented directional arrows to manage foot traffic safely, following each county’s specific guidelines for pandemic employee safety. Plastic table shields were used to maintain safe yet effective face-to-face interactions when necessary.
ABC took proactive steps to educate employers about COVID-19 guidelines. They developed training PowerPoints and recordings, researched state, county, and city guidelines, and tailored these resources for employer use. A comprehensive and award-winning COVID Guide was also created, compiling essential information, requirements, and useful links into one accessible document. This dedication to research and client support underscores the firm’s mission to simplify the complexities of benefits administration, no matter the challenges faced.
The Importance of Evaluating and Readjusting
In response to the global shift towards Artificial Intelligence, ABC has integrated AI into its services with a strong emphasis on employer protection. The firm’s specialized division in privacy and security ensures that the use of AI does not compromise confidential data. This approach reassures clients that their information remains secure while benefiting from the efficiencies and insights offered by AI technologies.
“We are constantly looking at the market conditions, evaluating, and readjusting,” says Cociu. “By doing this, we can add and change our solutions portfolio to meet the needs of every client.”
This philosophy underpins the firm’s strategy of continuous improvement and adaptation. Unlike firms that mass-produce solutions, ABC listens intently to clients, understanding requirements and crafting bespoke strategies. This client-centric approach has been pivotal in their success, enabling them to anticipate market shifts and stay ahead of the curve.
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At ABC, we put ourselves in our employer clients’ shoes and we hear them, we listen and we really hear them, and we find ways to assist them
Central to ABC’s strategy is controlled growth. By expanding service offerings while maintaining a boutique feel, the firm ensures personalized attention to each client. The balance allows it to introduce new services without compromising on the tailored experience that defines the brand.
Looking forward, ABC sees adaptability as its cornerstone. The firm is prepared to evolve alongside market dynamics, armed with creativity, knowledge, and meticulous analysis. Regular client education remains a priority, with a variety of formats—from webinars to custom educational videos—keeping clients informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and ABC’s evolving solutions. Recent strategic developments, such as the hiring of a Director of Business Development focused on group strategies, underscore ABC’s proactive stance. This move frees up senior leadership to deepen client relationships and enhance compliance, further reinforcing ABC’s reputation as a trusted partner.
As it continues to grow and innovate, ABC remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering client-specific solutions and exceptional service. The firm’s future looks bright, anchored in the ability to listen, adapt, and innovate. By staying true to its core values and leveraging expertise, ABC is poised to navigate future challenges, while continuing to exceed client expectations. For ABC and its clients, the journey ahead is defined by a shared commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of tailored solutions.
