Higginbotham at a Glance
PRACTICE OVERVIEW GUIDE
At Higginbotham, we understand that your employees are your most important stakeholders, and we share your commitment to their well-being and success. Our passion lies in enriching the lives of your employees while supporting your overall business success. Every day, our industry-leading experts and their dedicated teams work tirelessly to deliver intricate and tailored services that make a real impact. From employee benefits to consumer-driven health plans (CDHP), this guide provides an overview of how our benefits teams collaborate to enhance your workforce’s experience and empower your organization to thrive.
Employee Benefits Operations
Paige Lock Employee Benefits Operations Specialist
Dakota Sawyer Employee Benefits Operations Specialist
Madison Johannessen Manager, New Partner and Employee Benefits Operations
Our mission is to empower our organization by serving as a trusted partner, bridging the gap between our employees and carrier partners. We provide essential resources, support, training, and advocacy to ensure the best possible experience for our producers and account management teams.
Elisa Sole Vice President, Employee Benefits and Day Two Operations
Kyla Downs Employee Benefits Operations Specialist
Cordray Employee Benefits Operations Specialist
Robyn Ford Employee Benefits Systems Training Specialist
Maiya
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
Account Manager and Producer Support
Central resource for account managers and producers, assisting with technology, client management, and carrier-related inquiries.
Benefits Technology Assistance
Offer support and training on benefits technology platforms like Mineral and Zywave, including client demos and setup.
Manage Carrier Appointments
Facilitate the appointment process for employee benefit carriers, ensuring timely and accurate setup for account managers and producers.
Provide Benchmarking Reports
Generate detailed benchmarking reports comparing client plans with industry standards, aiding in informed decision-making.
New Partner Management
Manages the integration and onboarding for new partners including contract consolidation.
Applied EPIC Support and Training
Ensure success within applied EPIC to all Account Managers through new hire training, bi-weekly refreshers, and SharePoint. Detailed assistance is provided via Zoom or Teams to help navigate EPIC while maintaining data integrity for accurate client information.
Population Health Management
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
Katie Callender, MPH, ACSM-CEP Director
Health Risk Management
Kelly Aguilar, CEAS, 500 ERYT, YACEP, PMA Consultant
Specialty: Ergonomics & Body Mechanics
Khai Huynh, CWP Consultant
Specialty: Non-Profits & Technology
PHM
CASE STUDY
This employer was able to study a cohort group of 159 participants in 2016 and again in 2020 to show a true five-year trend. After moving from a participatory style to an outcomes-based program, they discovered a positive risk movement in many areas, including biometric values and preventive care compliance.
Encouraging healthy lifestyles and rewarding employees for their efforts has been a mainstay for this employer. The wellness platform has done a great job at reporting personal health information and participation efforts, allowing for focused learning opportunities and a variety of incentives and rewards to maintain positive momentum.
Jennifer Speer jspeer@higginbotham.net
Katie Callender kcallender@higginbotham.net
Lindsay Ewart, MA, CWWPM
Managing Consultant
Specialty: Key Accounts
Andrea Miller, MSW, LMSW Consultant
Specialty: Mental Health
Kelley Melcher Consultant
Specialty: Worksite Strategy & Engagement
Comprehensive Health Program Development
Expert-tailored health programs to meet unique organizational needs.
PRIMARY SERVICES
Resource Optimization
Collaborate, leveraging Higginbotham’s resources, including carriers, stand-alone solutions, and community support.
Targeted Wellness Initiatives
Focused wellness strategies addressing culture, management, awareness, education, and success.
Strategic, NonGeneric Approach
Crafted programs based on analysis, avoiding a “one size fits all” solution to ensure optimal outcomes.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
Implement successful and relevant incentive strategies with recommended funding opportunities and considerations within the regulatory environment.
Review claims data and Health Risk Assessment and/ or Biometric Screening data, to provide recommendations for your population health management program.
Perform a comprehensive strategic analysis of your organization, workforce needs, and emerging markets.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
– World Health Organization
HR Services
HR OUTSOURCING
Payroll Administration
• Payroll Processing
• Garnishments
• Child Support Orders
• Payroll Reports
• W2s
• New Pay Codes
• Tax Notices
• PTO accruals
HR Business Partner
• Employee Handbook
• Performance Reviews
• Management Training
• Job Descriptions
• Discipline
• Employee Relations, Terminations, Exit Interviews
• Labor Attorney, Law Posters
• Salary Surveys
30% of staff is bilingual
Tammy Decker Managing Director
Benefits Administration
• Benefit Related Questions
• Payroll System Benefit Module Setup and Maintenance
• QMSOs
• Bill Reconciliation/Audits
• EDI Feed Assistance
HR Care Team
• Offer Letters
• Onboarding
• I-9 Compliance
• Background Checks
• Employee Data Changes
• Employee Files
• Unemployment Claim Response
FMLA/LOA Administration
• Assigned Administrator
• Compliance notices
• Portal tracking
• Leave policy information
• Manager/Employee Communication
“According to the 2023 ISG Survey on Industry Trends in HR Technology and Service Delivery, 77% of survey respondents that rely on HR outsourcing agree that it improves service quality, and 59% agree that it reduces costs. ” – World Health Organization
Entire team is either HR certified or has a Masters level HR degree With eight simple questions, we can provide a pricing estimate
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
01
HR Consulting/HR Business Partners
Strategic HR support with employee handbook development, policy revision, job descriptions, employee relations guidance, and discipline and terminations. Includes a full-time employment and labor attorney for additional support.
02 HR Care Team
Performs day-to-day HR functions including draft offer letters; background checks, drug screens, and employment verification; and prepares initial responses to unemployment claims.
Our five HR services teams
05 FMLA/LOA Administration
Manages your employees’ leaves of absence, ensuring proper communication and compliance from before they leave until they return.
03
Payroll
Manage your payroll through a platform-agnostic approach utilizing most large payroll platforms, such as Paycom, Paylocity, Paycore Alliance, RUN powered by ADP, and UKG Pro.
04 Benefits Administration
Employee-facing group dedicated to answering questions and helping employees resolve benefits-related issues.
CASE STUDY
Non-Profit | Benefits Administration
Streamlined Benefits Administration to Reduce Workload and Improve Support
A Custom HR Solution for Greater Flexibility 04
Challenge
A large, growing nonprofit faced inefficient benefits administration, delayed responses due to disconnected systems, and unresolved employee inquiries. With Open Enrollment nearing, they sought a solution to ease workload and improve service.
Solution
Higginbotham HR Services fixed data feed issues and outsourced Benefits Administration, streamlining inquiries, billing, and Open Enrollment for a seamless transition.
Results
With smoother processes and faster support, the organization eased its administrative burden and boosted employee satisfaction, with leadership expressing regret for not outsourcing sooner.
Construction | Full Service HR, Payroll, & Benefits Administration
Challenge
A midsize concrete company was frustrated with their PEO’s lack of transparency and flexibility. Looking for more control over operations while outsourcing HR services and needing help with implementation.
Solution
Higginbotham HR Services helped select and implement a new payroll system while taking on HR operations. They remained involved in key decisions, ensuring transparency and enabling them to focus on their business and core competencies.
Results
The company continues utilizing ongoing support, maintaining control and the flexibility to grow beyond the limits of a PEO.
HR Solutions
Higginbotham’s HR Solutions all function uniquely, each serving as their own line of business. As a single-source solution, HR Consulting, Outsourcing, Risk Management and Safety and Transportation are available as one or on a select-as-needed basis. Collectively, they create a well rounded suite of services to cover all lines of coverage for your business.
HR CONSULTING
Whit Smith Managing Director
wsmith@higginbotham.net
HR OUTSOURCING
Dennis Weyenberg Managing Director
dweyenberg@higginbotham.net
RISK MANAGEMENT
Nicole Tully Senior Underwriter, Employment ADR Plans
ntully@higginbotham.net
Lee
RISK MANAGEMENT
Stuart Ferguson Managing Partner
stuartferguson@higginbotham.com
01
Strategic and tactical solutions through either a one-time project or a long-term collaborative partnership.
HR OUTSOURCING
Acts as the organization’s HR department to conduct everyday HR needs. The client is assigned Higginbotham team members to provide consistent, comprehensive support to partner with internal HR team or in place of having an internal HR team.
03
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Plans for Employment take disputes out of the jury trial system.
HR SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION
Full suite of Onsite/Virtual training and compliance services, including telephone guidance and support line. Services are customizable to the client and available on a per-project basis or partnership retainer plan.
• Project and Retainer Work: Handbooks/Policies
- Audits and Investigations
- Compensation Plans
- Performance Management
- Customized Training and Coaching
• Recruitment/Executive Search
• Litigation Support
02
These outsourced services can be customized to include any or all of the following:
• HR Business Partners (strategic support)
• HR Care Team (administrative support)
• Payroll Administration
• Benefits Administration
• FMLA/LOA Administration
• Employee Opinion/Company Climate Surveys
RISK MANAGEMENT
• Addresses wage & hour, class actions as well as wrongful termination and common employment claims.
• Resolve disputes efficiently and fairly, avoiding costly litigation—even in hostile jurisdictions.
• Four-step plans created and installed in 30-60 days.
04
• Custom HR/Safety or Fleet Safety Manuals
• Safety/DOT/HR Onsite Assessments
• Leadership Training
• HR/Safety Onsite Investigations
• Equipment Operator Safety Training
• CPR/AED/First Aid Training
• OSHA required Training
HR Technology
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
Maggie Hadden Director
T.J. Caballero Manager
Jessica Marvray Implementation/ Renewal Team Lead
Abigail Diaz Support Team Lead
Our Vision Our Mission
To empower our clients with advanced technology that ensures compliance, minimizes errors, and enhances operational efficiency, setting a new standard for excellence in HR and benefits administration
To streamline HR and benefits administration by leveraging cutting-edge technology, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience for our clients and their employees
PRIMARY SERVICES
System implementation, training, and demonstrations for clients, internal teams, and client admins.
Open Enrollment setup and reporting for carrier system and payroll deductions.
Payroll platform integration.
Carrier feed setup through Employee Navigator Data.
Exchange or 834 Files.
ACA setup and support for 1094 and 1095 reporting.
HOW WE WORK
As a team, we provide HR Technology services through training, implementation, training, ongoing support, and testing. Over 14 years ago we first licensed Employee Navigator, our only in-house offering. As of today, over 1000+ clients are receiving our services through the Employee Navigator system.
INDUSTRY TRENDS AND SHIFTS
Automation:
Used by organizations to reduce complexity, automating and simplifying employee benefits management.
Centralized Management:
Centralized benefit-related tasks and data for efficient management across your company.
Compliance Tracking: Tracks compliance deadlines, generates reports, and ensures adherence to changing regulations.
Cost Optimization: Automates processes and streamlines administrative tasks to reduce overhead costs and maximize the value of employee benefit programs.
Future
Growth and Outlook:
Strong demand for benefits administration software continues to attract and retain top talent, ensure compliance, and optimize costs.
Morgan Roberts Specialist
Pamela Bayley-Mcdonnell Specialist
Gina Purcell Specialist
PROVIDE COBRA and CDHP proposals
Melody Gnadinger mgnadinger@higginbotham.com
Jack Turner jsturner@higginbotham.com
“A single-source solution to coordinate and streamline the COBRA and CDHP implementation process.”
Melody Gnadinger Director, Implementation and Special Projects
IMPLEMENT
New COBRA, Direct Bill and Texas State Continuation business
New CDHPFSA/LPFSA, DCAP, HRA and LSA business
COLLABORATE
With account managers and producers from start through the end of the implementation process
Cindy Boettcher Specialist
Jack Turner Manager, Implementation
Kathryn Michaud Specialist
EDUCATE
The client to be self-sufficient by providing thorough training and Employer Guides
SUPPORT Set up SFTP EDI files
Attend benefit fairs for CDHP clients
WHAT WE OFFER
• Collaborate with account managers and producers
• Smooth and efficient COBRA and CDHP administration
• Detailed implementation timeline with transition support to the operations team
CASE STUDY
Our goal is to be a comprehensive resource throughout the processing, equipping clients with the knowledge needed for ongoing service.
Small air conditioning company with 50 employees, transitioning from COBRA to Higginbotham COBRA Administration Services
CHALLENGE:
Continuous issues with in-house COBRA admin and an overwhelmed HR department
SOLUTION:
Implement automated notifications, compliance monitoring, and premium billing and collection
IMPLEMENTATION:
Initial Assessment: Thoroughly analyzed the client’s current COBRA administration processes.
Data Migration: Employee data was securely transferred to Higginbotham’s proprietary system.
Training: HR staff received training on the new Employer Portal and workflows.
Go Live: COBRA administration went live within one month of the initial assessment.
RESULTS:
100% Compliance
Our client achieved 100% compliance with COBRA regulations.
70% Efficiency
HR staff’s time spent on COBRA administration was reduced by about 70%.
Participant Satsfaction
Employees reported a smoother experience with COBRA notifications and the ability to pay premium payments online and via ACH.
CDHP Team Day Two Services
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
Stephanie Holbert sholbert@higginbotham.net
reimbursement account administration with personalized client support and efficient solutions.”
A dedicated client manager ensures direct access to support, fostering strong relationships and ensuring prompt, effective responses. They are introduced during implementation for a seamless transition.
Efficient claims processing improves the client experience, offering confidence and reliability. While we guarantee claims are processed within 48 hours, 95% are paid the same day. Our user-friendly portal empowers members to manage their plans, reinforcing our client-first approach.
A key benefit of partnering with us is no annual renewal fees and pre-funding requirements. Higginbotham uniquely covers members’ claim payments exceeding contributions, ensuring financial stability and peace of mind.
Teresa Stinson CDHP Manager, Compliance & Customer Service
Stephanie Holbert Director, Third Party Administration
Terra Perry CDHP Manager, Client Services
Health
Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Full Purpose
Limited Purpose Dependent Care
Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSA)
Commuter Plans
(Transit and Parking)
What We Can Do
• Comprehensive plans such as POP, HRA, and transit benefits
• Documentation services to ensure plan details are compliant and clearly outlined
• Perform non-discrimination testing to verify plans remain equitable and compliant with regulations, avoiding advantages to highly compensated individuals
• Craft and distribute client education resources to keep clients abreast of plans and benefits
• Provide a dedicated customer service team to discuss and assist with plan-related inquiries
What We Need from You
• Current healthcare plan and funding method during the implementation
• Regular contributions to chosen funding method for smooth claims processing
• Compliance information for non-discrimination testing and verification
• Accurate employee data for demographics and compensation
Sam McMahan smcmahan@higginbotham.net
Kerri Kearney kkearney@higginbotham.net
Sam McMahan Director, Financial Analytics
Kerri Kearney Manager, Financial Reporting
Jerod Slay Reporting Analyst
Luke Dutton Senior Financial Analyst
CJ Heintz Senior Financial Analyst
Carlan Howard Reporting Analyst
The Finance Department is the underwriting, analytics, and financial reporting arm of our Employee Benefits team.
Large group reporting
Renewal and mid-year projections
Currently we offer:
Ad-hoc claims analysis
Contribution Analysis
Premium Equivalent setting
04 IBNRs
Simplify health-spend complexities with detailed reports.
Use industry expertise and data insights for custom strategies.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
Deliver transparent and detailed reports that simplify the complexities of health-spend dollars, providing clients with clear insights into their expenditures.
Develop top-tier creative solutions for each client, by utilizing industry knowledge and analytical insights.
Educate clients on the intricacies of healthcare and insurance, preventing surprises from large claims or high renewals, and enabling informed decision-making.
Clarify health care intricacies, preventing surprises and support informed decision making.
HOW WE WORK
Help consultants mitigate high costs and unexpected claims.
05
Utilize a wide array of tools and reports to craft compelling narratives for each group, highlighting their unique circumstances and guiding strategic planning.
Empower clients to make informed decisions and achieve cost-effective health plan management.
Assist consultants in developing proactive strategies to mitigate high costs and unexpected claims, ensuring clients are equipped to handle any financial news.
Ross Carmichael Managing Director, Compliance and Day Two Services®
rcarmichael@higginbotham.net
“If you think compliance is expensive, try non-compliance.”
-U.S. Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty
Our mission is to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency by ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. We are committed to proactively identifying risks, educating stakeholders, and implementing best practices to protect your organization’s reputation and assets.
Sarah Gillespie Director of Compliance
sgillespie@higginbotham.net
Access to up-to-date employee benefits plan details, including documents and funding for accurate reporting.
Details of your organization’s detailed compliance needs based on federal, state, and industry requirements.
Decision-makers’ contact information to streamline compliance tools setup.
SERVICES
Collaboratively our Compliance and Day Two Services® Departments provide comprehensive support for employee benefits plan compliance and regulatory needs.
Direct client access for compliance and HR inquiries
Day Two Services®
Monthly and ad-hoc compliance updates
05
Preparation assistance for audits.
Training for account managers and producers
Provide expert guidance on compliance issues related to employee benefit plans, ensuring your organization stays ahead of COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, and other regulatory requirements.
Create custom compliance dashboards tailored to your organization’s specific needs, automating deadlines, document storage, and ensuring seamless compliance tracking.
Offer direct access to compliance experts who can address complex inquiries, resolve issues, and provide ongoing support for your HR team and leadership.
Equip you with monthly compliance updates and timely alerts on new regulations, helping you navigate any changes smoothly and with confidence.
WHAT
WE CAN DO FOR YOU
Develop and supply a wealth of resources, including white papers, sample policies, and detailed compliance procedures to simplify your compliance management.
Support your team with hands-on training through webinars, seminars, and personalized sessions, making sure everyone is informed and ready to tackle compliance challenges.
Ensure you’re prepared for audits by helping organize required documents and offering expert assistance in audit preparations.
Act as a seamless extension of your HR team by offering direct consultation and problemsolving services, empowering you to focus on core business goals while we handle the compliance details.
PBIRx and Pharmacy
As Higginbotham’s Rx consulting division, PBIRx evaluates your current pharmacy program against your population’s pharmaceutical usage to place an improved and customized solution. Understanding your group’s prescription needs enables a reduction in excess spending through clinical programs, international sourcing, and patient assistance programs.
Carve-in and carve-out solutions are considered, enabling potential advantages like third-party vendor saving programs and manufacturing coupon programs.
We leverage data to work for you, finding the “lowest net cost” solution without sacrificing needs and wants.
By partnering with a pharmacy consultant, we remain agnostic and objective in plan placement, providing you the best pharmacy solutions possible.
PRIMARY SERVICES
We evaluate dispensing fees, AWP discounts, ingredient costs, deeper rebase negotiations, and rebate guarantees as part of our vetting and placement process.
Requiring an Intent to Bid authorization from prospective vendors, this outlines 20 specific items to be included within your contract. Once established, Rx specialists match you with the right PBM solutions for your needs and concerns.
REPORTING CAPABILITIES
Pharmacluent reviews client claims daily to identify outliers in real time and address clinical programs opportunities.
RxSurge Alert reviews 100% AWP cost increases based on Medi-Span.
ACD® reporting contains over 200 clinical programs to address adherence, compliance, and savings.
PBM monitoring software analyzes plan performance for areas of concern or noncompliance, auditing plan performance against your contract helps hold carriers to discount guarantees
Employee Resource Center
Francine Tebo Director, Employee Inquiries
Andrea Patton ERC Manager, Operations
Ricardo Gomez Supervisor of QA / Workforce Optimization Management
PRIMARY SERVICES
Francine Tebo Director, Employee Inquiries
Helpline@higginbotham.com
Joann Vaughn Senior ERC Benefits Specialist
Ethan Putnam Claims Team Lead
Nelly Sosa ERC Team Lead
Crystal James Senior ERC Benefits Specialist
The Employee Resource Center supports your employees’ benefits plan during open enrollment and throughout your policy. Our team of experts focuses on educating employees on how to use their health plans effectively and manages various inquiries and responsibilities. These include annual enrollment, assistance with life events, and provider searches.
HOW WE SERVE YOU
A Dedicated or Custom toll-free number and email address upon request
Spanish speaking support in addition to 140 supported languages
ERC agents licensed in General Lines
Health and Life
Available 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CST
Monday - Friday
Personalized responses and solutions to individual needs (inquiries)
U.S based team
Concierge team for complex claims support such as potential out of pocket costs, deductibles, claims review and advocacy
High-volume SMS campaigns and two-way chat available upon request
Stewardship reports with trend analysis will be provided upon request, encompassing all forms of communication
Client roles and responsibilities grid to support HR teams, as needed
The Employee Response Center offers year-round benefits support, enabling your HR team to prioritize essential tasks.
Notes:
Lead with Values and Value Leads.
