{"id":1753,"date":"2025-06-29T17:02:45","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T00:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/immixgroup.ca\/blog\/?p=1753"},"modified":"2025-06-29T17:56:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T00:56:06","slug":"a-better-way-to-do-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/immixgroup.ca\/blog\/2025\/06\/29\/a-better-way-to-do-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"A Better Way to Do Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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A Better Way to Do Benefits: Independent, Canadian, and Client-First<\/strong><\/h1>

As an independent, Canadian-owned firm, we\u2019re free to build custom benefits solutions based solely on what\u2019s right for your business.<\/em><\/h4>

\u00a0<\/p>

by\u00a0Lindsay Byrka<\/a>\u00a0| B.A., B.Ed, CFP\u00ae<\/strong>\u00a0| Vice President<\/p>

The Immix Group Employee Benefits is Canadian and Independent<\/h2>

One thing that sets the Immix Group apart\u2014especially in today\u2019s world of frequent mergers and acquisitions\u2014is our independence! We likely don\u2019t talk about it enough, but did you know the Immix Group is a 100% independent, Canadian-owned and operated company? While the name The Immix Group Employee Benefits Ltd.<\/em> was established in 2010, our roots date back over four decades.<\/p>

Unlike the majority of our competitors who operate as subsidiaries of large corporations (usually American), we understand what it\u2019s like to run an SMB in Canada. \u00a0This means we can relate to the experience of our clients, many of whom are owner-operators. We know they need to focus on their own business. When it comes to their benefits, they need a partner they trust, with expertise, access to the market, and the capability to support the ongoing management of the program.<\/p>

The Immix Group is an extension of your team<\/h4>

Many of our smaller clients don\u2019t employ HR professionals\u2014or if they do, they prefer those team members to focus on other human resource activities, not benefits administration.<\/p>

Even for the larger firms we work with who employ robust HR teams, they may not have the bandwidth or desire to administer their benefits, or to delve into understand the intricacies of pricing, plan design elements or other related aspects of an employee benefits program.<\/p>

So why is it advantageous for SMBs to partner with benefits advisors who also provide administration services?<\/h4>

Because benefits administration doesn\u2019t need to be an added burden for internal teams. With the right support in place, questions get answered faster, errors are avoided, and employees get the help they need\u2014without the runaround.<\/p>

A small company with around 35 employees had their payroll administrator also managing the benefits plan. While they were an experienced and capable administrator with deep knowledge of the company\u2019s industry, employee benefits were not their area of expertise. Despite basic training on the insurer\u2019s plan admin site, they regularly ran into confusing and complex situations\u2014late applicants, dependent eligibility, billing confusion\u2014and didn\u2019t always know how to proceed.<\/p>

While the company had an advisor, their role was limited to higher-level items (renewals, plan design changes, escalated situations) rather than the day-to-day. Employees were told to call 1-800 numbers for help, which left everyone frustrated. When the Immix Group came on board, this relieved them of this aspect of their week, freeing them up to focus on other higher-value activities to support the firm.<\/p>

At Immix Group, we don\u2019t expect your internal team to become benefits experts. That\u2019s our job.<\/h2>

At Immix Group, we handle the daily benefits admin\u2014so your team doesn\u2019t have to. We resolve issues quickly, support employees directly, and keep your plan running smoothly.<\/p>

For those in our Client Community, if you\u2019re not already taking advantage of the Immix Group\u2019s ability to handle your benefits administration, please reach out! We administer benefits for about 75% of those in our Client Community, but we\u2019d love to see that number reach 100%. Providing daily benefits administration is included when you work with the advisors at the Immix Group; we do not charge additional third-party admin fees.<\/p>

When it comes to your benefits program, one size does not fit all.<\/h3>

Expertise when it comes to benefits administration is just one part of the equation. Our process most often begins with collaborating with your team to design a program that meets the unique needs of your group of employees<\/a>.<\/p>

A mini case study: <\/strong>One of our long-time clients is comprised of nearly 100% women employees. They wanted to address the needs of their staff in a meaningful way, acknowledging that women have unique life experiences and needs<\/a>. We collaborated with their team- starting with an employee survey- to implement benefits that included enhanced fertility and family planning coverage, additional mental health support (higher practitioner limits, enhanced EFAP with CBT), and a generous flexible spending account open to taxable benefits such as childcare, fitness and kids\u2019 sports fees. On top of this, a robust virtual healthcare program to ensure the many busy moms in their employee base had access to virtual healthcare visits for themselves and their family members, as needed.<\/p>

Whether it\u2019s getting the right cost sharing formula in place<\/a>, executive disability coverage<\/a>, or robust flex spending<\/a>, fertility and family planning benefits, a program can be tailored to meet your desired outcomes. We believe your benefits program should reflect the values and philosophy of your company, and that in doing so, it enhances culture.<\/p>

Choosing the right provider for your programs enhances the employee experience<\/h2>

The Immix Group has longstanding and ever-expanding relationships with a myriad of insurance and investment providers. Because we are free to use the full range of industry suppliers, both large and small, this gives us flexibility and freedom to get it right<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>

Because the Immix Group is independent, we have the freedom to share the details <\/strong><\/h4>

When it comes to their group benefits plan, one concern most Canadian business owners have is over-paying for their benefits. There is the perception that insurance is often \u2018money down the drain\u2019. This is why transparency matters so much to us; we believe that you should understand where your benefits dollars are going, and the breakdown of premiums and claims.<\/p>

So how can small and medium-sized businesses ensure they are not overpaying for benefits? By working with providers who are transparent when it comes to the financial details. It doesn\u2019t have to be complicated, rather, it should be clear. We believe that employers should be able to see the financial elements such as where the claims dollars are directed and expenses on the program.<\/p>

In contrast to how the Immix Group manages our pools, many other providers do not share details.<\/strong><\/h5>

Despite some progress in the industry with a general movement towards greater transparency, many benefit providers still withhold claims data\u2014especially in pools or association plans. These often come with preset plan designs and pricing that adjusts based on the performance of the overall group, not your individual company. In these cases, you typically can\u2019t customize your plan or access your own claims breakdown.<\/p>

Without that transparency, it\u2019s hard to make informed decisions. Worse, you may face cost increases that don\u2019t reflect your company\u2019s actual usage.<\/p>

If you\u2019d like the Immix Group to take a second look at your benefits plan, please reach out! We love to hear from you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Have questions or ready to take the next step?<\/strong>
Connect with our team today<\/a> \u2014 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Key Takeaways\u00a0<\/h3>

Independent and Canadian-Owned<\/strong>: The Immix Group is 100% Canadian and independently owned, allowing us to prioritize client needs.<\/p>

Custom-Tailored Plan Design<\/strong>: Unlike many providers, Immix can design flexible benefits programs\u2014including pricing, plan structure, and rate guarantees\u2014tailored to the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses.<\/p>

Hands-On Benefits Administration<\/strong>: Immix supports day-to-day benefits administration for clients, helping reduce internal workload, resolve issues quickly, and improve the employee experience.<\/p>

Transparency for Pricing and Claims Data<\/strong>: The Immix Group believes in full financial transparency, ensuring clients understand where their benefits dollars go\u2014unlike many pooled or association plans that limit access to claims data.<\/p>

An Extension of your Team<\/strong>: With a high-touch service model and expert advice, Immix acts as an extension of your team, building benefits programs that reflect your company\u2019s values and support your workforce.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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FAQ\u2019s<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1. What value is there in choosing an independent employee benefits advisor? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Being independent means the advisor is not tied to a specific insurer or provider. This means access to a broad range of suppliers, and the ability to fully customized benefits programs for our clients.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2. Do benefits advisors charge additional fees for daily benefits administration?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Some do, the Immix Group does not, and includes ongoing daily benefits administration as part of our high touch service protocol.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3. Why is it important to see my group\u2019s claims experience data? <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Lack of claims data limits your ability to make informed decisions about your benefits plan. It can also result in unfair rate increases. Immix ensures full transparency so you can evaluate performance and adjust your plan accordingly.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t