Businessolver Addition to Develop Strategic Partnerships

January 5, 2012 1:29 pm Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

Businessolver will continue to develop strategic partnerships with HR and benefits-related organizations with the addition of 25-year HR outsourcing vet Jeff Mortland.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Des Moines, Iowa - Businessolver, a West Des Moines-based benefits outsourcing company, will continue to develop strategic partnerships with HR and benefits-related organizations with the addition of Jeff Mortland.

Mortland brings nearly 25 years of HR outsourcing experience to Businessolver. He will leverage that experience as Assistant Vice President of Alliances.

“We’re excited to leverage Jeff’s strategic alliance experience to accelerate our alliance focus and opportunities,” said Businessolver Vice President of North American Sales Loren Brockhouse. “We’re relying on his experience to develop formal relationships with organizations that align well with our business strategies.”

Mortland’s experience includes HR, benefits administration and payroll outsourcing services. He led sales groups for Ceridian, ADP and HR XCEL before joining Businessolver.

“It’s exciting to be a part of an organization that provides top-notch technology and industry-leading service to support it,” said Mortland. “The technology provides a lot of opportunity to connect with other leading providers and offer our clients an even more complete solution.”

About Businessolver
Businessolver is a provider of online benefits administration services and benefit administration outsourcing services. Its web-based platform automates employers’ insurance benefit administration by consolidating multiple insurance carriers into a single platform and customizing the process to meet each employer’s unique enrollment requirements. In addition to Enrollment and Eligibility services, other Businessolver service offerings include: COBRA Services, Billing and Financial Reporting, Service Center, Benefit Advisory Services, Eligibility Verification and Fulfillment.

Businessolver Ahead of the Curve on HITECH Act

December 2, 2011 7:21 am Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

The HITECH Act is not being enacted as quickly as the government had hoped. A recent report to Congress claims progress is slow, and holes left in the previous HIPAA Act are not being plugged. This means leaks of Personal Health Information (PHI) are continuing to occur with alarming frequency. The report was made in early November to the subcommittee on privacy, technology and the law.

One big concern is technology providers that host health information but don’t fall within the health IT category, and therefore aren’t regulated. These companies’ end users are able to reveal sensitive health information through internet searches and over social networks.

“As we begin to rely more and more on technology providers to perform our core business functions, we have to understand the associated risks,” said Ryan Keehn, Information Security Officer at Businessolver. “These providers are gaining access to the sensitive data when they take over these functions.” Keehn recommends regularly asking the following questions of your business partners:

Who has access to my data?
How is my data being transferred?
What are you doing with my data after you have it?

Minnesota Senator Al Franken, chair of the subcommittee, said he would consider legislation to augment HITECH by requiring the encryption of health data -extremely rare among health IT companies at this point – and requiring health data security rules to be applied to a broader segment of vendors.

If you already entrust Businessolver with your company’s health information, rest assured those measures are already being taken.

All Personal Identification Information (PII) and Personal Health Information (PHI) is encrypted in transit and at rest. All Businessolver desktops and laptops are encrypted, all file servers are encrypted, and the databases are encrypted using strong 256-bit encryption.

“The encryption at rest is a very important factor,” said Keehn. “Most companies don’t focus on this factor. They are only looking at encrypting their data in transit, and relying on their access controls to keep their data safe when sitting on the hard disk. At Businessolver we still have the access controls, but we are also encrypting the data on the drives so that if someone does walk off with a server, they still won’t be getting our customers’ data.”

Keeping client data secure is priority one, so Businessolver’s security measures in all areas go above and beyond what is required. We work with external auditors to produces several independent audit reports and security assessments periodically. These include an annual Type II SAS 70 report, quarterly Application Vulnerability Assessments, and annual Network Penetration Testing. In addition, our clients are welcome to perform their own audits of our systems as well to gain that additional level of assurance.

If data security is important to you, contact your Businessolver representative to learn how we protect the data your employees trust to your care.

Finding a Home at Businessolver

November 17, 2011 4:18 pm Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

“I wasn’t necessarily looking for this but I’m happy I found it,” said 2011 college graduate Megan Riedel. With a double major in finance and marketing, Riedel pictured herself in a corporate finance or marketing position. She didn’t see herself serving clients in an open, collaborative environment like Businessolver.

Riedel, a Client Services Manager at Businessolver, interned in a more structured environment where her tasks didn’t vary much from day to day. “I have a lot of freedom here,” Riedel said. “I like excitement and learning, and I’m learning something new every day. My job isn’t getting static. I don’t have the same ‘to-do list’ every day.”

When she began her job search a year ago, Riedel was looking for something that fit her lifestyle and where she wouldn’t be bored. “People in my generation are enthusiastic and energetic,” she said, noting that it can be difficult for them to settle into the cubicle life. “I didn’t realize this kind of environment existed.” Businessolver’s open environment defies isolated cubicle work and invites collaboration. She enjoys the work hard, play hard atmosphere, where work expectations are high but employees are rewarded with fun. “We have parties all the time and we’re encouraged to get creative every day,” she said.

Riedel’s advice to young people just beginning their job search. “Keep your mind open,” she said. “A lot of people my age have a strict set of guidelines that they feel they have to have in a job. This job wouldn’t have fit into what I had set as my guidelines. But I absolutely love what I do.”

Recent college graduates might be interested in a variety of positions available at Businessolver right now, says Recruiting Manager Lori Vander Zyl. “We are looking for Client Services Managers, like Megan’s position,” she said. Go to the Careers section of our web page to submit an application electronically. ”If this environment seems like a good fit for you, don’t worry so much about the specific job descriptions,” Vander Zyl said. “We’re growing quickly and we have positions open all the time. If you’re a good fit for us, we’ll match you to a job that fits your skills.”

Businessolver marks fast growth with unveiling of renovated West Des Moines headquarters

October 27, 2011 4:06 pm Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

A Halloween-themed open house in the renovated headquarters of Businessolver may be memorable for its fun costumes and events, but leaders of the benefits administration services provider know that it’s the home-grown culture is what will stand out.

Employee volunteers planned the themed open house to give their families a view into one side of the “work hard, play hard” environment that characterizes the unconventional corporate culture at Businessolver. The event is a reflection of its mission to delight employees so they, in turn, delight Businessolver clients.

“Client delight starts with employee delight,” said Businessolver President and CEO Jon Shanahan. “We’ve worked hard to build a culture that delights, and fun events like this support that culture.”

Businessolver employees frequently participate in charity events, office Olympics, grown-up proms and even pie throwing – and are treated to office massages, and catered meals and appetizers – all in the name of having delighted employees who, in turn, delight clients.

The newly renovated offices occupy nearly two floors of the Ashworth Tower, where Businessolver is the largest tenant. Providing online benefits management solutions as well as many outsourced services, Businessolver has continued to grow through the economic challenges of the past few years.

From a handful of employees at its founding in 1998, Businessolver now has 155 employees. Its integrated approach to using the latest technology to deliver best-in-class customer care has made Businessolver a magnet for top talent from the fields of insurance, HR and technology in central Iowa.

Businessolver’s culture ties all parts of the business together, including the physical environment. Rather than blocked-off cubicle work spaces that are the norm in many offices today, the renovated Businessolver headquarters is organized by “neighborhoods”: open, inviting spaces that offer more opportunity for collaborative communication. Employees speak of the small-company atmosphere that pervades the fast-growing company.

“Our winning track record for customer satisfaction flows from a very simple proposition: Delighted employees produce delighted clients,” said Shanahan. “Human interaction is as essential as the underlying technology, whether we’re working with employers, employees or insurance carriers.”

Businessolver was launched as an insurance-driven approach to employee benefits systems, and quickly embraced an online service model. Its web-based benefits platform, Benefitsolver, was launched in 2000. Businessolver employees engineered a scalable, reliable solution that ensures data integrity. The technology serves clients ranging from social media giants to entire state governments, and large banking associations to global hospitality companies. Today Benefitsolver supports the education and enrollment of more than 1.5 million employee lives

Meantime, in the decade after Benefitsolver went live, employer health insurance premium costs have risen an average of 114 percent and employees’ costs have increased nearly 130 percent between 2001 and 2011, according to the Kaiser/HRET Survey of Employer-sponsored Health Benefits.

The resulting trend toward controlling costs by letting employees make their own decisions regarding coverage has helped feed Businessolver growth, Shanahan said. “Employees are hungry for more information to help them play an increased role in managing their health care. Our Benefitsolver platform makes this easier with educational tools, decision support tools, and even a personalized health manager to support their online enrollment experience and beyond.

“Businessolver clients are employers who want to differentiate to attract and retain top talent. The same principle is at work here at Businessolver, and the fun environment exemplified by our Halloween event is the difference for our growing team of professionals.”

Insurance Veteran Expands Businessolver Westward

October 25, 2011 12:15 pm Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

Insurance and outsourcing veteran Denise Vance has joined Businessolver as Director of Sales. Located in Los Gatos, California, Vance will focus on developing business interests in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. With 24 years’ experience in the industry, Vance was most recently Director of Market Research and Strategy at Claremont Insurance Services where she was instrumental in the growth of their general agency business.

“It’s an exciting opportunity,” Vance said. “Benefits outsourcing is an area of growth, and the market is turning more toward automation.” Vance is impressed with what she’s seen so far at Businessolver. “The culture and professionalism and experience and knowledge are unmatched,” she said. “The people here are the best professionals I’ve ever met in the industry.”

But it’s not just the people at Businessolver that drew Vance to the company. “I love the technology; it’s cutting edge with a vision for the future,” she said. “It solves the problems that other technology platforms haven’t.” Vance’s experience includes leadership positions at MetLife, Marsh, Willis and Edgewood Partners Insurance Center, among others.

“We’re deepening our connections in the Pacific Northwest and excited to have an experienced professional like Denise to focus our efforts there,” said Businessolver Vice President of North American Sales Loren Brockhouse. “Her knowledge of HR technology and benefits brokering will help us extend our reach in the region, and her experience can help support our broker and employer partners.”

Field Day 2011: Businessolver Having Fun

September 20, 2011 8:50 am Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

Last Thursday, Sept. 15 marked the 3rd annual Businessolver Field Day, a day of friendly competition in 5 different events. More than 40 teams of two threw down in bag toss, ladder golf, bucket toss and Frisbee toss, which whittled the field down to 4 final teams that competed in a crazy hybrid event for the 2011 Field Day title. To make things interesting, teams were purchased in an auction ahead of time which raised more than $350 dollars for local charities.

The Field Day events are organized by a group of Businessolver volunteers committed to injecting more fun events into a culture already focused on having fun as a means to fulfilling its mission to Delight Our Clients.

Click here to watch a video summary of the events and the final battle royale.

Curtis Promoted to Director

August 31, 2011 8:27 am Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

Kelli Curtis has been promoted to Director of Client Services/Team Lead at Businessolver. Curtis joined Businessolver in March as a Client Services Manager.

“Kelli has quickly adapted to Businessolver’s unique and exciting culture,” said Molly Bower, Senior Director of Client Services. “Kelli brings more than nine years of leadership experience, with a high focus on customer satisfaction, as well as vast knowledge of the benefits administration industry.”
Curtis was attracted to Businessolver because of the tremendous growth opportunities. “I saw an innovative business with a commitment to growth, and saw a lot of opportunity,” she said. Curtis is also very impressed with the technology of the company’s online benefits enrollment platform, Benefitsolver. “I see the energy that is put into being cutting edge,” she said. “That helps from a client service perspective. There’s a commitment from this company to finding needs in our clients and meeting those needs.”

Curtis will help lead one of Businessolver’s cross-functional Client Centric teams.
Businessolver is a provider of online benefits administration services and benefit administration outsourcing services. Its web-based platform automates employers’ insurance benefit administration by consolidating multiple insurance carriers into a single platform and customizing the process to meet each employer’s unique enrollment requirements. In addition to Enrollment and Eligibility services, other Businessolver service offerings include: COBRA Administration, Billing and Financial Reporting, Service Center, Benefit Advisory Services, Eligibility Verification and Fulfillment. Contact Businessolver for more information.

Businessolver Helping Hearts

August 5, 2011 1:56 pm Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

Dallas, Texas. August 5, 2011. Businessolver is joining the crusade against the biggest killer in the country: heart disease. Lockton Dunning Benefits of Dallas, Texas, has committed a $10,000 corporate sponsorship to the Dallas area American Heart Association Walk in September, and has challenged its carrier partners to join the fight. Businessolver, a benefits outsourcing company in West Des Moines, Iowa, has risen to the challenge.

“Cardiovascular disease has been the number one killer in the U.S. every year since 1900, except 1918,” says Businessolver President and CEO Jon Shanahan. “Every 34 seconds, someone dies from heart disease in this country, and nearly six million people are hospitalized each year with some type of heart ailment. As a benefits outsourcing partner with large employer groups, we at Businessolver work hard every day to help employers keep their healthcare costs down. Helping people stay healthy is one of the best ways to do that. The American Heart Association does great things to help prevent and treat heart disease. We are proud to partner with Lockton to help sponsor this event in Dallas.”

Allen Niemynski, Director of Businessolver’s Dallas sales office, will represent Businessolver in the walk. “This walk is personal for me because my father suffered a heart attack last year,” Niemynski said. “It was a scary time for my family, so anything that I can do to help this cause makes my heart feel good!”

Businessolver is a provider of online benefits administration services and benefit administration outsourcing services. Its web-based platform automates employers’ insurance benefit administration by consolidating multiple insurance carriers into a single platform and customizing the process to meet each employer’s unique enrollment requirements. In addition to Enrollment and Eligibility services, other Businessolver service offerings include: COBRA Administration, Billing and Financial Reporting, Service Center, Benefit Advisory Services, Eligibility Verification and Fulfillment. For more information about Businessolver please go to www.businessolver.com.

Voluntary Benefits Fill an Important Role in Benefit Plans

July 13, 2011 8:36 am Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

Employees look at voluntary benefits when trying to determine which employer to work for. In a recent Met Life Study, 81% of employees who said they are satisfied with their benefits feel the same way about their job and 23% of those who are dissatisfied with their benefits are satisfied with their jobs. Benefits matter.

In today’s competitive market, voluntary benefits can help shore up your overall benefits package to recruit and retain top talent. When combined with good benefits communication, your organization can gain a competitive edge in the battle for the only true business differentiator – talent.

FINDING A FIT FOR VOLUNTARY

With more employers switching to HDHP type plans, voluntary benefits can help employees offset the higher cost of those deductibles. Combine changes in medical plans, with health care reform and employees have to make more decisions about how to spend their benefit dollars than ever before. That creates a huge need for education. Employees want and need someone to help them understand their choices and what is right for them. Businessolver’s Benefit Advisory Services can do just that.

HELPING VOLUNTARY WORK

We are not an enrollment firm. Our enrollment team is an extension of Businessolver’s enrollment and eligibility platform. They are licensed, certified representatives who are able to take our enrollment support to the next level. We do that in many ways.

Personalize: We can look at each employee’s personal situation and help them understand the impact of different plans to their situation. Because we have their info already loaded into our system, it gives us an advantage over an enrollment firm that needs to start from scratch.

Provide ongoing support: We are not once and done. Yes we can assist at open enrollment but we are also there for new hires, life events, terminated employees and year round benefit questions that come up. Because we record and attach each call to the employee’s record we can look up their history and they don’t have to repeat themselves each time.

Educate: Provide the right education to the right people at the right time. Things change and benefits change, our team is licensed and trained to stay up to date with the latest changes in benefits and health care reform. We can assist employees with all their benefits, regardless of the carrier or benefit type.

Respond: We are an extension of your company’s HR staff. Many of our customers ask that we answer the phone as if we ARE employees of their company. Let us help employees with benefit questions and insurance issues so you can focus on EVERYTHING ELSE. With an average speed to answer of under 30 seconds and an average service level of over 90%, employees get taken care of quickly and professionally.

Connectivity: Businessolver’s single source platform, Benefitsolver, can connect seamlessly with most major voluntary insurance carriers. This means it is easier than ever for your employees to enroll in voluntary benefits from one website. Want to offer Individual products? No problem, our licensed and salaried representatives can enroll those products over the phone with the employees through an educational approach.

Businessolver Continues Rapid Growth

July 6, 2011 5:39 pm Businessolver Banter, Businessolver Buzz

Businessolver’s Motto is “Grow Our Business. Delight Our Customers.” And halfway through 2011, the West Des Moines-based company has reached its 40 percent growth goal for the year.

Kelli Curtis joined Businessolver as a Client Services Manager in March. “I came from a large corporation with thousands of people to a company with hundreds. There’s more of a personal connection,” she said. “The CEO is very accessible, knows your name and about your family.” Curtis said she appreciates that level of access to senior management.

Despite its small-company atmosphere, what attracted Curtis to Businessolver was the growth. “I saw a smaller business with a commitment to growth, and saw a lot of opportunity,” she said. Curtis is also very impressed with the technology of the company’s online benefits enrollment platform, Benefitsolver. “I see the energy that is put into being cutting edge,” she said. “That helps from a client service perspective. There’s a commitment from this company to finding needs in our clients and meeting those needs.”

Lori Vander Zyl, HR recruiter for Businessolver, says the company is currently filling a variety of positions including systems analysts, Client Service managers and Java web developers.

Vander Zyl says Businessolver’s core values not only drive the business but help explain our corporate culture to potential employees:

Innovation – Creating new ideas and solving problems
Determination – The passionate pursuit of results
Dedication – To family, job and clients
Reliability – Being there when needed
Enthusiasm – For work and for life
Happiness – Finding ways to have fun often

The work hard-play hard environment at Businessolver is attractive to many potential employees. “Everybody’s so friendly,” Curtis said. “People reach out and ask you how your weekend was. That was a ‘wow’ factor for me.” The company offers catered meals three times a week, snacks for employees on a regular basis as well as fun events like office Olympics, an annual Prom, ice cream socials, charity events and more.

For information about available positions, and to submit an application, go to www.businessolver.com/careers.

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