Q&A: ‘Tis the Season for 2023 Benefits Prep

Q&A: ‘Tis the Season for 2023 Benefits Prep

2022 is coming to a close, which means it’s time to get prepared for the year ahead. In this episode of BIZTips, we sat down with Eric Rustand, Senior Consultant for CBIZ Employee Benefits, to discuss how to develop a long-term benefits strategy, tactics to align division leaders on that benefits strategy and trending offerings that are likely to dominate the benefits landscape in 2023.

Here are some highlights of our Q&A session:

1. Describe your role at CBIZ and get creative; throw in a metaphor if you can.

My name is Eric Rustand and I’ve been with CBIZ for almost 21 years now. I started out as a benefits consultant and currently serve as the Business Unit President of Arizona and a senior benefits consultant for many of our larger clients. I’d consider myself a quarterback of a team that plays both offense and defense with our clients. I have to call the right plays and put the right people on the team to get our clients exactly what they need to succeed.

2. Let’s look back at 2022. Can you briefly walk us through some of the key events of 2022 that changed the benefits landscape?

I think we’re all still trying to get through the COVID hangover. The impact of COVID claims on each of our clients and the increased costs associated with covering affected individuals shaped the benefits landscape significantly this past year. In addition, new legislation passed in 2022 had, and continues to have, a major impact on employers, only increasing the importance of maintaining compliance.

3. Along those same lines, did any benefits trends emerge as a result of these events?

Something that we’ve seen grow in popularity is the emergence of narrow provider networks across the country. Regional and state-specific insurance companies are bringing new takes on traditional solutions to the market to give employers the power of choice. From unique specialty drug carve-outs to innovative reference-based pricing strategies, these narrow network providers are disrupting a market that has been dominated by big providers for years.


4. What are some best practices for developing a long-term benefits strategy?

It’s important to note that benefits strategies tend to vary from industry to industry. Highly technical, skilled, and licensed workforces with low turnover are more likely to provide richer benefits programs. Conversely, employers with high turnover tend to be more cost-conscious and go the “skinny” benefits route. Employers that are willing to be creative, make changes and embrace innovation are more likely to develop a successful long-term benefits strategy.


For more Q&A with Eric on this topic, listen to the full podcast.

Want to hear more from the CBIZ Employee Benefits team on a variety of topics? Subscribe to the BIZTips Employee Benefits podcast on Apple Podcast for monthly episodes.

Q&A: ‘Tis the Season for 2023 Benefits Prephttps://www.cbiz.com/Portals/0/Images/Hero-ReinventingProductivity.jpg?ver=vh2dfLq6-Qd-263OLX5JKw%3d%3dIn this episode of BIZTips, we sat down with Eric Rustand, Senior Consultant for CBIZ Employee Benefits, to discuss how to develop a long-term benefits strategy, tactics to align division leaders on that benefits strategy and trending offerings that are likely to dominate the benefits landscape in 2023. 2022-11-10T18:00:00-05:002022 is coming to a close, which means it’s time to get prepared for the year ahead. In this episode of BIZTips, we sat down with Eric Rustand, Senior Consultant for CBIZ Employee Benefits, to discuss how to develop a long-term benefits strategy, tactics to align division leaders on that benefits strategy and trending offerings that are likely to dominate the benefits landscape in 2023.Employee ManagementEmployee BenefitsEmployee WellbeingAccelerated RecoveryYes