{"id":7038617,"date":"2026-08-16T02:11:43","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T02:11:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/business\/insurance\/10-ways-to-find-the-right-tpa-partner\/"},"modified":"2026-08-16T02:11:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T02:11:43","slug":"10-ways-to-find-the-right-tpa-partner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3284\" class=\"elementor elementor-3284\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-31bcae38 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"31bcae38\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1600a6c4\" data-id=\"1600a6c4\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-41adca45 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"41adca45\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-30c12fda\" data-id=\"30c12fda\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-08a7c9a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"08a7c9a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;margin-top: 15pt;margin-bottom: 15pt\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;color: #000000;background-color: transparent;font-weight: 400;font-style: normal;font-variant: normal;text-decoration: none;vertical-align: baseline;white-space: pre-wrap\">Choosing a <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none\" href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/blog\/third-party-administrators\/\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;color: #1155cc;background-color: transparent;font-weight: 400;font-style: normal;font-variant: normal;text-decoration: underline;vertical-align: baseline;white-space: pre-wrap\">third-party administrator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;color: #000000;background-color: transparent;font-weight: 400;font-style: normal;font-variant: normal;text-decoration: none;vertical-align: baseline;white-space: pre-wrap\"> (TPA) is one of the most important decisions to make when building a self-funded health plan. Most employers learn this after a year of claims errors, unanswered member calls, and a renewal conversation full of surprises. You don&#8217;t have to get there to know what to look for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;margin-top: 15pt;margin-bottom: 15pt\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;color: #000000;background-color: transparent;font-weight: 400;font-style: normal;font-variant: normal;text-decoration: none;vertical-align: baseline;white-space: pre-wrap\">These 10 criteria give you a framework for evaluating any TPA before you commit to one. <\/span><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-a84e8bb5-7fff-6f84-f668-30b4210da9f9\" style=\"font-weight: normal\"><\/b><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d96e2d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2d96e2d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1120\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3287\" alt=\"TPA impact on claims accuracy and employee satisfaction\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-491d0d21 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"491d0d21\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Confirm They Specialize in Your Company Size<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35929a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"35929a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Larger TPAs design their processes, staffing models, and technology around large employer needs. A company with 150 employees doesn&#8217;t require the same infrastructure as one with 5,000. In addition, a TPA built for enterprise clients may not serve midsize employers as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The attention you receive, the service team\u2019s responsiveness, and the relevance of their reporting may be a reflection of your company size compared to their book of business.<\/p>\n<p>Ask prospective TPAs directly: What is your average group size? Where does our company fall within your client roster? If you&#8217;re near the bottom, that&#8217;s worth knowing before you sign.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af9b051 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"af9b051\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1120\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bywater-no-setup-fees-groups-under-50-employees.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3291\" alt=\"Bywater&apos;s no setup fees for small employer groups under 50\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8247d17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8247d17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Evaluate Network Access and Reporting Depth<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-680000b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"680000b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>A TPA&#8217;s network determines which providers your employees can see. Network reputation, though, isn&#8217;t the same as network performance. A recognized carrier name doesn&#8217;t guarantee that your employees are getting strong discounts. It also doesn&#8217;t mean that the claims data flowing back to your plan is accurate and complete.<\/p>\n<p>Ask for utilization reports and discount data, not marketing materials. Your <a href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/blog\/understanding-stop-loss-insurance\/\">stop-loss insurance<\/a> carrier&#8217;s perspective on network discount performance is also worth factoring in, since they&#8217;re looking at your claims from a different angle.<\/p>\n<p>The integration between your TPA and your network matters as much as the network itself. When these two systems share data, your reporting is more accurate.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9a9131 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a9a9131\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/blog\/healthcare-cost-savings\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1120\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bywater-integrates-cigna-roundstone-preferred-bundle.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3292\" alt=\"Bywater integrates with Cigna via Roundstone&apos;s Preferred Bundle\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7377ead elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7377ead\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Ask About Captive-Specific Experience<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b03dfe elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8b03dfe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>A TPA with general self-funding knowledge is not the same as one built for group captive. Captive structures need close, ongoing coordination. This main parties involved are the TPA, the stop-loss carrier, and the captive manager. Reporting timelines, large-claim notifications, and renewal data all need to move accurately between parties. A TPA unfamiliar with captives introduces gaps at each of those touchpoints.<\/p>\n<p>The distinction matters most at renewal. In a captive, the TPA&#8217;s reporting feeds directly into decisions about the captive pool&#8217;s performance, individual group claims, and stop-loss adjustments. A TPA that doesn&#8217;t understand how its data is being used can create real problems.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1fef2e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f1fef2e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bywater-only-tpa-owned-with-self-funded-captive.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3293\" alt=\"Bywater, the only TPA owned alongside a self-funded captive\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24889be elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"24889be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Request Transparent, Flat-Fee Pricing<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ecb4ebf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ecb4ebf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Some TPAs charge a percentage of claim savings or keep a part of <a href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/blog\/pharmacy-benefit-managers-your-self-funded-plans-secret-weapon\/\">pharmacy benefit manager<\/a> (PBM) rebates. This misaligns incentives and inflates your costs without ever appearing on an invoice.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A TPA that earns more when it finds savings sounds appealing, until you realize that model doesn&#8217;t always align with what&#8217;s best for your plan.<\/p>\n<p>Before you sign anything, request a flat per-employee-per-month (PEPM) fee and get all charges in writing upfront. Ask if the TPA retains any PBM rebates, claim savings, or out-of-network discount sharing arrangements. The answers will tell you a great deal about the structure of the relationship.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6315040 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6315040\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bywater-flat-transparent-pepm-no-hidden-charges.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3294\" alt=\"Bywater&apos;s flat, transparent PEPM fee with no hidden charges\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0084a2f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0084a2f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5. Test Claims Management, Not Just Claims Processing<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51b5aa2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"51b5aa2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Processing and management are two different things, and the difference is in your plan costs. Processing means routing a claim to payment, while management means more. Active management is scrutinizing that claim for accuracy, catching billing errors, handling subrogation, and coordinating on out-of-network charges. Overall, they\u2019re protecting the employer from overpayment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ask how the TPA handles out-of-network billing disputes, balance billing, and inappropriate charges. A TPA that functions as a rubber stamp costs employers real money over time.<\/p>\n<p>When evaluating claims management capability, ask for performance data, not anecdotes. Accuracy rates, processing timelines, and subrogation recovery numbers all indicate how seriously a TPA takes this work.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72b930c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"72b930c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bywater-99-97-claims-accuracy-14-day-processing.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3295\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cda51e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cda51e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">6. Assess Customer Service Responsiveness<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-417c9a0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"417c9a0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Employees interact with a TPA a lot. The TPA handles every time they ask about a claim, a provider, or their explanation of benefits. A TPA that&#8217;s slow to respond, hard to reach, or unclear creates friction that HR teams absorb.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It also erodes employee confidence in the plan, which affects how people perceive their benefits and, by extension, how they perceive their employer.<\/p>\n<p>Ask prospective TPAs for their average call answer time, their escalation process for complex issues, and how they handle member disputes. Find out whether members reach a live person or a call queue. The answers matter more if you&#8217;re switching plan design or networks, when employees need more support to navigate changes, not less.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf03b38 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"bf03b38\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bywater-promise-service-commitments-for-employers.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3296\" alt=\"The Bywater Promise: specific service commitments for employers\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8abc859 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8abc859\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">7. Verify the Enrollment Process<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a69c038 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a69c038\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Enrollment is the first experience employees have with a new plan. A clumsy onboarding process creates confusion, and the impression is hard to reverse.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If moving from a fully-insured plan, enrollment is also the first impression of self-funding itself. A poor rollout can color how employees feel about the plan for the entire year.<\/p>\n<p>Ask for a walkthrough of the enrollment workflow. Clarify communication timelines, find out when employees can expect ID cards, and understand what support is available during the transition. Ask how the TPA handles late enrollees, dependent changes, and mid-year additions. A well-run enrollment process signals operational maturity across the board.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b7cfe6b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b7cfe6b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bywater-plain-language-plan-document-employer-employees.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3297\" alt=\"Bywater&apos;s plain-language plan document for employers, employees\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef6d0a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ef6d0a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">8. Demand Real-Time Data Access<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efc70d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"efc70d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Your TPA sits on top of your claims data. If that data isn&#8217;t accessible, and actionable, you&#8217;re managing your most significant cost center without the information you need. Self-funded plans have an advantage over fully-insured coverage: you can see your claims, track your spending, and make adjustments based on what the data shows.<\/p>\n<p>A TPA that can&#8217;t surface that information in a usable format gives up that advantage.<\/p>\n<p>Look for a reporting platform that provides real-time claims data, cost trends by category, utilization patterns, and financial performance against your plan benchmarks. This visibility is what allows employers and advisors to make proactive decisions during the plan year.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bea22f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"bea22f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bywater-roundstone-real-time-claims-visibility.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3298\" alt=\"Bywater and Roundstone give real-time visibility into claims\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32084cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"32084cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">9. Look for Captive Reporting and Stop-Loss Coordination<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c9ef1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3c9ef1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>In a group captive, the TPA, stop-loss carrier, and captive manager need to move in alignment. A TPA that doesn&#8217;t understand how its reporting affects captive performance, or that can&#8217;t coordinate with the stop-loss carrier on large-claim management, creates gaps when precision matters most.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Timing is particularly important: a delayed large-claim notification or an inaccurate run-out report can affect stop-loss reimbursements and captive distributions.<\/p>\n<p>Ask how the TPA communicates with the captive throughout the year and at renewal. Ask how they flag large claims and report to the stop-loss carrier. If the TPA can&#8217;t give you a clear, specific answer, that&#8217;s a meaningful data point.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0deace9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0deace9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Bywater-team-callout.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3299\" alt=\"Bywater and Roundstone give real-time visibility into claims\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3174f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e3174f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">10. Look at the Full Cost Picture<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-38485cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"38485cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>A low PEPM can look attractive until you factor in the cost of inaccurate claims adjudication, PBM rebate retention, and an underperforming network. None of those costs appear on a TPA invoice. They show up in your total per-employee-per-year (PEPY) spend, and by the time you see them, you&#8217;ve already absorbed them.<\/p>\n<p>Test the TPA in full context. What is the total PEPY cost for groups using this TPA, and how does that compare to industry benchmarks? What does claims accuracy look like, and what is the TPA&#8217;s track record on subrogation recovery? How does the network perform on actual discount rates, not just advertised ones? The admin fee is one line in a much larger picture.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3436a4d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3436a4d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/ebooks\/essential-guide-to-health-insurance-captives-for-benefits-advisors\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1920\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/benefits-advisors.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1805\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0741f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b0741f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p><i>Advisors: Learn how to bring cost savings to your clients with self-funding through a group captive.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Employers using Bywater as part of Roundstone&#8217;s Preferred Bundle average a $12,182 PEPY.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s 30% below the industry benchmark of $17,369 for companies with 50 to 499 employees, according to the 2024 Mercer Survey.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05c7052 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"05c7052\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pepy-savings-roundstone-captive-vs-traditional-insurance.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3300\" alt=\"Chart: PEPY savings for Roundstone Captive vs traditional insurance\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c01e1b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2c01e1b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Right TPA Changes the Math<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6be9a01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6be9a01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>TPA selection isn&#8217;t a back-office decision. It affects every claims dollar, every employee interaction, and every renewal conversation. The criteria above aren&#8217;t a wish list; they&#8217;re the baseline for what a well-run TPA should deliver.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Roundstone gives employers the flexibility to work with most TPAs. However, the performance data shows that employers using Bywater outperforms industry benchmarks.<\/p>\n<p>To see how your current plan stacks up,<a href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/get-started\/\"> reach out to a Roundstone rep<\/a> for a benchmark review and to find out whether the Preferred Bundle is the right fit for your organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c98c87a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c98c87a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/get-started\/\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1120\" height=\"195\" src=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Self-Funding-Saves-Money-RPL-light-blue.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-511\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e32809a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e32809a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions About Finding the Right TPA<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9d4eae elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"a9d4eae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;all_collapsed&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1780\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1780\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is the difference between a TPA and an insurance carrier? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1780\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7020d68 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7020d68\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-807c3d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"807c3d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>An insurance carrier assumes financial risk and collects premiums. A TPA administers a self-funded plan on behalf of the employer, who bears the financial risk. The TPA handles claims processing, compliance, and member services without underwriting coverage.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1781\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1781\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is a PEPM fee? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1781\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc3dd08 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"cc3dd08\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f74e0d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f74e0d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>PEPM stands for per-employee-per-month. It&#8217;s the standard fee structure a TPA charges for plan administration.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1782\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1782\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Can a small business use a TPA for a self-funded health plan? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1782\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dbdd3b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4dbdd3b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc95e50 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cc95e50\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Yes, self-funded plans with TPA administration are available to companies of all sizes. Find a TPA that specializes in small and midsize groups rather than one built for large employers.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1783\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1783\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is the difference between claims processing and claims management? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1783\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cf8e0b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1cf8e0b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d78c57 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8d78c57\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Claims processing means routing a claim to payment. Claims management reviews each claim, catches billing errors, handles subrogation, and protects the employer from overpayment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1784\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"5\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1784\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is subrogation in a self-funded health plan? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1784\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a33e438 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a33e438\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f82de1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1f82de1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Subrogation is the process of recovering claim costs when a third party is responsible for an employee&#8217;s medical expenses. A TPA that pursues subrogation recovery returns those dollars to the plan.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1785\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"6\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1785\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Do TPAs keep PBM rebates? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1785\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54f25ed e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"54f25ed\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f89177 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5f89177\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Yes, some do. Certain TPAs keep a portion of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) rebates or claim savings without disclosing it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1786\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"7\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1786\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How long does it take to onboard with a new TPA? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1786\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf75ef0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"cf75ef0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f2853c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1f2853c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Implementation timelines vary by TPA. A typical onboarding process takes 30 to 45 days. This typically includes a completed plan document, employee communications, and ID card distribution.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1787\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"8\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1787\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is a Summary Plan Description (SPD)? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1787\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6761134 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6761134\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8004d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d8004d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>An SPD is a document that outlines the benefits, exclusions, and financial obligations of your health plan. Federal law requires employers to provide an SPD to all covered employees.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1788\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"9\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1788\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What compliance requirements does a TPA manage? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1788\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7912d2 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a7912d2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a573ba elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5a573ba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>A TPA helps manages ERISA requirements, HIPAA privacy standards, ACA mandates, and state regulations. This includes filing Form 5500s, managing COBRA notices, and staying current with regulatory changes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1789\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1789\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What questions should I ask a TPA before signing a contract? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1789\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b04bc88 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b04bc88\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f99da2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0f99da2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>Key questions include: What is your average group size? Do you keep any PBM rebates or claim savings? What is your claims accuracy rate and processing timeline? How do you handle out-of-network billing disputes? What does onboarding look like, and what service commitments do you publish?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-17810\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-17810\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What is the difference between a TPA and an ASO arrangement? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-17810\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3eefdef e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3eefdef\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d264e0b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d264e0b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>An ASO, or administrative services only arrangement, describes the structure in which an employer funds claims while outsourcing administration. A TPA is the entity that provides those administrative services.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-17811\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\">\n<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-17811\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-header\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How does a TPA affect stop-loss insurance? <\/div>\n<p><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-opened\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-closed\"><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<\/summary>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-17811\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-598e66e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"598e66e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85f54ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"85f54ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<p>A TPA&#8217;s reporting accuracy affects stop-loss performance. Large-claim notifications, run-out reports, and renewal data all flow from the TPA to the stop-loss carrier. Delays or inaccuracies in that data can affect reimbursements and captive distributions.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t{&#8220;@context&#8221;:&#8221;https:\\\/\\\/schema.org&#8221;,&#8221;@type&#8221;:&#8221;FAQPage&#8221;,&#8221;mainEntity&#8221;:[{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;What is the difference between a TPA and an insurance carrier?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;An insurance carrier assumes financial risk and collects premiums. A TPA administers a self-funded plan on behalf of the employer, who bears the financial risk. The TPA handles claims processing, compliance, and member services without underwriting coverage.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;What is a PEPM fee?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;PEPM stands for per-employee-per-month. It&#8217;s the standard fee structure a TPA charges for plan administration.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;Can a small business use a TPA for a self-funded health plan?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;Yes, self-funded plans with TPA administration are available to companies of all sizes. Find a TPA that specializes in small and midsize groups rather than one built for large employers.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;What is the difference between claims processing and claims management?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;Claims processing means routing a claim to payment. Claims management reviews each claim, catches billing errors, handles subrogation, and protects the employer from overpayment.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;What is subrogation in a self-funded health plan?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;Subrogation is the process of recovering claim costs when a third party is responsible for an employee&#8217;s medical expenses. A TPA that pursues subrogation recovery returns those dollars to the plan.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;Do TPAs keep PBM rebates?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;Yes, some do. Certain TPAs keep a portion of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) rebates or claim savings without disclosing it.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;How long does it take to onboard with a new TPA?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;Implementation timelines vary by TPA. A typical onboarding process takes 30 to 45 days. This typically includes a completed plan document, employee communications, and ID card distribution.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;What is a Summary Plan Description (SPD)?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;An SPD is a document that outlines the benefits, exclusions, and financial obligations of your health plan. Federal law requires employers to provide an SPD to all covered employees.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;What compliance requirements does a TPA manage?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;A TPA helps manages ERISA requirements, HIPAA privacy standards, ACA mandates, and state regulations. This includes filing Form 5500s, managing COBRA notices, and staying current with regulatory changes.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;What questions should I ask a TPA before signing a contract?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;Key questions include: What is your average group size? Do you keep any PBM rebates or claim savings? What is your claims accuracy rate and processing timeline? How do you handle out-of-network billing disputes? What does onboarding look like, and what service commitments do you publish?&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;What is the difference between a TPA and an ASO arrangement?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;An ASO, or administrative services only arrangement, describes the structure in which an employer funds claims while outsourcing administration. A TPA is the entity that provides those administrative services.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221;How does a TPA affect stop-loss insurance?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221;A TPA&#8217;s reporting accuracy affects stop-loss performance. Large-claim notifications, run-out reports, and renewal data all flow from the TPA to the stop-loss carrier. Delays or inaccuracies in that data can affect reimbursements and captive distributions.&#8221;}}]}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/blog\/finding-a-tpa\/\">10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\">Roundstone Insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Choosing a third-party administrator (TPA) is one of the most important decisions to make when building a self-funded health plan. Most employers learn this after a year of claims errors, unanswered member calls, and a renewal conversation full of surprises. You don&#8217;t have to get there to know what to look for.\u00a0 These 10 criteria [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[94],"tags":[10959,4327,201201,8023],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7038617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-insurance","tag-find","tag-partner","tag-tpa","tag-ways"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Choosing a third-party administrator (TPA) is one of the most important decisions to make when building a self-funded health plan. Most employers learn this after a year of claims errors, unanswered member calls, and a renewal conversation full of surprises. You don&#8217;t have to get there to know what to look for.\u00a0 These 10 criteria [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-16T02:11:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371\"},\"headline\":\"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-16T02:11:43+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617\"},\"wordCount\":2399,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Find\",\"Partner\",\"TPA\",\"Ways\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Insurance\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617\",\"name\":\"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner - Som2ny Network\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-16T02:11:43+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?bp_activities=1\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/\",\"name\":\"Som2ny Network\",\"description\":\"Daily Deals\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Som2ny Network\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png\",\"width\":300,\"height\":86,\"caption\":\"Som2ny Network\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png\",\"caption\":\"admin\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?author=1\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner - Som2ny Network","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner - Som2ny Network","og_description":"Choosing a third-party administrator (TPA) is one of the most important decisions to make when building a self-funded health plan. Most employers learn this after a year of claims errors, unanswered member calls, and a renewal conversation full of surprises. You don&#8217;t have to get there to know what to look for.\u00a0 These 10 criteria [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617","og_site_name":"Som2ny Network","article_published_time":"2026-08-16T02:11:43+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"admin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617"},"author":{"name":"admin","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371"},"headline":"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner","datePublished":"2026-08-16T02:11:43+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617"},"wordCount":2399,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png","keywords":["Find","Partner","TPA","Ways"],"articleSection":["Insurance"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617","name":"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner - Som2ny Network","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png","datePublished":"2026-08-16T02:11:43+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/roundstoneinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Your-TPA-callout.png"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7038617#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?bp_activities=1"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10 Ways To Find the Right TPA Partner"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/","name":"Som2ny Network","description":"Daily Deals","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization","name":"Som2ny Network","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png","width":300,"height":86,"caption":"Som2ny Network"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371","name":"admin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png","caption":"admin"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/fivemor.com"],"url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?author=1"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7038617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7038617"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7038617\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7038617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7038617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7038617"},{"taxonomy":"dealstore","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fdealstore&post=7038617"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fofferexpiration&post=7038617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}