I have been thinking a lot about cost control and the players involved in our healthcare system. My belief and experiences have shown that most employers sign TPA contracts once every few years… and then don’t look at them again.
In an industry that represents one of an employer’s largest expenses, that lack of ongoing oversight is rarely questioned.
I see contracts where:
- Performance guarantees are vague or unenforced
- Fees don’t clearly tie to outcomes
- Lack of transparency leads to unmanageable spend
- Accountability lives in theory, not practice
When costs rise, the default explanation is often: “That’s just healthcare.”
But is it?
When was the last time an employer actively managed their TPA contract instead of just renewing it?
Curious how others approach accountability in benefits administration.
Looking forward to the discussion.