Employee Benefits Questions Answered for Minnesota Businesses
If you’re a business owner or HR manager exploring employee benefit options, we’re here to make the process easier to understand. Learn how benefits work, what options are available, and what to consider when building the right plan for your team. When you’re ready to explore what makes sense for your business, Braaten & Company is here to help.
Your broker works for you—not the carrier.
Independent. Licensed. Local.
What an Employee Benefits Broker Does for Your Business
What does an employee benefits broker actually do for my business?
An employee benefits broker evaluates your workforce's needs, researches plan options across multiple carriers, presents recommendations that fit your budget, manages the implementation process, and supports your employees through enrollment. We act as your ongoing advisor—reviewing your plan at renewal and handling the carrier relationship so you do not have to.
What is the difference between an independent broker and going directly to a carrier?
A carrier's representative sells only that carrier's products. An independent broker like Braaten & Company has access to plans across multiple carriers and is obligated to recommend what fits your business—not what benefits one company's sales quota. That independence consistently produces better plan matches and more competitive pricing for Central Minnesota employers.
Does Braaten & Company work with businesses of all sizes or only large employers?
We work with businesses across Central Minnesota regardless of headcount. Small employers—including businesses with two to ten employees—often benefit most from broker guidance because carriers do not always make small-group options easy to find or compare. We make the process straightforward for employers at every stage of growth.
What happens if I have a problem with my plan after it is set up?
We remain your point of contact after enrollment, providing ongoing support whenever questions or concerns arise. We work directly with the carrier on your behalf to help resolve issues and keep things moving smoothly, one of the many advantages of working with a local, independent benefits broker.
Your broker works for you—not the carrier.
Independent. Licensed. Local.
What an Employee Benefits Broker Does for Your Business
These questions cover how broker relationships work, how we are compensated, and why an independent local broker produces different outcomes than going directly to a carrier.
What does an employee benefits broker actually do for my business?
An employee benefits broker evaluates your workforce's needs, researches plan options across multiple carriers, presents recommendations that fit your budget, manages the implementation process, and supports your employees through enrollment. We act as your ongoing advisor—reviewing your plan at renewal and handling the carrier relationship so you do not have to.
What is the difference between an independent broker and going directly to a carrier?
A carrier's representative sells only that carrier's products. An independent broker like Braaten & Company has access to plans across multiple carriers and is obligated to recommend what fits your business—not what benefits one company's sales quota. That independence consistently produces better plan matches and more competitive pricing for Central Minnesota employers.
Does Braaten & Company work with businesses of all sizes or only large employers?
We work with businesses across Central Minnesota regardless of headcount. Small employers—including businesses with two to ten employees—often benefit most from broker guidance because carriers do not always make small-group options easy to find or compare. We make the process straightforward for employers at every stage of growth.
What happens if I have a problem with my plan after it is set up?
We remain your point of contact after enrollment, providing ongoing support whenever questions or concerns arise. We work directly with the carrier on your behalf to help resolve issues and keep things moving smoothly, one of the many advantages of working with a local, independent benefits broker.
Selecting, Setting Up, and Managing Your Employee Benefits Plan
These questions cover the practical side of getting a benefits plan in place—timelines, enrollment, renewal cycles, and what to expect once your plan is live.
How long does it take to set up a group benefits plan for my employees?
Once a plan is selected, we coordinate an enrollment period during which each employee reviews their options and makes their elections. We provide materials in plain language, answer individual employee questions directly, and ensure completed enrollment forms are submitted correctly to the carrier—reducing the administrative load on your HR team or office manager.
How does the employee enrollment process work?
Once a plan is selected, we coordinate an enrollment period during which each employee reviews their options and makes their elections. We provide materials in plain language, answer individual employee questions directly, and ensure completed enrollment forms are submitted correctly to the carrier — reducing the administrative load on your HR team or office manager.
What happens at plan renewal each year?
Approximately 60 to 90 days before your renewal date, we review your current plan's performance, gather updated carrier pricing, and present your options. If the renewal rate is unreasonable, we shop the market on your behalf. You make an informed decision with full information—we do not simply roll over your existing plan without a review.
Can I change my benefits plan mid-year if something is not working?
Mid-year plan changes are generally limited by carrier contract terms, but certain qualifying life events allow individual employees to update their elections outside the standard open enrollment window. We advise you on what is and is not permissible under your specific plan, so you always understand your options before making a decision that could affect your team.
What do I need to have ready before we start the benefits setup process?
We typically need a census of your employees—names, dates of birth, and whether they would be enrolling dependents—along with your current benefits spend if you have an existing plan. If you are starting from scratch, a simple employee list is enough to begin. We will guide you through the rest in our first conversation.
What does an employee benefits broker do?
An employee benefits broker helps businesses evaluate, select, implement, and manage benefit plans for their employees. This can include health, dental, vision, life, disability, and other voluntary benefits.
Do you work with businesses of all sizes?
We serve businesses of all sizes and stages, offering personalized guidance and employee benefits solutions tailored to each organization’s unique needs.
Can you review our current employee benefits plan?
Yes. We can evaluate your existing benefits package and help identify potential gaps, unnecessary costs, and opportunities to improve your overall benefits strategy.
What types of employee benefits can you help with?
Depending on your business and workforce, benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, PFML (Paid Family and Medical Leave), voluntary benefits, certified benefit consulting, language support, and trusted partnerships within the HR space and voluntary benefits.
Do you help employees understand their benefits?
Yes. We take a white-glove approach to employee benefits, providing personalized support to help employees understand and confidently use their benefits. From enrollment to questions throughout the year, we’re here to provide hands-on guidance and ongoing support for both employers and their employees.
When can we make changes to my medical insurance?
Most changes to your medical insurance can be made during your annual renewal or open enrollment period. Certain qualifying life events—such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or loss of other coverage—may also allow changes during the year. We’re here to guide you through your options and help make the process as simple as possible.
Get Straight Answers for Your Specific Situation
Every business has different needs when it comes to employee benefits. By learning about your company, your workforce, and your goals, Braaten & Company can help you better understand the options available to you. A conversation costs nothing and can help you find the right benefits approach for your business and your employees.
