Services

Support across the benefits lifecycle.

From renewal strategy and plan review to open enrollment communication and year-round service — Stonehurst helps employers manage benefits with clarity and confidence.

How we work

Six areas. One relationship.

Employee benefits aren't a series of one-off transactions. They're a year-round responsibility that touches employees, budgets, and business operations. Stonehurst supports employers across all six — not as separate services, but as one continuous advisory relationship.

Advisory

Employee Benefits Advisory

Practical guidance to help employers evaluate, manage, and communicate their benefits programs — with year-round support, not just at renewal.

What's included

  • Ongoing plan review and market check-ins
  • Recommendations tailored to your workforce and budget
  • Guidance on plan design and contribution strategy
  • A direct line to Chris for questions as they come up
In practice You get an advisor who knows your business and stays engaged year-round — not just a name on a renewal quote.
Renewal

Renewal Strategy

A structured approach to plan review, market evaluation, and decision-making — focused on both cost and employee impact.

What's included

  • Renewal analysis and rate negotiation
  • Market evaluation and alternative plan comparisons
  • Contribution strategy and budget modeling
  • Recommendations framed for both leadership and employees
In practice Renewal decisions are laid out clearly so leadership can weigh cost, benefit design, and employee experience together — without surprises.
Enrollment

Open Enrollment Support

Helping employers prepare for open enrollment, communicate plan changes, educate employees, and stay on top of deadlines.

What's included

  • Open enrollment timeline and checklist
  • Employee-facing plan summaries and communications
  • Support with enrollment meetings, virtual or on-site
  • Post-enrollment follow-up and issue resolution
In practice Open enrollment becomes a coordinated event rather than a scramble — with materials employees can actually understand.
Communication

Benefits Communication

Clearer employee-facing materials, reminders, and benefit education — so employees actually understand what they have and how to use it.

What's included

  • Plan summaries written in plain language
  • Enrollment reminders and mid-year touchpoints
  • Employee FAQs and reference materials
  • Support translating carrier documents into employee-friendly formats
In practice Employees stop calling HR with the same five questions each year — because the answers are already in front of them, in plain language.
Coordination

Carrier & Vendor Coordination

Managing the moving pieces between employers, carriers, and vendors — so plan changes, service issues, and implementations don't fall through the cracks.

What's included

  • Carrier communication and follow-up
  • Plan document review and coordination
  • Implementation support for new plans or vendors
  • Escalation and resolution of service issues
In practice You get one point of contact who owns the follow-through — instead of getting bounced between carrier reps and support lines.
Service

Year-Round Client Service

Responsive support outside of renewal and open enrollment — for the questions, changes, and issues that come up between milestones.

What's included

  • Direct email and phone access to Chris
  • Timely response on employee questions and issues
  • Support with mid-year changes and life events
  • Proactive check-ins throughout the plan year
In practice You have a benefits advisor who picks up the phone in July, not just in October — because service isn't seasonal.
Common questions

Frequently asked.

What size employers do you work with?
Stonehurst works with employers of a range of sizes, with a focus on organizations where a personal, owner-led advisory relationship makes a meaningful difference. If you're wondering whether Stonehurst is the right fit for your business, the fastest way to find out is a short conversation.
How does the renewal process work?
The renewal process typically begins several months before your plan year ends. Stonehurst reviews your current plan performance, evaluates the market, models different contribution and design scenarios, and presents recommendations you can weigh against your budget and employee needs. The goal is a decision you feel confident in — not a spreadsheet you have to reverse-engineer.
What if I already have a broker of record?
If you'd like to change your advisor, the process is straightforward — typically a signed Broker of Record letter to your existing carriers. Stonehurst can walk you through the specifics for your plans. There's no obligation to make any changes just to have a conversation.
What does it cost to work with Stonehurst?
For most employer benefits engagements, Stonehurst is compensated by the insurance carriers directly — not by additional fees to the employer. Any exceptions to that model are discussed transparently upfront so you always know how Stonehurst is being paid.
When during the year should I engage a benefits advisor?
Renewal season is a common starting point, but earlier is usually better. Engaging an advisor 90–120 days before renewal gives time for a proper market evaluation, meaningful plan comparisons, and clear employee communication. That said, Stonehurst is happy to talk any time of year.

Need benefits guidance or renewal support?

Whether you're planning ahead for renewal or navigating a mid-year question, Chris is a direct email away.

Contact Stonehurst