How Self Funded Health Plan Claims Are Processed From Start to Finish

Title card for How Self Funded Health Plan Claims Are Processed From Start To Finish with the Gulf South Risk Services logo, next to photos of a person writing on a medical form and a hand organizing paper files.

A self funded health plan claims process follows a structured workflow involving the healthcare provider, third party administrator (TPA), employer, provider network, and, when applicable, a stop loss carrier. The employer funds covered claims, but the employer typically does not review or approve individual medical claims. Instead, the TPA handles claims administration, payment processing, and […]

Stop Loss Insurance Explained: How It Protects Self Funded Employers

A warehouse worker in a yellow hard hat and safety vest reaches for a box on a storage shelf next to text about how Stop Loss insurance protects self-funded employers.

Stop loss insurance for self funded employers is designed to limit exposure to qualifying claims above defined policy thresholds. It does not replace the employer’s health plan or remove the employer’s responsibility to pay covered claims. Instead, it provides reimbursement when eligible claims meet the terms of a separate stop loss policy. The level of […]

Self Funded Health Plan vs Fully Insured Health Plan: Which Is Better for Employers?

A graphic comparing a self funded health plan versus a fully insured health plan next to a photo of the Gulf South Risk Services office building.

A self funded health plan and a fully insured health plan are not automatically better or worse than each other. The right choice depends on how an employer wants to manage claims risk, costs, administration, and plan control. When comparing a self funded vs fully insured health plan, employers should understand who pays claims, who […]

Questions Every Broker Should Ask Before Choosing a Third-Party Administrator

Gulf South Risk Services logo above the title: Questions Every Broker Should Ask Before Choosing a Third-Party Administrator to learn the right questions brokers should ask a TPA.

Choosing the right third-party administrator requires more than comparing administrative fees or reviewing a list of services. Brokers need to understand whether a TPA can support their client relationships, provide reliable service, and adapt to different employer needs. The questions brokers should ask a TPA should focus on claims administration, technology, vendor flexibility, member support, […]

How to Choose the Right Third-Party Administrator (TPA): A Guide for Employers and Brokers

Title card reading, How to Choose the Right Third-Party Administrator (TPA): A Guide for Employers and Brokers, featuring the Gulf South Risk Services logo.

Choosing the right third-party administrator requires evaluating more than pricing. The best TPA should align with your organization’s goals while providing strong claims administration, responsive service, flexible technology, reliable reporting, and support for employees and brokers. A third-party administrator plays an important role in the daily operation of employer benefits programs, including self-funded health plans, […]