Businesses have outsourced goods and services for decades, but when carriers seek to outsource claims management services, Gallagher Bassett’s Mike Hessling says the evaluation is far more than a traditional procurement exercise.
Mr Hessling is North America’s Chief Executive Officer for the global provider of risk and claims management services after being appointed to the role in February this year from Chief Client Officer, and has been a driving force behind the company’s burgeoning Carrier Practice, focused on the unique needs of serving carrier clients with outsourced solutions.
“Put simply, the claims experience is the fulfilment of a carrier’s promise to its insurers,” Mr Hessling said.
“Though there are material benefits to outsourcing claims management services, your partner is ultimately a reflection of your culture and brand.
“This is a strategic decision, with real implications for a carrier’s reputation and growth prospects.”
Below Mr Hessling provides insight on key elements carriers should consider before outsourcing claims management services.
What to do
Lead with strategy– As an insurance carrier, be clear on the benefits you are seeking from selecting an outsourced partner and what attributes of your claims program are strategic to your organization. Are you looking to demonstrate innovation and premium client service, or do you compete on a no-frills, low-cost value proposition? Do you plan to grow in new industries or lines of coverage, or are you merely looking to maintain your current client and claims portfolio? Knowing how you compete and where you are looking to go will help you select the right partner for the journey. Take time to understand your strategic requirements, beyond the basic questions of who can do the job and at what cost.
Focus on the outcomes– It’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on claim handling expense as a primary basis for evaluation. But the real impact of selecting a partner for claims management is their ability to drive superior outcomes on dimensions such as cost, duration, litigation rate and reserving. Make this an explicit – and early – part of your evaluation process, providing data for analysis and interpretation. A partner’s analytic approach and ability to articulate how they can deliver better outcomes will speak volumes about their focus and capabilities.
Consider your total cost – An outsourcing decision should be based on understanding your true internal cost of providing the service yourself versus that of an external partner. Costs such as continuing investments in systems and innovation, management of ancillary solution providers, compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining recruiting and training resources are often overlooked when comparing ‘cost to own’ versus ‘cost to outsource’. Claims management partners can often provide an end-to-end solution at a lower cost and higher quality, because of their ability to focus on investments and operate at a larger scale than many in-house claim organizations.
Evaluate current and future capabilities– As stated above, selecting a claims management partner is a strategic decision. Your partner will become tightly integrated with your business operations and client relationships. As such, it is imperative that you understand current capabilities but also the strategic vision, direction and future plans of prospective partners. Engage in strategic discussions to understand a partner’s roadmap, while also looking at recent initiatives to assess their track record in executing on enhancements.
What not to do
Base current decisions on past experiences– The claims management marketplace is dynamic. Some organizations are investing and innovating rapidly, others are preserving cash flow or directing it to service areas outside the scope of your outsourcing evaluation. Be careful to not let past perceptions of providers cloud your judgement when selecting a future strategic partner.
Confuse elegant salesmanship for exceptional execution– Businesses spend considerable time and energy honing their sales proposals and presentations. However, choosing a claims management partner is often a career-defining decision that warrants looking beyond the pitch. Take time to understand your partner’s company culture. Meet the team who will be serving you day-to-day. Test their understanding of your business and strategy. Build confidence in the team you will be working with for years to come.
Forget your role in the new program– Inserting an outsourced partner can provide material benefits for your business. However, you remain ultimately accountable for the success of the relationship. Consider what business processes need to be integrated, for example policy issuance to enable coverage verification. Determine the role you intend to play in oversight of the program and on select claims. Be explicit on your preferred interaction model with insureds and agents. Make sure prospective partners take time to develop a shared vision for your future operating model.
Treat negotiations as a zero-sum game– Once you’ve selected your desired partner, you will inevitably enter into negotiations over the economics of your relationship. Remember that this is a strategic, long-term partnership for your business. It requires a financially sound partner with the means to invest in their people, processes and technology. Once you’ve selected your partner, you and your insureds have a vested interest in their ongoing success and investments.
