Specifications include, but are not limited to: The services detailed below are those services expected to be provided by the Firm pertaining to health and welfare benefits. Actual work will be directed by the City and may involve other consulting services that are not listed below. 1. Conduct strategic planning meetings to establish goals, priorities and identify areas of concern. 2. Financial underwriting and claims analysis, including renewal analysis and negotiations, budget projections, funding levels and alternatives, large claims analysis and quarterly reporting of the plan’s financial performance. 3. Evaluate plan design in light of industry trends and labor market conditions, claims cost trends, alternative delivery systems and legal requirements. Evaluate eligibility, cost-sharing and benefit structure and network savings. 4. Prepare Requests for Proposals for TPA’s, insurance services or other employee benefit programs; analyze and make appropriate recommendations. 5. Apprise City of local and national trends and innovative ideas, and recommend new products, programs and services to ensure a competitive benefits plan. 6. Review and analyze claims experience data, claims service, efficiency and accuracy of claims administration to ensure that City is receiving optimum service and benefits from all carriers and vendors. 7. Review on-going employee communications program, including a review of booklets, announcement materials and benefit statements. 8. Manage carrier/vendor relationships, review and advise on master contracts, review carrier service levels and compare to performance guarantees, resolve administrative issues, conduct periodic meetings as necessary. 9. Assist in COBRA, HIPAA, DOL, ACA, and ERISA compliance and reporting to include Summary Plan Descriptions and other Plan Documents