The Key to Managing Costs is Education
With over three decades as a Business Administrator in Utah, Zane Woolstenhulme’s career has focused on finding ways to increase district efficiencies while reducing expenses. When looking at his district’s healthcare costs, he knew there was a better way to improve the overall program.
Like most education professionals, Zane recognizes that knowledge is power. In researching ways to increase participation in his benefits program, he saw a gap in employee education that needed to be filled.
Before I brought on American Fidelity, I felt like employees were in the dark about how their benefits work. One of the main reasons I decided to switch was because they offered one-on-one education. Now that employees are gaining a better understanding of their benefits, our overall costs are lowered. In my opinion, no other company provides the experience, education focus, and support offered by American Fidelity.
In a short interview with Zane Woolstenhulme and his dedicated American Fidelity account manager, we got an inside look at this school district and the value they’ve found with American Fidelity.
Why did you switch to American Fidelity?
One of the challenges we’ve always had is getting face to face with employees to educate on our benefits. I saw an opportunity with American Fidelity to bring on an education partner who could get to know our program and then meet individually with employees to explain all the benefits available. No one else does that for us.
The whole process of educating is very key to managing costs.
What’s the biggest difference with American Fidelity from your previous provider?
The biggest driver for us came down to value-added services. That was really appealing to me, that I could get full benefits administration from a single provider.
What does it mean to you that American Fidelity is partnered with associations like ASBO International?
American Fidelity’s partnership with ASBO International tells me that there are a lot of school districts who have positive experiences with American Fidelity. I can look at their partnership with ASBO with confidence that whatever American Fidelity does, there’s a good chance that it’s going to be a benefit for what I’m trying to offer our employees.
When American Fidelity comes on to the campus with their team, they take the time to meet with everyone that will meet with them. One on one, face to face, and addressing things that an employee may not bring up to me. Anything like that, in my mind, is an enhancement.
What are other districts in your area missing out on by not partnering with American Fidelity, and why do you think that is?
I think they’re missing out on what could be their biggest benefits advocate and education partner. They’re missing out on the opportunity to have someone come in on behalf of the school district to educate, regardless of the benefits offered. They’re missing specific education for new hires. They’re missing out on a great benefit.
Employee education on district insurance plans was something that had never been done very effectively. In wanting to improve, I looked for a partner who valued education.
American Fidelity provides employer cost-savings solutions and supplemental insurance benefits to the education community. We help employers do more with less by administering their entire benefits program including employee education, enrollment, year-round administration, and compliance support.
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This blog is up to date as of February 2020 and has not been updated for changes in the law, administration or current events.