The Directory of TPAs contains the various types of information most requently requested by TPAs to evaluate their place in the industry and requested by non-TPAs seeking to understand and research the TPA business. The Directory lists over 400 TPA firms (some of which operate under as many as 20 names in different parts of the marketplace). These listed firms manage the employee benefits of about 1/3 of all U.S. covered by benefits. (Aproximately 86% of employees have at least health plans.)
The Directory tells how and why there is no set number of TPAs. It depends what definition of "TPA" is used, and ranges from 400 to wild guesses. The SPBA TPA Directory (and SPBA's membership eligibility) purposely only include what might be considered "true" TPAs. SPBA member TPAs must derive at least 50% of their income from TPA services...and they must be independent at the Board level. (Independence is an often-overlooked ERISA fiduciary legal consideration.) As noted, the listed TPA firms cover about 1/3 of all U.S. workers which is the lion's share of the TPA market.
Besides the detailed listing, described below, the Directory includes three unique background explanations: "Everything You Wanted to Know about TPAs, But Were Afraid to Ask", which is a detailed candid discussion of the most-commonly asked questions and misunderstandings about TPAs. "What is the Size & Role of TPAs in the Marketplace?", which describes the TPA market, what makes it tick, and helps researchers find why most statistics have distortions and double-counting. There is also an introductory letter which gives an overview of the industry and the role SPBA plays. We recommend that those who aquire the Directory read all three carefully first.
What's in the listing ? Name & address of firm + a contact person
& phone. There is then an easy-to-read chart beside each name (going
across 2 pages) with 34 characteristics of the firm. These include:
Types of preferred client plans (single employer, Taft-Hartley/collective-bargaining,
MET/MEWA/Association, Government/Church, and two categories of fully-insured
in which the TPA acts for the insurance company);
Geographic regions served,
Types of plans & benefits served (health/disability, defined
contribution pensions, defined benefit pensions, 401k, 403b, Flex/Cafeteria,
Dental/Vision, Legal/Childcare, Workers Comp., and Prescription Drug plans.);
Types of services (Employee communications, Claims payments,
Government reporting & filings, Utilization review, HMO/PPO, Other computer
services, Consulting, Actuarial, and COBRA.)
Revenue size of the entity is the final listing (keeping in
mind that TPAs of different size are best for different kinds of clients &
jobs.
The Directory has been enhanced with the addition of the only known Directory of Stop-Loss sources. It lists 60 leading sources of Stop-Loss reinsurance, with a full page of answers about each of their offerings and limits.
The Directory is sent by Priority Mail the day we receive the check. Sorry, no credit cards, COD, etc.
NOTE : The "Directory" is purposely NOT available electronically or on CD. The reason is that TPAs and Stop-Loss have no desire to be flooded with mailings and approaches from entities who have not even taken the time and trouble to understand the industry and companies they are addressing. That would be a waste for both vendor and recipient. So, the goal is to force you to take some time to review the whole directory and understand those you are addressing.