Frequently Asked Questions

We design comprehensive benefits strategies tailored to your organization. Depending on your goals, this may include Major Medical plans, Direct Primary Care, Dental and Vision coverage, Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Worksite Benefits, Telehealth solutions, COBRA administration, and coordination with 401(k) plans. We also support Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, and Health Savings Accounts, along with benefits administration technology to simplify enrollment and reporting. Each element is structured within your broader Navigation Plan so everything works together thoughtfully.

Yes. We guide businesses through Fully Funded, Level-Funded, and Self-Funded options depending on size, risk tolerance, and long-term strategy. We walk through the advantages and considerations of each model so you can make an informed decision with clarity.

Yes. Healthcare regulations continue to evolve, and compliance should feel structured, not overwhelming. We provide guidance, compliance support tools, COBRA administration coordination, and benefits administration technology to help you stay organized and protected.

Yes. Through a Custom Benefits Review, we evaluate your current structure, identify strengths and vulnerabilities, and provide strategic recommendations aligned with your goals. You’ll leave with clarity and defined next steps.

We primarily serve small to mid-sized businesses that value relational partnership and long-term strategy. If you care deeply about your people and want to build benefits intentionally, you’re likely a strong fit.

Yes. We help structure and coordinate supporting benefits such as life insurance, disability coverage, worksite benefits, and 401(k) alignment so your overall strategy feels cohesive.

We guide individuals through Medicare enrollment, plan selection, coordination with existing coverage, and ongoing questions after enrollment. Our approach is education-first and personalized to your situation. Our agents can provide you with supplemental Medicare plans for Original Medicare, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Medicare Part D Plans (Prescription Drug Plans).

It depends on the size of the employer, and getting this wrong is expensive. If you or your spouse are still actively working and that employer has 20 or more employees, the group plan pays before Medicare — you can keep it and delay Part B without a penalty. You can sign up for Part B any time while you still have that coverage, and for eight months after the job or the coverage ends, whichever comes first. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare pays first, and delaying Part B can leave you owing the share Medicare would have covered. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as active employer coverage — your eight months starts when the work ends, not when COBRA runs out, and that is one of the costliest Medicare mistakes we see. The Part B late penalty usually lasts as long as you have Part B: it adds 10% to your premium for every full 12 months you could have enrolled and did not. One more trap — if you contribute to a Health Savings Account, stop at least six months before you enroll, because Part A can be backdated up to six months and those contributions become excess. Ask your benefits administrator in writing how many employees the company has and whether the plan pays primary to Medicare, then call us and we’ll walk through your dates together.

Yes. When you contact ThirdWave Benefits, you speak directly with a knowledgeable advisor who listens first and explains your options clearly.

In most cases, there is no direct cost to you for Medicare plan guidance. We explain how compensation works so you feel fully informed.

You can still call us. Our relationship does not end after enrollment. If your needs change or questions arise, we remain available to guide you.

No. While employer group benefits are our primary focus, we also support individuals referred through client and community relationships who need clear, personalized guidance.