Introduction.

At Hall Benefits Law (HBL), we pride ourselves on leveraging our extensive legal experience to provide unparalleled value to our clients through strategic Third Party Administrator (TPA) negotiations. Our approach, built on deep ERISA expertise and a commitment to proactive, preventive issue spotting, has consistently delivered tangible financial benefits to plan sponsors. In this post, we explore how HBL’s unique methods have created over $50 million in value for clients engaged in TPA negotiations, positioning them for sustainable success.

A Legacy of Excellence in ERISA and TPA Negotiations.

Since its founding in 2013 by Managing Partner Anne Tyler Hall, HBL has established itself as the leading ERISA boutique law firm in the United States. Anne Tyler Hall, with her exceptional background in tax law from Georgetown University and extensive experience at premier law firms such as Alston & Bird and King & Spalding, laid the foundation for a team that now boasts 150 years of collective ERISA
experience. This depth of knowledge has enabled HBL to navigate the intricacies of TPA contracts with unmatched proficiency, ensuring plan sponsors receive maximum value and compliance assurance.

The Core of Our Strategy: Proactive, Tailored Negotiations

At HBL, we approach TPA negotiations with a comprehensive, client-centric strategy. Our process begins with a detailed contract review to identify terms that can be optimized for cost savings and compliance enhancements. Leveraging provisions from the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) and the No Surprises Act (NSA), our team seeks out opportunities to reduce excessive fees, ensure transparency, and align contracts with fiduciary best practices.

Our review process often highlights clauses that, when negotiated, yield substantial financial credits or rebates. For example, our team successfully negotiated improved rebate structures, modified cost-sharing arrangements, and revisions to performance guarantee agreements, all in compliance with CAA mandates. These strategic revisions are not just about compliance—they translate directly into financial wins for our clients.

Real-World Impact: Creating Value for Clients

Our work has led to significant, measurable outcomes. HBL has accumulated over $80 million in penalty avoidance and abatements for our clients since 2018. A large portion of this success is due to our focused efforts in the health and welfare benefits space, where we ensure that TPAs uphold their contractual obligations under the latest legislative requirements.

Examples of Our Success:

• Negotiating Credits and Rebates: HBL has secured multimillion-dollar credits through strategic negotiations with TPAs, leveraging legislative clauses to argue for more favorable financial terms.
• Reducing Cost-Containment Program Fees: We have successfully reduced or eliminated fees associated with cost-containment programs that became redundant due to changes under the NSA, resulting in annual savings worth millions.
• Enhanced Compliance Measures: Our firm has helped plan sponsors implement compliance measures that meet CAA and NSA requirements, thereby mitigating fiduciary risk and avoiding costly penalties.

Holistic, Partner-Driven Collaboration

HBL’s approach to client service is marked by our unique fee structure and a collaborative, Partner-driven model. Unlike traditional “big law” firms that are more costly and less tailored in their services, HBL provides comprehensive, personalized support that reduces overall client expenses while enhancing value. Our commitment to Partner-level collaboration means that our clients benefit from seasoned expertise at every step of the negotiation process.

Our strategic focus extends beyond immediate financial returns. We are deeply invested in providing long-term value by establishing strong TPA agreements that set the stage for continuous savings and compliance. Our team of attorneys, with extensive backgrounds in ERISA law and health plan negotiation, works closely with plan sponsors to ensure every aspect of the contract is optimized.

The HBL Difference: Why Clients Choose Us

HBL stands out as a nimble, proactive law firm that delivers big-firm results with a personalized touch. Our firm’s consistent recognition as the fastest-growing ERISA boutique law firm from 2018 to 2024 and inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list underscores the trust and confidence clients place in our services.

What sets us apart?

• Expertise Across All States: We serve clients in 40 states, bringing local knowledge combined with national expertise.
• Proactive Issue Spotting: Our team’s sharp focus on preventive measures ensures clients can act before issues become costly problems.
• Long-Term Savings and Peace of Mind: Our goal is to deliver peace of mind to plan sponsors through contracts that protect against hidden costs and legal exposure.

Conclusion

At Hall Benefits Law, creating value for our clients is more than just a mission; it’s our track record. Through strategic TPA negotiations and a proactive approach to legal guidance, we help plan sponsors save millions, achieve compliance, and uphold their fiduciary responsibilities with confidence. Our expertise is built on years of dedicated ERISA practice, a collaborative culture, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. If your organization seeks to optimize its TPA agreements and secure significant value, HBL stands ready to partner with you for success.