About Us
Since 1999, SIG, an employee benefits firm, has been dedicated to partnering with our clients and providing exceptional customer service. The inspirational basis for our operating business principles is: “If you take care of Baltimore, Baltimore will take care of you.” This philosophy has instilled itself in our culture and practice of all employees. SIG has years of industry experience, which has given us an edge over the competition in the vast wealth of knowledge and resources we have gathered. Our employees are passionate about helping and forming long-lasting relationships with others, and when you partner with us, we become a true extension of your company.
In 2017, SIG and 23 other like- minded, entrepreneurial firms came together to form Alera Group. Since then, Alera Group has grown to become the 11th largest independent insurance and financial services firm in the nation with over 4,000 employees, 180 firms, and thousands of clients across the country.
In 2023, we officially began embracing the Alera Group brand. What remains consistent is holding our clients at the core of our business; we focus on bringing personalized solutions, expanding our capabilities, and deepening our resources nationally.
Mission
We go the extra mile to help navigate the healthcare system and marketplace for our clients in order to advise them on the creation of comprehensive benefits plans that align with their core values to maximize their investment while controlling their costs. Our team-oriented approach allows us to become an extension of our clients’ HR departments. Through our vast knowledge and resource base, we keep our clients educated and well informed with the ever-changing healthcare regulations and marketplace.
Core Values
In order to create the organizational culture we desire, we embrace and embody the following core values:
- Partnership
- Integrity
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Passion
- Collaboration
- Excellence
Meet Our Team
People you can count on. People you can trust.
Amber Hill
Account Coordinator![Amber Hill](/sites/g/files/sujchg151/files/2024-03/Amber-scaled.jpg)
Amber joined the firm in 2023 as an Account Coordinator. In her role, she assists Account Managers with all aspects of customer service, including benchmarking, audits, open enrollment, client collateral and day-to-day support. Amber brings a wealth of experience, with more than 10 years working in customer service.
Latifah Hill
Benefits Advocate/Administrator![Latifah Hill](/sites/g/files/sujchg151/files/2024-03/Latifah-scaled.jpg)
Latifah joined the firm in 2014 and is a Benefits Advocate/Administrator. Latifah is responsible for customer service, administration and ongoing service of large, multi-site groups. She also supports the account managers by regularly conducting audits for their clients.
Abbey Holcomb
Senior Account Manager![Abbey Holcomb](/sites/g/files/sujchg151/files/2024-03/Abbey-scaled.jpg)
Abbey joined the firm in 2014 and is a Senior Account Manager. She works primarily in the small group market. In her role, she handles all aspects of customer service, including proposals, audits, renewals, client collateral and day-to-day support. She researches, reviews and resolves claim and enrollment issues promptly and offers valuable support for clients’ group administrators, the human resources department and is an advocate for the employees. Abbey also handles the new group installation process, and ensures retention of existing clients by establishing strong relationships and managing daily communications. In addition, Abbey prepares detailed plan design analysis of various benefits to aid clients in making informed decisions regarding their benefit package and provides informative open enrollment meetings. Abbey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Washington College as well as a Life and Health license.
Janet Hopkins
Client Operations Manager![Janet Hopkins](/sites/g/files/sujchg151/files/2024-03/janet.jpg)
Janet joined the firm in 2013 and is a Client Operations Manager. In her role, she assists Account Managers with all aspects of account implementation and the annual marketplace review process. She mainly supports mid-size to large clients. Janet has 16 years of industry experience and holds a Life and Health License.
Community Service
Paying it Forward is a core component at our firm. Our culture thrives on community involvement where we proudly support our clients, employees and the communities in which we live and work.
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Employee Benefits
Meeting the Needs of an Aging Workforce
Our experts will provide tips and insights about how to incorporate Medicare, menopause benefits, retirement, communications best practices and other hot topics for older workers into your program successfully and without breaking the bank.
October 17, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
When Captive Insurance Makes Sense
In this session, our experts will talk about how captives work, the advantages and disadvantages and what you need to know to determine whether they make sense for your organization.
November 21, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Q4 Compliance Update
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
December 3, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
Preparing for 2025: Creditable Coverage, Enrolling in Medicare and HSA Contributions
With significant changes coming in 2025 to creditable coverage determinations, employers and employees may have questions on what that means for them, whether they make the decision to enroll in Medicare Part D or continue to have coverage under their group health plan.
September 5, 2024
Find out moreEmployee Benefits
Webinar: Better Benefits Administration and Lower Costs
If you don’t have expert assistance to guide you and your organization in the in using a sophisticated benefits portal, you’re wasting a lot of the money your business has invested — and probably frustrating the employees you mean to serve. Working with a brokerage that offers not only a leading-edge benefits portal but also year-round support and services enables your employees to seamlessly access, understand and navigate the portal, creating a positive benefits experience.
September 5, 2024
Find out moreEmployee Benefits
Medicare Part D Creditability Determinations for Non-Calendar Year Plans
In 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) added a voluntary prescription drug benefit to the Medicare program. The benefit, known as Medicare Part D or “Part D,” is an optional program for Medicare beneficiaries to access covered prescription drugs at a lower cost. In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed and set into motion changes to Part D benefits, with additional impact on employers in 2024 and 2025.
September 5, 2024
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Workers’ Compensation: Stable market with emerging challenges from mental health claims
Despite pressure from medical inflation, increases in fee schedules on medical procedures and wage inflation affecting premiums and benefits, Workers’ Compensation remains a stable and profitable line for insurers. This stability allows buyers favorable conditions, such as ample capacity and stable rates. However, a new trend is emerging: the inclusion of mental health claims as compensable workers’ compensation.
August 28, 2024
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