Congratulations to Charlie Stearns of Barrow Group, LLC for achieving the designation of Certified Self-Funding Specialist (CSFS) through the Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA).  HCAA’s mission is to improve the quality and value of self-funding and health care benefit administration.  This certification provides an unmatched understanding of the self-funded insurance market and used by those wishing to advance their healthcare knowledge of third party administration and self-funding.

Candidates for the CSFS designation must complete an extensive curriculum which covers every aspect that brokers and employee benefit professionals need to consider when establishing a self-funded health care plan.  Having achieved a better understand of the key technical components of Self-Funding, Charlie/Stearns can help evaluate existing programs and their use as solutions for clients.

Self-Funding is one of the most effective ways employers can control rising costs of healthcare coverage. For organizations interested in exploring the benefits of a self-funded health plan, the CSFS program provides everyone involved with the information needed to make informed decisions. Employers who have chosen to self-fund have benefited in many ways.  Some of the advantages include money saved per enrolled person, customizing a plan unique to the employee population, tax savings, and enhanced cash flow.

The Certified Self-Funding Specialist certification program was launched in 2009.  Stearns is one of approximately 300 with the designation.

Charlie Stearns serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Staffing Association.