Third Party: Administration

Performance of managerial and clerical functions related to an Employee Benefit Insurance Plan by an individual or committee that is not an original party to the benefit plan. In selecting a Third Party Administration (TPA), the following factors should be taken into consideration: (1) Has the TPA been operating on a profitable basis? (2) Does the TPA have a long operating record? (3) What percentage of the TPA's total business will your company's business comprise? (4) Does the TPA have the technical capacity (for example, sophisticated computer operations) to adequately service its acquired business? (5) Are current and former clients of the TPA positive about that TPA? (6) Are the employees of the TPA technically competent and committed to providing effective and efficient services? See also Administering Agency; Administrative Charge; Advisory Committee.