GBA 1

GBA 1 Group Health Plan Design

This is a required course for the GBA and CEBS designations.

Please note: This course was revised for the fourth quarter 2008 testing.

The new GBA 1 Learning Guide features relevant, streamlined content along with readings updated in 2008.

The first two assignments of GBA 1 set the stage for the study of employee benefits to be pursued in the remainder of GBA 1 and 2 by examining the employee benefit environment, the functional approach to benefit planning, and risk management and insurance techniques in employee benefits. Much of this introductory material encompasses retirement plans, covered in RPA 1 and RPA 2 of the CEBS program, as well.

The coverage of health care benefits begins with a discussion of the environment of health care and health care plans, followed by health plan designs and cost-control techniques. The course also covers the managed care spectrum and managed care plans, as well as maintaining and improving employee health. Dental plans and specialized benefits—behavioral health, prescription drugs, vision, and hearing care plans—also are covered as is the timely topic of consumer-driven health plans, including health reimbursement accounts and health savings accounts. The course concludes with an overview of fiduciary liability and ethical responsibility.

Study Materials

  • Learning Guide -includes Practice Exam on CD (PC only), $140.00.
  • The Handbook of Employee Benefits, 6th edition, Jerry S. Rosenbloom, editor, McGraw-Hill, 2005, $130.00. ISBN 0-07-144512-9

Note: The same text is used in GBA 2—Group Benefits Management (CEBS Course 2).

May meet CE Credit Requirements

ACE Credit Recommendation also available.

Enrichment Reading:
Employee Benefits Answer Book
Health Insurance Answer Book

Assignment Topics

  1. Employee Benefit Planning
  2. Risk Management
  3. Health Plan Designs and Cost-Control
  4. Managed Care Spectrum
  5. Consumer-Driven Health Plans
  6. Dental, Vision and Hearing Care Benefits
  7. Prescription Drug Plans
  8. Behavioral Health Care Benefits
  9. Wellness Programs
  10. Fiduciary and Ethical Responsibility