--- title: Questions to ask a TPA description: Compare TPAs with confidence using key questions about self-funded plans, healthcare cost containment, network strategy, and support. --- [Skip to content](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/questions-to-ask-a-tpa#main-content) [![NovaLogoWhite](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NovaLogoWhite.png?width=500&height=231&name=NovaLogoWhite.png "NovaLogoWhite")](https://www.novahealthcare.com/) ![Guidance on employee benefits](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/email-images/Life%20directions.%20Making%20a%20big%20decision.%20Choice.jpeg?width=2000&name=Life%20directions.%20Making%20a%20big%20decision.%20Choice.jpeg) Beyond the Rates ## Best Questions to ask a TPA during the RFP Process When it comes to the RFP process, if a TPA doesn't do more than promise a drop in rates, they're not doing enough. A thoughtful proposal should cover four dimensions of the working relationship: Savings, Selection, Support, and Satisfaction.  ## What Should a Strong Employee Benefits Proposal Include? #### Here are the Top 5 Questions brokers and employers should ask any potential TPA partner. ##### [Rate drops aren't enough Can you provide examples of of savings strategies your organization delivers beyond network discounts?](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/questions-to-ask-a-tpa#collapse1-dnd_area-module-6) True TPA cost savings extend beyond network discounts and should include claims editing, direct negotiation, and medical management strategies like length-of-stay optimization and gap-in-care analysis.  ##### [True partnership approach How do you guide clients to build a customized benefit plan?](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/questions-to-ask-a-tpa#collapse2-dnd_area-module-6) Knowing your current plan design can be duplicated is important. When making a transition, minimizing member disruption is vital. Your TPA should have the ability to provide the most appropriate benefit recommendations based on your unique population. ##### [Elevated service How do you balance call efficiency with member engagement?](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/questions-to-ask-a-tpa#collapse3-dnd_area-module-6) While hold time, talk time, and average speed of answer stats are important, great results shouldn’t come at the expense of the member experience. A service-centric TPA should be able to strike a balance between the quality of the call and service being provided to the member. ##### [Claims Audits Do you allow a plan sponsor to engage with a third party to audit claims? Is there a fee? How many claims would that cover?](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/questions-to-ask-a-tpa#collapse4-dnd_area-module-6) TPAs that emphasize transparency, ethical business practices, and clear financial disclosures help clients make informed decisions. They are committed to responsibly managing a plan sponsor's health plan resources.  ##### [Vendor Integration Can you connect and coordinate the various vendors, programs, and technologies that support a self-funded health plan?](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/questions-to-ask-a-tpa#collapse5-dnd_area-module-6) Modern health plans rely on multiple vendors and point solutions to support member health, manage costs, and improve engagement. A flexible TPA should have a solid integration strategy that helps broker partners and employers align these solutions into one connected ecosystem.  Toot! Toot! ## Trusted, Award-Winning Self-Funded Benefits Administration [![health-value-award - 110H](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/health-value-award%20-%20110H.png?width=110&height=110&name=health-value-award%20-%20110H.png)](https://www.quizzify.com/post/january-valid-vendor-of-the-month-nova-healthcare-administrators) ![best-companies-to-work-for-2026](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/best-companies-to-work-for-2026.png?width=236&height=110&name=best-companies-to-work-for-2026.png) ![Luminaries - 110H](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luminaries%20-%20110H.png?width=1320&height=459&name=Luminaries%20-%20110H.png) ![stevie-bronze-customer-service-award](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/stevie-bronze-customer-service-award.png?width=112&height=110&name=stevie-bronze-customer-service-award.png) ![Validation Seal - June 2026 for Nova\_Transparent](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Validation%20Seal%20-%20June%202026%20for%20Nova_Transparent.png?width=103&height=110&name=Validation%20Seal%20-%20June%202026%20for%20Nova_Transparent.png) ![Bell Seal 2026 - 110H-1](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bell%20Seal%202026%20-%20110H-1.png?width=92&height=111&name=Bell%20Seal%202026%20-%20110H-1.png) ![HUM URAC - 110H](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HUM%20URAC%20-%20110H.png?width=70&height=110&name=HUM%20URAC%20-%20110H.png) ![URAC-case-management-seal-exp-2028 - 110H](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/URAC-case-management-seal-exp-2028%20-%20110H.png?width=90&height=110&name=URAC-case-management-seal-exp-2028%20-%20110H.png) [![TPA Validation](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NOVA_TPA_SEALS_110.png?width=110&height=110&name=NOVA_TPA_SEALS_110.png)](https://validationinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Nova_TPA_July-2027_072226.pdf) ![AdobeStock\_602180904](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/email-images/AdobeStock_602180904.jpeg?width=2000&height=1341&name=AdobeStock_602180904.jpeg "AdobeStock_602180904") ## Contact Us  Our results, industry recognition, accreditations, and long-standing client partnerships reflect our commitment to excellence in health plan administration and employee benefits solutions.  [Partner with Nova](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/request-a-quote) [![Nova\_Logo\_Color](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/hubfs/Nova_Logo_Color.svg "Nova_Logo_Color")](https://www.novahealthcare.com/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nova-healthcare-administrators-inchttps://www.linkedin.com/company/nova-healthcare-administrators-inc-) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIHB3QdPIR9LSSDeR1hJWNA) [Follow us on Twitter](https://x.com/NovaTrendMgmt) #### About Nova - [Who We Are](https://www.novahealthcare.com/about-us) - [What We Do](https://www.novahealthcare.com/services) - [Nova News](https://www.novahealthcare.com/about-us/newsroom) - [Request a Quote](https://learn.novahealthcare.com/request-a-quote) #### Blog Topics - [A Guide to Reference-Based Pricing](https://www.novahealthcare.com/resources/blog/2026/reference-based-pricing--guide-for-employers-) - [Discover Hidden Benefits](https://www.novahealthcare.com/resources/blog/2026/the-hidden-benefits-in-your-health-plan-employees-often-miss) - [Self-Funded Health Plan Cost Drivers](https://www.novahealthcare.com/resources/blog/2026/understand-cost-drivers-that-impact-your-self-funded-plan) - [From Deductibles to Networks](https://www.novahealthcare.com/resources/blog/2026/help-employees-understand-their-new-benefits) #### Podcast Episodes - [Went in for a screening...and got a bill?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lToX5WS3l49dCcMsCj3ra?si=y6kuHUXMS-yxYebqE6fUUg) - [Understanding medical bills and EOBs](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vaIFaKmbMY4t5UzyLgRuj?si=BnBglhp1Qmagty1uKwf7xQ) - [Deductibles, copays, & coinsurance](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nVYfFOSwuco2PWwXhDIlx?si=OAsXpHWXRfiiZChp8N4Ryw) - [ER expenses explained](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hUkIgsj8QqoT400GhJFQT?si=KGa7NkJFQsOzIDysAa36ZA)