Control Your Costs with (ASO) 

Flexible Coverage - Transparency - You only pay for what employees use

Save money by Unbundling Your Health & Dental Costs

An Administrative Services Only (ASO) plan gives employers a smarter way to fund health and dental benefits.

Instead of paying inflated bundled premiums to an insurer, you pay only for actual claims plus a predictable administration fee. You gain clear visibility into where every dollar goes — while maintaining protection against catastrophic and high-cost claims through stop-loss insurance.

For employees, nothing changes:
Same cards. Same providers. Same experience.

ASO is ideal for employers who want to stabilize costs without cutting coverage. You can budget with confidence, monitor real claims activity, and proactively identify trends. As your workforce evolves, ASO gives you the flexibility to adjust coverage — not according to insurer pricing, but based on what your employees actually need.

What is an ASO Plan?

With a traditional fully-insured plan, employers pay fixed monthly premiums that include:

  • Expected claims

  • Added profit margins

  • Hidden risk charges

The insurer controls the risk — and the price.

ASO works differently. Employers self-fund predictable claims, while stop-loss insurance protects against large and unexpected drug or health costs. Because claims and admin are unbundled, you benefit from:

  • Lower administration fees

  • Greater cost transparency

  • Stronger budget control

Coverage remains the same — the funding model changes.

Affordable business insurance consultation with insurance agents at Nick Godfrey Insurance Inc. in a modern office.
Collaborative team smiling and placing hands together at a wooden table in a modern office setting, happy that they now have an employee benefit plan for their team.

How ASO Covers Everyday Benefits and Protects Against High-Cost Drugs

ASO plans cover the same core benefits:

  • Prescription drugs

  • Dental care

  • Paramedical services

  • Vision care

  • Other common health benefits

Routine claims are funded by the employer.
High-cost drug claims are covered by stop-loss insurance once they exceed a set threshold (e.g., $7,500 or $10,000). Employees still receive critical medications without impacting your budget.

This provides cost control without reducing coverage or taking on catastrophic risk.

Hundreds of Ontario employers use ASO to save 12–20% in admin fees.

When you choose Nick Godfrey Insurance, you’re choosing more than a broker. You’re choosing a partner who understands small business and looks out for both your people and your mission. 

 

Business owners want a broker they can trust:

✔ Licensed Employee Benefits Specialist
✔ Based in Oakville, serving businesses across Ontario
✔ 20+ years of industry experience
✔ Independent — you choose the carrier

If you’re not sure whether ASO is the right fit, a simple review of your renewal and claims history will clearly show whether the model can reduce your costs without changing your coverage.

Stronger Retention

When staff feel secure with coverage for themselves and their families, more likely to stay, reducing costly turnover in your company. 

Improved Well-Being 

Access to health and wellness programs helps employees stay healthier, cutting down on stress and absenteeism while boosting energy. 

Simple Access
Mobile and online tools make it easy for your team to check their benefits, submit claims, and get answers anytime, anywhere. 

Clear Oversight 

Regular reporting and plan reviews keep you in control, ensuring your nonprofit’s investment delivers maximum value. 

Attract dedicated talent

Compete with larger employers by showing you care.

Retain staff and volunteers

Benefits create loyalty and reduce costly turnover. 

Boost morale and performance

A cared-for team is a stronger, happier team. 

Maximize limited resources

Smarter design means fewer wasted dollars. 

Stay compliant

We help you manage requirements and keep your coverage up-to-date.