Find a carrier that offers products that meet the needs of small businesses. Delta Dental, for example, offers its small group portfolio of our most popular plans for clients with up to 299 employees (check with your Delta Account Executive to see if a group size qualifies in your state). The program is designed to provide their employees with cost management, comprehensive care and superior access to dentists.

Keep underwriting processes simple and straightforward. Also, rate calculations need to be easy to figure.

Look at the stability of the carrier's rates. Stable rates are a positive indicator that the carrier has the capabilities to predict and manage both expenses and loss ratios on small businesses. For example, Delta did not increase rates in 2003 for its small group plans (formerly known as Small Business Advantage, or SBA) and has had, on average, a rate increase of less than 5 percent since 2001.

Use technology to your advantage. Internet-based services, such as those offered by General Agents, help reduce your cost (and time) in procuring quotes for prospective clients.

Use a General Agent. General Agents are an excellent one-stop resource for all of your client's health benefit needs. If you need medical along with dental or vision to accompany our dental, they'll help. For a list of General Agents, click here.