Abstract
In most companies, proper management of employee benefit plans is a new and dynamic function. It suggests a scientific approach to the design, modification, and administration of benefit plan programs. The plan manager can no longer make decisions based solely on a comparison with other companies. Today, the effective manager must consider the corporate objectives and the total employee benefit package in making decisions and in planning for the future. As plan costs continue to increase, more emphasis is being placed on the elimination of overlapping benefits and the filling of existing coverage gaps. | In this paper, the basic benefit plans are discussed by directing attention to the hazard covered or economic need met by each plan. Therefore, the medical expense, life insurance, disability, and retirement income plans all will be examined individually. There is no attempt to suggest an employee benefit program which will solve the problems of all companies as the needs and objectives of individual firms are too varied. Rather, the role of the benefit plan manager is examined along with a basic framework for benefit plan design. It is hoped that this approach will assist the benefit manager in planning, organizing, administering, controlling, and evaluating his program on both a short- and long-term basis.