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

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.