Employers Getting Started
Getting Started with Monark - For Employers
This guide is for Employers (HR teams, business owners, benefits administrators) who receive a Proposal from their broker in MonarkHQ. It explains how to access the proposal, review options, and submit selections.
1. How You Access Your Proposal
Employers access MonarkHQ using magic links—secure links sent by your broker.
What to Expect
- Your broker emails you a proposal link
- You click the link to open your proposal
- No password is required
- Your broker can see when the proposal is Viewed and when Selections are Submitted
If your link has expired, contact your broker to resend the proposal with a new link.
2. Receiving the Proposal Email
Your email typically includes:
- Broker name and contact information
- Your company name
- Optional message from your broker
- A button to open the proposal
3. Opening the Proposal
When you click the link:
- You’re taken directly to your proposal
- MonarkHQ records that the proposal has been Viewed
- You can navigate coverage options and (if enabled) submit selections
4. Understanding the Proposal Layout
Your proposal is organized for review and decision-making.
Header
- Company name
- Broker name
- Proposal status
Tabs
- Overview: a summary of all coverages and key info
- Coverage tabs: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D, Disability, etc.
Actions
- View option details
- Compare options (if available)
- Select preferred options
- Submit selections
5. Proposal Statuses
You may see statuses like:
| Status | Meaning | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | Ready for Review | The proposal is available to view | | In Review | The proposal has been viewed | | Selections Submitted | Your selections have been submitted to your broker | | Completed | The broker has closed out the process |
6. Reviewing Options
Overview Tab
The Overview shows:
- Coverages included in your proposal
- Number of options per coverage
- Broker recommendations (if provided)
- Effective date
- Attachments (documents your broker shared)
Coverage Tabs
Each coverage tab shows plan options with:
- Carrier and plan name
- Key benefits (varies by coverage type)
- Total premium
- Employer vs. employee cost (if contributions were set by your broker)
7. Understanding Costs
Each option typically includes:
| Cost Item | Meaning | | ------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | Total Premium | Full monthly cost of the plan | | Employer Pays | What your company contributes | | Employee Pays | What employees pay via payroll deduction |
Depending on the coverage type, you may also see rate tiers, such as Employee Only, Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren), and Family.
8. Viewing Plan Details and Documents
Click any option to view full details, which may include:
- Expanded benefit information
- Network details (when relevant)
- Carrier documents (SBC, benefit summaries, brochures)
Your broker may mark one or more options as Recommended.
9. Comparing Options
If comparison is enabled:
- Select multiple options within a coverage type
- Click Compare
- Review side-by-side costs and key benefit differences
Comparison is useful for identifying tradeoffs between:
- Premium vs. deductible/out-of-pocket maximum
- Network type and provider access
- Coverage generosity vs. cost
10. Making Selections
If your broker has enabled selections:
- Open a coverage tab
- Click Select on your preferred option
- Repeat for additional coverage types
You can change selections any time before you submit.
11. Submitting Selections
When you’re ready:
- Review your selections
- Click Submit Selections
- Confirm submission
After submission:
- Your selections are recorded
- Your broker is notified
- The proposal status updates to Selections Submitted
- Changes are typically locked in MonarkHQ (contact your broker if you need an adjustment)
12. Adding Feedback (Optional)
Some proposals include a comments or feedback field. Use it to:
- Ask questions
- Request plan changes
- Share decision rationale
- Note constraints (budget, network concerns, timing)
This feedback is shared with your broker.
13. Troubleshooting
Link not working
- Check whether the link is expired
- Try opening in a different browser
- Ask your broker to resend the proposal link
Page not loading
- Refresh the page
- Try a different browser
- Contact your broker if the issue persists
Can’t make selections
- Your broker may not have enabled selections
- The proposal may already be submitted or locked
- Contact your broker
14. Security and Privacy
- Only invited recipients can access the proposal
- Links expire after a set duration
- Access is tracked for accountability
- Employers only see their own proposal (no cross-client access)
Summary
- Open the proposal link from your broker
- Review options and attachments
- Compare plans (if available)
- Select preferred options (if enabled)
- Submit selections back to your broker
For plan questions, pricing clarifications, or timeline changes, your broker is your primary point of contact.