While every employer hopes to implement fast, effective changes in their benefits plan, the truth is that what's fast is rarely effective, and what's effective is rarely fast. (Image: Shutterstock)

Many patients are fed up with the health care industry, and it's not hard to see why. The fact that costs for the same medical procedure can vary so wildly is proof enough that people are being betrayed by an industry that should be helping them. This unfortunate pattern also exists among benefits advisors, many of whom swear they can help your company combat high medical costs without being able to deliver on the promises they make.

Thankfully, though, business owners can help themselves and others in the fight against deception in the benefits industry simply by being aware of how to spot an honest and ethical benefits advisor. By asking the right questions and looking for the right answers, you can eliminate deceptive advisors from your pool of options and end up with an advisor that will deliver on the promises they make for your business.

Related: Becoming a trusted advisor while transforming your business model