Which statement correctly defines an administrative agency in SIP?

• A. The person or firm that performs day-to-day claims administration; may be an independent contractor, corporation, joint powers entity, or the claims department of an insurance company.
• B. A government regulatory body.
• C. A medical provider network.
• D. A bank.

Answer: (A)

In SIPs, the administrative agency is the entity that handles day-to-day claims administration. It may be an independent contractor, a corporation, a joint powers entity, or the claims department of an insurance company. This is the operational arm that processes claims, handles investigations, and coordinates benefits on behalf of the self-insured plan. It’s not a government regulator, which oversees compliance; nor a medical provider network, which delivers care; nor a bank, which isn’t involved in claims administration.