About BRMS
It Starts with Our Mission
To build trusted and valued relationships through a passion for excellence and continuous innovation. We work directly with each broker and client on a personal level to ensure we align with their corporate goals and strategies.
Core Values
At BRMS, our culture embraces critical thinking, rewards service, and strives for improvement through six core values:
S
Strategic Thinking
Strategic Thinking
We’re there for our clients, our partners, and each other.
P
Passion
Passion
We collaborate with our clients to form a partnership that delivers for their business.
I
Integrity
Integrity
We inspire trust and do the right thing.
R
Respect
Respect
Everyone we work with deserves respect and care.
I
Innovation
Innovation
We build solutions that are tailor-made to our clients, because for us, business is personal.
T
Teamwork
Teamwork
We offer cutting-edge tech that really makes a difference to each business, broker, and member that we support.
History of BRMS
For over 30 years, BRMS has been at the forefront of benefits administration, consistently adapting to serve the needs of clients while delivering the same savings and service that we’re known for. Chart our journey below to see how we’ve grown over the years.
1993
BRMS opens as a claims payor and workers compensation company in Sacramento, California
1994
Established COBRA administration service
1995
BRMS develops and releases “BEST Online Software” (Benefits Eligibility System Tracker)
1996
BRMS receives a writeup in U.S. News & World Report listing it as one of the three industry leaders in software and technology to maintain employee benefit eligibility and facilitate paperless communication to the appropriate parties
1997
BRMS completes first online, software-based open enrollment which allowed 8,000+ employees to go paperless
1998
Developed our proprietary claims system
2000
Launched Community Health Plan Administration (CHPS)
First self-funded medical client
First self-funded dental client
2001
Established HRA administration
2002
BRMS develops and releases Virtual Benefits Administration System (Vbas)
First self-funded vision client
Utilization review system development and services brought in house
2003
BRMS releases EE self-service and open enrollment capabilities for employees using Vbas
First FSA client
Started retiree billing administration
2005
Offered first limited medical plan administration
2008
BRMS opens an ofice in Honolulu, Hawaii to manage nine trust funds representing 50,000 employee lives. This launches BRMS into the Taft-Hartley market
iNavigate—2008 hours banking tool deployment
First provided debit cards for FSA services
2009
BRMS achieves a company milestone by surpassing $1 billion in premium and claims managed
2010
BRMS moves headquarters from Rancho Cordova to Folsom, CA
BRMS is granted access to the Cigna network
2011
BRMS releases newly enhanced ProviderGateway and wellness blog
Enhanced out-of-network solutions through partnership with Zelis
2012
VbasMobile app is released
BRMS writes first reference-based pricing plans
First group medical captive plan administration
2013
BRMS introduces BRMS Data Analytics, a reporting warehouse for self-funded clients
2014
BRMS starts annual charity golf tournament with proceeds benefitting local children in need
Began offering HSA administration
2015
BRMS offers ACA reporting
2016
Commuter plans offered through WEX contract
2017
As a result of consistent growth, BRMS hires its 200th employee
Launched “Work For a Cause,” BRMS’ official charitable organization
Dignity Health partnership begins
2018
BRMS celebrates its 25th anniversary and launches a new modern logo and brand
2019
Sacramento Business Journal presents BRMS with its “Best Place to Work” award in October 2019
2021
Vbas is rebranded to MyHealthBenefits® (MHB)
2022
Finalized NSA—MRFs and Price Comparison Tool
BRMS joins preferred Pareto captive partner
2023
BRMS proudly celebrates our 30th anniversary
2025
BRMS hires 300th employee
2026
Granted access to Blue Shield Network
BRMS Leadership
Matthew Schafer
Matthew is the Founder of Benefit & Risk Management Services (BRMS) and is the Chief Executive Officer. He has over 35 years of experience administering employee benefit plans.
Luke Schafer
Luke started at BRMS over 18 years ago. His key focus is driving the growth of the company through business development.
Paul Schafer
Paul joined BRMS over 18 years ago and is responsible for sustaining continued sales growth nationwide through strategic business partnerships, broker channels and existing clientele.
DeAnn Prefling
DeAnn started at BRMS in 2003 and is the Vice President of Client Administration. Her 20+ years of experience in medical and health claims processing is the backbone behind our superb customer support team.
Stacie Lautrup
Stacie has been with BRMS since 2008 and is the Vice President of Human Resources. She has 25+ years’ experience in the HR field and is responsible for maximizing productivity by optimizing the effectiveness of our employees.
William Hardison
Bill has been with BRMS since 2007 and is the Director of Information Technology. He has more than 30 years experience in the IT industry including 15 years of independent consulting/contracting work.
Vanessa Pahlberg
Vanessa has been with BRMS for the past 15 years and is Vice President of Finance & Operations. She is responsible for leading BRMS financial functions and future financial strategies.
Work for a Cause: BRMS Gives Back
Work For A Cause grew out of the vision of Matthew, Luke, and Paul Schafer back in 2013, starting with a charity golf tournament. As a result, the nonprofit foundation “Work For A Cause” was born in December 2017, and we haven’t looked back since.
“The money helped us get caught up on bills and the debt we’ve collected from staying in the hospital so much. People don’t realize that if one parent is in the hospital or clinic daily the other is home with the other kids and can’t work.”
Michelle,
Taylor’s Mother
“Thanks again for your support and generous donation for The Folsom Motors to attend National Police Week in D.C. We recently achieved our fundraising goal and our family escorts will begin next Saturday morning in DC.”
Officer Rojo,
Folsom Police Department
“This company is remarkable. So much generosity, giving, supporting, and making a difference in the local community. Our hearts are full beyond measure. Thank you for making such a big difference in our family’s life. This experience goes beyond the golf tournament. You’re part of us forever.”
Chris,
Addison’s Mother
News & Events
Connect with BRMS on LinkedIn and stay informed about upcoming conferences, webinars, partnerships, and more.
BRMS Careers
We’ve seen consistent growth over 30+ years in large part due to the talented people who have been part of our family since its inception. Start on the path to become a member of our trusted and valued team today by viewing and applying for open positions below!