July 27, 2026

Nova is first TPA to recieve new validation

Nova Healthcare Administrators, Inc., a leading third-party administrator of self-funded employee health benefits, has been recognized by the Validation Institute as a Validated Third-Party Administrator, a newly established designation that evaluates transparency and business practices within the TPA market.

This recognition reflects Nova’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and alignment with plan sponsor interests — key priorities for employers seeking greater control over health care costs and outcomes.

The designation is part of a new initiative from the Validation Institute designed to bring increased visibility to how TPAs operate, particularly in areas such as claims administration, vendor relationships, and fee structures. As part of the process, organizations are required to provide detailed, transparent responses regarding their business practices and revenue models.

Achieving the validation affirms that Nova demonstrates a consistent focus on:

• Full transparency in administrative fees and third-party services
• No undisclosed markups or referral fees from vendors or providers
• Flexibility for plan sponsors to engage third-party vendors and auditors
• Administrative processes that strictly follow plan documents and sponsor direction

As employer expectations continue to evolve, there is growing demand for greater clarity around how health care dollars are spent and how administrative partners operate.

“This new designation helps bring much-needed transparency to the TPA space,” said James Walleshauser, president, Nova. “We’re proud to be among the organizations helping to set that standard. This recognition reinforces Nova’s core values and long-standing commitment to helping employers get more from their health plans: through transparency, education, and a personalized, hands-on approach that supports better decisions and better outcomes for the people they serve.”

This latest designation builds on Nova’s ongoing relationship with the Validation Institute, which has previously recognized the organization for delivering measurable value and innovation in self-funded health benefits. In addition, Nova has been honored with multiple industry awards, including the Validation Institute’s Health Value Award and a Stevie Awards recognition for Sales & Customer Service.

“Employers deserve confidence that their TPA is operating with transparency and in their best interest,” said Al Lewis, CEO of the Validation Institute. “Our validation process is rigorous, and any organization that earns this designation is backed by our $100,000 ERISA Immunity Guarantee to protect the plan sponsor, a reflection of the confidence we have in their commitment to transparent business practices. ERISA actions against plan sponsors are increasing, so validations with this backstop must be earned. They simply can’t be bought.”

Learn more about the TPA validation here.