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An Affordable Care Act-fueled surge in self-insurance for medical benefits among smaller employers appears to have leveled off somewhat, but not due to any disenchantment with the cost-management strategy.
Rather, many that were open to giving self-insurance a try already have done so, observers suggest. Yet a steady flow of hold-outs continues to make the switch, and employers who already are self-insured are gaining the benefit of more competition among stop-loss carriers for their business.
Richard Stolz is a freelance writer based in Rockville, Md.
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As brokerages expand, concerns over conflict of interest and fiduciary breaches abound.
Reducing healthcare benefits can provide immediate savings, but it could also stunt retention and recruiting efforts.
Asking difficult questions, pushing for transparency, and challenging how prices are set have helped a healthcare provider offer better coverage to its employees.
As healthcare expenses approach double-digit increases, employers are looking for savings in waste, care delivery, and plan administration before cutting benefits.
Collaboration between employers, brokers and third-party administrators will be essential to developing customized, cost-effective and employee-friendly solutions.
