Caravus

Healthcare is complicated, but talking about it shouldn’t be. That’s exactly what our annual Benefits Beat event aims to do year after year. 🎵 🎯

This time around, we’re kicking things off with a panel featuring Patrick Aguilar, John Holt and Sarah Michaels — three industry experts with very different perspectives on what’s really happening behind the scenes in healthcare.

Then we’ll hear from George Reese, Founder & CEO of Employee Navigator, on how employers can get more out of the HR tech tools they already have.

We'll wrap up with bestselling author and speaker Chris Schembra 🍝 for a conversation about gratitude and how it impacts your people and culture.

Healthcare. Technology. Leadership. People. And a fun theme! 🎶

Because who wants to go to another typical benefits conference? 😆

Different conversations, but they’re all connected... and we’re bringing them together in a way that’s designed to make you think, laugh and leave with ideas you can actually use.

See you September 10th at COCA!

PDC Credits are available! Registration link in the comments ⤵️

This is a video you're going to want to watch all the way through... because it may help you make a decision that will impact your health plan costs for years to come!

Here are renewal increase trends we've seen across our book of business over the last 12 months:

Level-Funded: 20.14%
MEWA: 19.96%
Fully Insured: 14.78%
Self-Insured: 10.43%

This DOES NOT mean everyone should move to a self-funded model. But just like investing, small percentage differences compound over time. A few extra points of healthcare trend today can translate into dramatically higher costs over the next five years.

This year, don't just ask, "What's my increase?"

Instead, ask, "am I on the right funding platform for where we're headed?"

We're always happy to help find the right answer for you and your business.

The Benefits Beat returns this September! 🎶

This year, we're raising the volume on the ideas shaping the future of benefits.

The stage is almost set. We'll see you there!

Register using the link in the comments. ⤵️

Healthcare costs continue to climb... and employers are searching for alternatives that promise greater flexibility and lower costs. Level-funded and other alternative funding solutions can absolutely be part of the answer!

But before making the switch, employers should ask a few important questions:

💵 Are employer funds kept separate? ➡️ Understand whether plan assets are segregated or commingled with funds from other employers.

💰 What financial reserves back the plan? ➡️ If claims exceed expectations, what protections are in place to maintain plan stability?

🦾 How strong is the stop-loss carrier? ➡️ The financial strength of the stop-loss carrier plays a critical role in protecting both the employer and the plan.

Alternative funding isn't inherently risky, but every self-funded or level-funded arrangement comes with fiduciary responsibilities that employers need to understand.

CEO J.J. Flotken explains more in this week's video!

Many employers don't realize the expectations around health plan oversight have changed...

They're now expected to understand how plan dollars are being spent, evaluate vendor performance, and document the reasoning behind key benefits decisions.

Those who are best positioned to do so won't be the ones with the biggest budget or the most resources: it will be those with processes.

Fiduciary responsibility in health benefits is still evolving, and many employers are trying to figure out what it means for their organization. But one thing is clear: transparency, oversight, and accountability are no longer optional: it's the standard. ✅

How is your organization adapting to these growing expectations? Comment below! ⬇️

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Pharmacy is now one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare spending (now accounting for more than 20% of healthcare spend in the U.S.), and it's also one of the most difficult areas for employers to navigate.

When we talk with employers about their pharmacy strategy, I always come back to three things that I believe every PBM contract should include: 💊 📜

🔹 Transparency: To eliminate spread pricing
🔹 100% Pass-through: To capture any manufacturer rebates
🔹 Full audit rights: To ensure contract is being executed appropriately

These certainly aren't the only provisions that matter... but they're a strong foundation for understanding where your pharmacy dollars are going, and ensuring your PBM is working in your best interest. 👍