You Have More Control Than You Think

How thinking beyond renewal season leads to better benefits and savings.

Health plan renewal season often catches many employers off guard, bringing double-digit cost increases and little insight into the factors behind them. It’s a familiar pattern: a reminder notification appears on your calendar, and just like that, it's time to renew your company’s health benefits.

You glance at the renewal packet. Another 10–15% increase. Again.

Pressed for time and without a clear understanding of your alternatives, you sign the renewal to keep things moving. However, this reactive approach, although common, can significantly hinder your ability to manage costs and enhance employee experience.

The truth? You have more options than you may realize. You don’t have to accept escalating costs as inevitable. With the right strategy, you can take back control—and we’re here to help you do just that.

Let’s hear from Tom Silliman, our Senior Vice President of Business:

Start Thinking About Your Renewal (Like, Right Now!)

Most employers only think about benefits once a year when renewal season rolls around. In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, a once-a-year review isn’t enough. By taking a more strategic, year-round approach, you open the door to meaningful improvements in both cost containment and employee satisfaction.
Instead of reacting to renewal terms, consider using this time to regularly evaluate:

• Cost drivers: What services, claims, or utilization patterns are contributing most to your overall spend?
• Provider network performance: Are employees seeing high-quality providers who deliver efficient, effective care
• Plan effectiveness: Are benefits being used in ways that support employee health and productivity?

Tracking these metrics throughout the year enables you to make data-informed decisions, course-correct as needed, and enter renewal season with clarity and leverage.

Here’s more from Tom on when to begin evaluating your plan:

Don’t Wait—Act Now for Next Year’s Savings

Tom puts it best: “Taking a longer-term approach and a more strategic approach will help your plan be more sustainable…” That sustainability starts with earlier planning. Waiting until 30–60 days before open enrollment to assess your plan leaves little time to pursue alternatives, negotiate changes, or implement new solutions.

• Instead, consider asking: Where is your money going?
• What’s driving your costs?
• Are employees using high-performing providers?

How those experiences are affecting outcomes?

The answers to these questions provide valuable insights that can guide your renewal strategy well in advance. And that preparation pays off—not only in potential savings, but in a better, more transparent experience for your workforce.

You don’t need to be a benefits expert, but you can be a more informed buyer.

The healthcare system is complex, and you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone. However, with access to the right data, partners, and resources, you can ask more informed questions, make more confident decisions, and develop a plan that truly works for your organization.

You have more control than you think. It’s time to use it.

Contact us to learn how we can help optimize your network strategy.