Blog

Industry insights and expert analysis on stop-loss insurance and self-funding strategies.

January 16, 2026

Gene Therapies and Specialty Drugs: The New Frontier of Stop-Loss Risk

With single treatments exceeding $4 million, gene therapies are reshaping stop-loss underwriting. Learn about the market pressure and how carriers are responding.

gene therapyspecialty drugsstop-loss

January 13, 2026

Lasers and Aggregating Specific Deductibles: Risk Management Tools Explained

Beyond standard pricing, carriers use lasers and ASDs to manage risk exposure. Learn how these tools work and when each makes sense for your clients.

lasersaggregating specific deductibleASD

January 9, 2026

Leveraged Trend: Why Stop-Loss Costs Rise Faster Than Medical Inflation

Medical trend is 7-9%, but your stop-loss renewal is up 15%? That's leveraged trend at work. Learn how deductibles amplify cost increases for stop-loss carriers.

leveraged trendmedical trendstop-loss

January 6, 2026

Why Groups Choose ASO (And Why They Never Go Back)

There's a pattern in self-funded administration that most brokers overlook: groups that start with ASO often transition to TPA later, but you almost never see the reverse. This isn't coincidence—it's a fundamental market dynamic that reveals the true value proposition of each approach.

ASO vs TPA strategyself-funded administrationpharmacy rebates

January 6, 2026

ASO vs. TPA: What Brokers Need to Tell Their Clients (And Why It Matters)

After years of working with self-funded groups, I've seen a recurring problem: brokers present ASO options to save money, but clients don't fully understand the administrative burden they're taking on. Here's what needs to change.

ASO vs TPAself-funded health insurancestop loss administration

January 6, 2026

Minimum Percent-to-Manual: The Pricing Floor Every Broker Should Understand

Even with perfect claims experience, there's a floor below which carriers won't quote. Learn about minimum percent-to-manual thresholds and why they matter at renewal.

percent-to-manualpricing floorstop-loss

January 6, 2026

Let Us Help You Tell the Story: Why Complete Data Unlocks Better Stop-Loss Outcomes

I've spent 15 years working with self-funded accounts. In that time, I've seen what separates smooth placements from difficult ones. It usually comes down to data—not just whether we have it, but whether we have enough of it to tell the full story.

stop-loss data requirementsstop-loss underwritingcomplete claims data

January 5, 2026

The Learner's Advantage: Why 2026 Is the Year Brokers Must Embrace Self-Funding

After 26 years in stop loss, I can tell you: the self-funding movement is here. The question isn't whether it will grow—it's whether brokers will evolve with it or find themselves equipped for a world that no longer exists.

self-fundingbroker educationstop loss

January 5, 2026

Why Transparency Wins: The Hidden Cost of Incomplete Stop Loss Quotes

Brokers often withhold information hoping for better pricing, but this strategy backfires. Learn why providing complete information upfront leads to more competitive quotes and stronger carrier relationships.

stop loss quotesbroker transparencyunderwriting information

January 2, 2026

Carrier Philosophies: Why Quotes Vary So Much Between Stop-Loss Carriers

Two carriers with identical data can produce dramatically different quotes. Learn how carrier underwriting philosophies create pricing variability—and how to use it strategically.

carrier philosophyunderwritingstop-loss

December 30, 2025

Credibility Theory: How Carriers Blend Manual and Experience Rates

Neither manual rates nor experience alone tells the full story. Learn how carriers use credibility theory to blend these components into final stop-loss quotes.

credibility theoryrate blendingstop-loss

December 26, 2025

Experience-Based Rates: How Claims History Shapes Stop-Loss Pricing

Your group's claims history directly impacts stop-loss pricing. Learn what carriers look for when analyzing experience data and how it affects your quoted rates.

experience ratesclaims historystop-loss

December 23, 2025

Manual Rates Explained: The Actuarial Foundation of Stop-Loss Pricing

Manual rates form the foundation of stop-loss underwriting. Learn how carriers develop these actuarial baselines and what factors drive the numbers.

manual ratesactuarialstop-loss pricing

December 22, 2025

Why Stop-Loss Insurance Matters More Than Ever in 2026

With 63% of covered workers now in self-funded plans and million-dollar claims rising, stop-loss insurance has become a strategic necessity. Here's what's driving the market.

stop-lossself-funding trendshealthcare costs

December 19, 2025

Understanding Stop-Loss Underwriting: A Broker's Guide to the Fundamentals

Stop-loss underwriting blends actuarial science with real-world claims data. Learn how carriers determine premium rates and why understanding this process gives brokers a competitive edge.

stop-lossunderwritingself-funding

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