Broker of the Month: Celebrating Paul V. Shaheen, RHU, REBC – Horton Group Division of Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA)
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This month, the Difference Card team is proud to recognize Paul V. Shaheen, RHU, REBC, a seasoned employee benefits consultant with Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), as our Broker of the Month. For nearly 35 years, Paul has been laser focused on helping professional service firms (law, architectural, medical/dental) take strategic approaches to healthcare cost containment, and in that time has developed a deep understanding of alternative funding solutions. Recently, in partnership with The Difference Card, Paul and his team helped a Midwest-based law firm significantly reduce its health insurance spend—without sacrificing plan quality or access to care.
The Challenge: Rising Healthcare Costs for a Law Firm
The law firm was facing ongoing pressure from rising health insurance premiums, driven by increasing claims volatility and annual renewal increases. Like many professional services firms, leadership wanted to maintain a competitive benefits package to attract and retain top legal talent but needed a solution that would control costs and create long-term sustainability.
Paul recognized that a traditional fully insured renewal would not solve the firm’s underlying cost challenges. Instead, he sought a strategy that would improve plan efficiency while keeping the employee experience simple and predictable.
The Solution: MERP Strategy with the Difference Card
To address the firm’s needs, Paul partnered with Lee Bowers from the Difference Card Chicago office to implement the Difference Card Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP). This proven healthcare cost containment strategy allowed the firm to:
- Reduce overall health insurance premiums
- Offset higher deductibles through employer-funded reimbursements
- Maintain access to a strong provider network
- Improve cost predictability for both the employer and employees
By pairing the MERP with the firm’s medical plan, the employer was able to capture immediate premium savings while protecting employees from increased out-of-pocket exposure.
Results: Meaningful Savings with Minimal Disruption
Through thoughtful plan design and clear employee communication, the law firm successfully implemented the Difference Card MERP with minimal disruption. The result was a meaningful reduction in healthcare costs, improved budget predictability, and a benefits strategy aligned with the firm’s long-term financial goals.
The collaboration between Paul and Lee ensured that both leadership and employees understood how the MERP worked, reinforcing trust and confidence in the new plan design.
Why This Partnership Worked
Paul’s credentials as an RHU and REBC reflect his commitment to advanced benefits education and strategic problem-solving. His willingness to explore innovative solutions—combined with the Difference Card team’s deep MERP expertise—created a seamless implementation and strong outcome for the client.
“Paul truly understands how to align healthcare cost containment strategies with the unique needs of professional service firms, His approach ensures employers achieve savings without compromising the employee experience.”
-Lee Bowers, Senior Sales Consultant
About The Difference Card
The Difference Card helps employers across all industries deliver better benefits at a lower cost. Our clients average 18% annual savings on healthcare—often while improving the employee experience. With a proven, multi-year strategy and tailored plan designs, The Difference Card is a trusted partner for brokers and employers seeking smarter solutions to rising healthcare costs.
Curious how much you could save? Request a proposal here.
