May Case Study: Healthcare Technology Company Saves Over $150,000 in Guaranteed Health Insurance Costs with The Difference Card
A biotechnology company based in metropolitan Boston, employing over 200 people, sought to reduce their escalating health insurance expenses while enhancing employee benefits. Facing more than $4 million annually in fully insured premiums across four health plan options, the company turned to its insurance consulting firm for a strategic solution.
To tackle the challenge, the consultants collaborated with Emily Coughlin Molloy, a Senior Consultant III at The Difference Card, who has built a decade-long career delivering innovative cost-containment strategies. After a thorough evaluation of the employer’s existing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts quad-plan design, Emily proposed a series of targeted changes.
Strategic Plan Redesign Yields Significant Premium Savings
By restructuring the health plan to include higher copays and increased deductibles, Emily and the consulting team successfully reduced the employer’s fixed premium spend by $680,000 annually. To preserve the richness of the employee benefits, the team implemented a Difference Card Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) to offset employees’ out-of-pocket costs.
The revised offering maintained the four-plan structure, consisting of:
The inclusion of HSAs gave employees access to a triple-tax-advantaged savings vehicle, supporting both short-term medical costs and long-term financial wellness.
Integrated Benefit Administration Services Streamline Support
Beyond health coverage, the employer also leveraged a suite of Difference Card administrative services, including:
These solutions offered convenience, compliance, and value to both employees and HR teams.
The Difference Guarantee: A Budget-Friendly Safety Net
To ensure financial predictability, the consulting team recommended The Difference GuaranteeMonthly Budget feature. This approach provided the employer with:
Results That Matter
Through strategic plan design, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and flexible benefits administration, The Difference Card delivered a tailored solution that significantly reduced costs while preserving—and in many ways enhancing—the employee experience.
The Difference Card Impact
The Difference Card consistently delivers measurable savings across industries, helping organizations reduce health insurance costs by an average of 18%. In addition to cost savings, these strategies boost employee satisfaction and retention by maintaining or even enhancing benefit quality.
Discover Your Savings Potential
Could your organization achieve similar results? Connect with a Difference Card consultant today or request a customized proposal to explore your savings potential.
