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What Is Cost Containment in Healthcare?
Rising medical costs are a top concern for employers, employees, and health plans. In response, cost containment in insurance steps up with programs, processes, and strategies designed to control or reduce healthcare spending without compromising care quality. Cost containment means…
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MERP Compliance and Financial Considerations
Knowing how to manage a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) in compliance with federal regulations is important for helping your clients maintain the financial benefits of the healthcare program. As an insurance broker, you should be up to date with…
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What Happens to Your HSA if You Leave Your Job?
If you’ve been laid off or decided to leave your job, you may be wondering what will happen to your health savings account (HSA). Since you own the HSA, it’ll follow you wherever you go. This means you’ll still have your HSA, whether employed,…
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The Official MERP FAQ
As healthcare costs rise, companies need options to help their employees afford quality care while minimizing employer expenses. Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERP) are among the insurance producer’s most effective tools for creating win-win group coverage solutions, but they’re also…
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Healthcare Technology Company Saves Over $150,000 in Guaranteed Health Insurance Costs
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…
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April Spotlight of the Month: Celebrating Difference Card Broker Partner, Steve Brazinski
At The Difference Card, we are proud to shine a light on the brokers who go above and beyond to bring meaningful, cost-effective benefits solutions to their clients. This month, we are excited to feature Steve Brazinski of Anderson & Kime…
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Understanding Self-Funded Insurance Plans vs. MERP Products: Key Differences and Considerations
Health insurance costs have been rising for years, and experts predict the trend will only continue. Many businesses are turning to other health insurance benefits, like self-funded health insurance plans and medical expense reimbursement plans (MERP)), to lower their spending. Self-funded and MERP…
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April Case Study: How The Difference Card Helped an Elite Producer Win a New Account by Slashing Employer Health Benefit Costs by 25%
An enterprise technology firm with over 200 employees was recently confronted with a staggering +35% renewal increase from their health insurance carrier, Medical Mutual of Ohio. This proposed rate hike would have added $800,000 to the company’s annual healthcare expenses—an…
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March Spotlight of the Month: Celebrating Difference Card Broker Partner, Juan Martinez
At Difference Card, we take pride in recognizing outstanding brokers who go above and beyond in providing innovative benefits solutions to their clients. This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Juan Martinez, a seasoned benefits consultant with USI…
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March Case Study: The Difference Card Partners with A Human Resources (HR) Outsourcing Partner to Secure a 16% Health Plan Savings for an Education Employer.
An online continuing education provider faced a 9% renewal increase from their health insurance carrier, Aetna, for March 2025. This growing organization has 31 enrolled employees across multiple locations nationwide. The company sought an innovative solution to enhance its health…
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