Though traditional employer-sponsored health insurance benefits can be complicated and costly, the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement offers a flexible alternative. It allows employers to provide personalized healthcare coverage without the limitations of traditional group plans. ICHRA adoption has steadily increased since these plans became available in 2020. Usage rose by 29% between 2023 and 2024, with […]

A leading information technology and cybersecurity consulting firm in the greater Chicagoland area faced a major challenge this November when Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois delivered a +25% health insurance renewal increase. With more than 130 employees enrolled and an annual healthcare spend of $2.9 million, this renewal would have pushed their total […]

The rising cost of healthcare in the U.S. creates challenges for employers and the producers who guide them. Higher premiums, increased prescription prices, and shifting plan designs leave many business leaders asking the same question — why is this happening? The reasons for rising costs of healthcare vary. Medical advancements, an aging population, and shifts in […]

Greenwich, CT – EB Employee Solutions LLC (dba The Difference Card) in partnership with funds managed by Stone Point Capital LLC (Stone Point) announced today that Bill Golden, former Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual business, will join the Board of Directors at The Difference Card. Bill Golden brings over 25 years of […]

At The Difference Card, we take pride in partnering with forward-thinking brokers who deliver exceptional value and creative benefit solutions to their clients. This month, we are excited to recognize Kristen Harder from HUB International in San Antonio, Texas, as our Broker of the Month! Kristen has been a trusted advisor to her clients across […]

The IRS announced the new limits on October 9, 2025. Highlights of changes coming in 2026: FSA Contributions: Contributions to a healthcare flexible spending account have increased $100 to $3,400 – up from $3,300 in 2025. FSA Carryover Amount: If the employer allows for carry-over, FSA participants can now carry over $680 – up $20 […]

A private K–12 school in Seattle, Washington, was faced with a major health insurance challenge when Premera Blue Cross delivered a +37% renewal increase for their October plan year. With over 150 teachers and educational staff, the school’s annual health benefits budget was already nearing $1.5 million. The proposed increase would have driven total costs […]

As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers, employees, and healthcare insurance brokers are continually seeking the best healthcare benefits solutions. In every case, this means a healthcare plan that’s cost-effective and provides the necessary coverage for employees. The Difference Card already provides that solution to many businesses, and is ready to help even more employers, employees, […]

In 2024, the average annual premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance cost $8,951 for single coverage, a 6% rise from the previous year. For family coverage, this figure was $25,572, 7% higher than the previous year. This trend of rising medical costs looks set to continue into 2026. Considering these price increases, it’s not surprising that many employers […]

With rising healthcare costs, small business owners are looking to provide competitive health benefits while managing tight budgets. The Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) is one innovative solution gaining popularity for its flexibility and the cost control it affords to employers. This guide lays out the pros and cons of ICHRA solutions so you […]