Blog

The Official MERP FAQ

The official merp FAQ
May 13, 2025

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 among the most misunderstood healthcare products. Whether you want help understanding MERP products or explaining […]

Read More

Healthcare Technology Company Saves Over $150,000 in Guaranteed Health Insurance Costs

May 9, 2025

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 […]

Read More

HSA Limits: Maximizing Healthcare Savings

May 9, 2025

HSA account holders are now able to contribute more money to their HSA. The HSA contributions limits are adjusted for inflation each year, and HSA annual limits are released every April or May by the IRS. HSA Contribution Limits The HSA contribution limits for 2026 have been adjusted to reflect the cost of living changes. […]

Read More

Understanding the Relationship Between Economics and Insurance

May 6, 2025

Understanding the Relationship Between Economics and Insurance Economics has more impact on insurance and the healthcare system than you’d expect. Everything from policy premiums to market adjustments stems from the economic conditions. Whether we’re in a recession or working with a new government administration, economics shift and directly impact our insurance market. In 2023, 92% […]

Read More

Understanding Self-Funded Insurance Plans vs. MERP Products: Key Differences and Considerations

understanding self-funded insurance plans vs merps
April 22, 2025

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 products are both employer-sponsored health plans under Section 105 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). […]

Read More

Fill Your Basket with Savings This Easter with The Difference Card

April 17, 2025

Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner! As you prepare to fill your basket with treats and treasures, have you considered whether you and your clients are making the most of your savings? Just like a well-planned Easter egg hunt, discovering cost-saving strategies requires the right approach. With The Difference […]

Read More

April Case Study: How The Difference Card Helped an Elite Producer Win a New Account by Slashing Employer Health Benefit Costs by 25%

April 8, 2025

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 increase the employer simply couldn’t absorb within their existing budget. In search of a more […]

Read More

What are PCORI Fees?

April 8, 2025

Understanding PCORI Fees for Self-Insured Health Plans 2025 PCORI (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) Fees The applicable dollar amount for plan years ending on or after October 1, 2024, and before October 1, 2025, the tax is equal to $3.47. This is a .25 increase from the $3.22 rate in 2024. Fees are reported and paid […]

Read More

    Resource Download

    Please fill the fields below to download resources.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.