When faced with an 8% health insurance rate increase for their September 1st renewal, a Northern California construction and landscape management company turned to their insurance consultant for a creative solution. The proposed increase would have raised their fixed health insurance costs to more than $1.3 million—well above budget. At the same time, employees were […]

Gap health insurance coverage helps members pay for out-of-pocket costs under a comprehensive health insurance plan, which is usually a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). It also offers a financial safety net for employees before primary coverage begins. That said, this supplementary insurance plan has limitations. This article explains what gap insurance is, how it works, and […]

Gibson Insurance & Employee Benefits | Phoenix, Arizona At The Difference Card, we take pride in recognizing exceptional broker partners who consistently deliver creative benefit strategies and measurable results for their clients. This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Mike Petefish, Senior Benefits Consultant at Gibson Insurance & Employee Benefits in Phoenix, Arizona. […]

When a New Jersey township was faced with a steep 17% increase in health insurance premiums, its leadership knew immediate action was needed to protect both taxpayers and municipal employees. This public sector employer, covering 30 members through Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, was paying over $700,000 annually for employee health benefits. […]

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants (Los Angeles, CA) About Sal Sal Lona consistently goes above and beyond for his clients at EPIC. Known for his strategic insight and commitment to customer-first service, Sal has become a trusted advisor in LA’s competitive insurance market. With over a decade in the industry, he brings a unique blend […]

If you’re an insurance broker, creating a unique benefits package for your clients allows you to tailor employee benefits that meet the specific needs and goals of a company and its workforce. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all plan, you customize benefits aligned with company culture, values, and budget. This might include health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and […]

In 2023, about 60% of people under 65 years old had employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI). However, even though ESI has been the largest source of health benefits for younger Americans, there is still uneven coverage that employers and brokers need to address. Through an individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA), employers can help provide more appropriate healthcare […]

When choosing health insurance plans to offer employees, employers need to balance sufficient healthcare with cost-efficiency. High and low deductible health plans can be beneficial if used in the right circumstances. Employers and insurance brokers can use this article as a guide in determining when to choose which option. What Is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)? […]

Normally, you can only enroll in or make changes to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) during your employer’s open enrollment period. However, if you experience a qualifying life event (QLE), you may be allowed to start an FSA, change your contribution amount, or cancel your FSA. A QLE can affect the type of coverage and contribution […]