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 Employee Benefits Inc., located in the heart of Ridgway, Pennsylvania. A Legacy of Trust and […]

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). […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]