07/15/2026
Case Study: Turning a 100% Health Insurance Rate Increase into a Manageable 35%
The Challenge An excavation company came to us a few years ago wanting to start offering benefits to their employees. This past renewal we received an alarming increase on their group health insurance plan. Due to high medical claims during the previous plan year, their carrier proposed a 100% premium increase—a cost that would have placed a significant financial burden on both the company and its employees. The employer needed more than a quote—they needed a strategic solution.
Our Approach Rather than accepting the renewal, we conducted a comprehensive market analysis by shopping the group's plan with seven different insurance carriers. We carefully evaluated each option, comparing: Premium costs
Provider networks
Plan designs
Employee impact
Long-term sustainability
We also restructured the company's benefit offerings to better align with the workforce's needs while improving overall plan value.
The Results Our strategic approach delivered a dramatically better outcome:
Reduced the proposed renewal increase from 100% to just 35%
Successfully marketed the plan to seven competing carriers
Redesigned the benefit package to provide a better balance of cost and coverage
Helped the employer avoid an unsustainable increase while continuing to offer valuable health benefits to employees
The Takeaway Large renewal increases don't always have to be accepted at face value. With the right strategy, market expertise, and carrier relationships, employers often have options. When faced with a challenging renewal, it's critical to work with a broker who is willing to explore every available avenue—not just present the renewal offer.
The right strategy can make the difference between a crisis and a manageable solution.
