SandStone Insurance Partners

08/27/2026

Nearly half of companies that self-fund their health plan reported a claim over $1 million last year, more than double the share that did the year before. Cancer treatment, newborn care, and specialty drugs are among the biggest drivers of this trend, and a strong network discount alone likely isn't enough to offset it.

In our latest blog, we broke down what's changing in 2027 and key factors that finance and HR leaders should consider before the upcoming renewal season: https://sandstoneins.com/blog/self-funded-health-plan-trends-for-2026-what-employers-need-to-know-before-renewal/

Discover the evolving landscape of self-funded health plans, from rising million-dollar claims to new PBM rules. Navigate renewals with strategic insights.

07/31/2026

At SandStone, we build our internship program around meaningful contributions, not busywork.

This summer, Logan Blankenship worked hands-on with our agency management system, supporting client documentation and policy administration alongside our team. He developed proposals, ran coverage gap analyses, and prepared quote comparisons for clients.

He also contributed to a carrier database project for our commercial team, using AI to help streamline how we track carrier fit for client placements. That work directly improved both client programs and internal workflows.

Beyond the desk, he attended carrier meetings and broker lunches to learn about industry relationships and market trends firsthand, and assisted with a client inspection to gain firsthand experience in underwriting and risk assessment.

That's a summer well spent, and it's exactly the experience we want every intern at SandStone to have.

07/23/2026

College move-in day checklists often cover bedding, futons, mini fridges, and parking passes. They rarely cover insurance check-ups, which is exactly why so many parents find out the hard way that their child's risks may no longer be covered as they assumed.

A stolen laptop, a car accident hundreds of miles from home, or a student who can't find an in-network doctor near campus: each one can turn into a bigger-than-necessary problem, and most of these coverage gaps are easy to minimize before drop-off if you know to look for them.

In our latest blog, we broke down what actually changes when your student heads to school, from homeowners coverage limits to health insurance network gaps to auto policy adjustments:
https://sandstoneins.com/blog/insurance-for-college-students-common-risks-parents-should-know-before-move-in-day/

Discover college insurance essentials for parents and students: dorm and off-campus housing, protecting high-value items, health, auto, and other risks.

07/08/2026

A single piece of bad advice can cost a business more than a fire or a break-in ever would. That's the risk Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is built for.

E&O risk looks different in 2026: if an AI tool drafts a client deliverable and gets it wrong, the liability usually lands on your business, not the software vendor.

In our latest blog, we break down what that means for your risk management program, who actually needs E&O, and what to check before your next renewal: https://sandstoneins.com/blog/commercial-errors-omissions-insurance-coverage-exclusions-who-needs-it/

Understand E&O insurance for professionals: key coverage details, industry needs, policy types, cost factors, and AI-related trends in liability.

07/02/2026

06/16/2026

"Wellness program" has become one of the most expensive buzzwords in employee benefits, not because wellness doesn't work, but because most employers invest in it before asking the questions that determine whether it delivers any ROI at all.

Click the link below to explore how to evaluate your company’s wellness strategy, identify what is actually driving your claims costs, and confirm that your group benefits dollars are working where they matter most:

Unlock employee wellness ROI by aligning strategies with real data. Discover how targeted programs can reduce costs and boost productivity effectively.

05/25/2026

Freedom isn't free. Today, we remember those who paid the ultimate price. Happy Memorial Day from SandStone Insurance Partners!

05/22/2026

At the recent United Benefit Advisors® (UBA) Spring conference, SandStone’s Group Benefits Practice Leader, Mick Constantinou , took the stage to lead a presentation on predictive analytics in employee benefits.

Topics covered included renewal and budget planning, claims forecasting, early warning indicators for difficult renewal years, and stress-testing plan design changes before implementation.

The session drove strong peer engagement, with firms sharing insights ranging from AI analytics applications to prospecting, client retention, and how these tools can be utilized in the M&A space.

We’re proud to have Mick representing SandStone and contributing to the broader conversation around where our industry is headed.

05/15/2026

A few members of our Florida and YourMedPlan teams had a wonderful time volunteering this morning at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Pinellas campus. One of our teammates even fell in love and brought a new furry friend home! Huge thanks to the Humane Society for the opportunity, and for the incredible work they do every day for animals in our community.

05/14/2026

We had a wonderful time at the Business Partners Appreciation Breakfast this morning! Seeing the students’ artwork and thank-you notes made the event especially meaningful, and we're proud to support such a thoughtful PTA & school community.