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Demystifying Self-Funded Benefits Can Forge a New Path for Employers

Employers seeking cost control are discovering how self-funded models can reduce premiums while maintaining employee health coverage

By David Kemp · October 2, 2024, 6:00 AM UTCDavid KempHealthHealthcareHighway to Health
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Key takeaways

01

Self-funded plans give employers more flexibility and transparency than traditional fully-insured health insurance models.

02

Access to comprehensive health data is critical for employers to make informed decisions about healthcare spending.

03

Benefits consultants are essential in helping businesses navigate the transition to self-funding and manage risk effectively.

Healthcare costs are skyrocketing in the U.S., placing significant pressure on both businesses and individuals. With health insurance premiums on the rise, businesses are searching for innovative solutions to manage these escalating expenses. As traditional fully-insured models become less sustainable, more employers are turning to self-funded benefits as a way to take control of their health care spending.

But what does self-funding really entail, and how can it help employers navigate the ever-changing health care landscape and provide greater control over costs while improving care outcomes for employees?

On the latest episode of "Highway to Health," host David Kemp spoke with Spencer Smith, Senior Vice President of Consultant Development at ParetoHealth, to break down the intricacies of self-funding and what it means for companies of all sizes.

Key Highlights from the Conversation:

  • The fundamental differences between self-funding and traditional health insurance, focusing on how self-funded plans offer employers more flexibility in managing their health care dollars.
  • The importance of employers gaining access to comprehensive health data to make informed decisions about their health care spending, and how self-funded plans can provide this crucial transparency.
  • The pivotal role of consultants in guiding businesses through the transition to self-funding, ensuring they make the right strategic choices to balance cost control with employee well-being.

Spencer Smith is the Senior Vice President of Consultant Development at ParetoHealth, where he is a leading voice in educating employers on innovative healthcare financing strategies. Smith has a background in consulting and sales training. He also helps businesses understand and implement self-funded benefits models. He also hosts his own podcast titled, Self Funded with Spencer, where he explores the evolving landscape of healthcare.

About the author

David Kemp
David KempHealthcare Lead

With experience in coaching college basketball, supporting large healthcare systems through ICD-10, to now leading the healthcare vertical at MarketScale, David enjoys the journey. Craving knowledge is one of David's core values, and he has the opportunity to learn from some of the best as host of the Highway to Health podcast series.

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About the Experts

DK
David Kemp

Host, Highway to Health

David Kemp is the host of Highway to Health, a MarketScale show and live event series focused on the future of healthcare. He interviews industry innovators and experts to explore emerging trends in healthcare delivery, benefits, and cost management. Kemp serves as a moderator and storyteller bridging complex healthcare topics for business audiences.

SS
Spencer Smith

Senior Vice President of Consultant Development

ParetoHealth

Spencer Smith is Senior Vice President of Consultant Development at ParetoHealth, where he educates employers on innovative healthcare financing strategies. He has a background in consulting and sales training, helping businesses understand and implement self-funded benefits models. Smith also hosts his own podcast, Self Funded with Spencer, exploring the evolving landscape of healthcare.