Challenge: A Costly Renewal Increase A supply chain printing company in California faced a significant health benefits renewal increase for February 1, 2025, exceeding their budget. Their existing health insurance carrier, Aetna, proposed a steep 23% rate hike. Seeking a cost-effective solution, the company’s executive team turned to their trusted health benefits consultant at McGriff […]

Economics has more impact on insurance and the healthcare system than you’d expect. Everything from policy premiums to market adjustments stems from the economic conditions. Whether we’re in a recession or working with a new government administration, economics shift and directly impact our insurance market. In 2023, 92% of Americans had health insurance coverage. With so many […]

Being an insurance broker can be both rewarding and challenging. Market changes, regulations, technology and client expectations create obstacles for brokers to overcome. However, brokerage services ensure people and companies find the right insurance. With how complex insurance terms and policies can be, these services are crucial. For both new and experienced brokers, understanding the […]

Here at The Difference Card, we pride ourselves on delivering sweet benefits at an even sweeter cost. Discover how sweet benefits were for these clients in our Valentine’s Day Case Study Roundup. Request a Proposal New York University Saves Over $4 Million A prominent New York University was facing a 19% health insurance premium increase, […]

At Difference Card, we take great pride in partnering with brokers who share our passion for delivering innovative solutions to help clients achieve their employee benefits goals. This month, we’re excited to spotlight our Broker of the Month, Kirk Johnson, Principal at Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA) in Dallas, Texas. With a career spanning over […]

A prominent New York university faced a significant challenge when its insurance carrier, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), proposed a 19% premium increase for January 2025. This would have pushed the university’s healthcare spending to over $14.6 million—exceeding its health insurance budget by $2 million. Seeking a solution, the university hired a new consultant […]

Today’s healthcare insurance space offers opportunities for producers that stand out from the crowd. However, differentiating yourself in this competitive landscape requires crafting client-centric insurance models with a personalized customer experience. Employers want bespoke solutions to suit their needs and priorities, and their expected standards for customer service are rising. To attract and retain high-value […]

When an employee makes a claim on their healthcare plan for a qualified expense, they typically have out-of-pocket costs to cover. These costs could be a copayment, coinsurance or deductible. In some cases, this amount can be substantial and difficult to afford. The good news is that there are ways to reduce these costs, helping […]

Many employers offer a health savings account (HSA) as part of their benefits package, but what if yours does not? It can leave you without a valuable tool for managing healthcare costs and saving on taxes. So, can you have an independent HSA? The answer is yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. […]

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey we’ve shared through our monthly Cup of Joe blog series. Over the past year, we’ve tackled key topics in healthcare, employee benefits, and industry trends, delivering actionable insights to help you navigate the ever-changing benefits landscape. Join us as […]