March Case Study: The Difference Card Partners with A Human Resources (HR) Outsourcing Partner to Secure a 16% Health Plan Savings for an Education Employer.
An online continuing education provider faced a 9% renewal increase from their health insurance carrier, Aetna, for March 2025. This growing organization has 31 enrolled employees across multiple locations nationwide. The company sought an innovative solution to enhance its health benefits while simultaneously reducing costs. Additionally, they needed a comprehensive payroll and human resources management system to streamline operations.
The Partnership Solution
The team of Human Resource outsourcing experts addressed the employer’s needs. Recognizing the challenge posed by the health insurance renewal, the consulting team collaborated with The Difference Card to develop a cost-effective benefits strategy.
Laura Gelnett from The Difference Card worked closely with the consulting team to evaluate high-deductible health plan options. By leveraging The Difference Card’s expertise, the employer successfully reduced its fixed insurance premiums by 36%, translating to an impressive $150,000 in annual fixed premium savings.
Strategic Plan Design & Funding
To further optimize the plan, Laura and the consulting team devised a funding strategy that introduced four plan options while simultaneously enhancing benefits. The implementation of The Difference Card’s Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) reduced employees’ out-of-pocket maximums and cost-sharing obligations. The new plan design included a traditional copay option, a first dollar coverage plan and a tax efficient Health Savings Account (HSA).
This strategic approach guaranteed a 16% reduction in overall health insurance costs—amounting to at least $65,000 in annual savings—without compromising the quality of benefits.
Simplified Administration with The Difference Guarantee
To ensure seamless benefits administration, Laura recommended utilizing The Difference Card’s Difference Guarantee Monthly Budget feature. This feature provided the employer with a fixed monthly payment, simplifying accounting, banking, and reconciliation processes. Additionally, The Difference Guarantee’s 100% return on surplus allowed the employer to maximize savings while streamlining benefits administration.
The Difference Card Impact
The Difference Card consistently delivers measurable savings across industries, helping organizations reduce health insurance costs by an average of 18%. Beyond cost savings, these solutions enhance employee satisfaction and retention by maintaining or improving benefit offerings.
Discover Your Savings Potential
Could your business achieve similar savings? Connect with a Difference Card consultant today or request a customized proposal to explore your cost-saving opportunities.
