Stop Coasting: Proven Strategies to Improve Benefits and Cut Costs

There has never been more opportunity to rethink how employee benefits are delivered, but the problem is, many employers are stuck with outdated plans simply because their broker or consultant isn’t keeping up.

In a field that’s constantly evolving, relying on a cookie-cutter plan year after year is no longer enough. You could be missing out on real value–and important opportunities to save money and support your employees’ well-being.

But as an employer, you shouldn’t have to keep up with every change in the healthcare system—that’s not your job. Your focus should be on running your business, supporting your team, and reaching your goals. That’s where a good benefits consultant comes in. They should do more than handle your renewals. They should be a strategic partner.

When ‘set it and forget it’ can become a liability.

If your current consultant isn’t evaluating new approaches or offering opportunities to improve your program, it could be a red flag, especially when proven strategies already exist that can deliver real savings and better care. Your consultant should have a deep understanding of your workforce, your goals, and all options available to improve both the cost of your program and the care your people receive.

Too often, though, consultants and brokers hit cruise control with big-name carriers and repeat the same options year after year. That’s not guidance. That’s coasting. And in today’s market, it could be costing you more than you realize.

Whether it’s aligning incentives with outcomes to boost engagement, exploring non-traditional funding models, or leveraging data more effectively, there are practical, impactful ways to improve your benefits program—without having to completely overhaul your existing plan.

Proven strategies.

The reality? Many of the most effective strategies for reducing costs and enhancing coverage have been around for years. At the NextGen Healthcare Summit: Healthcare Reimagined: Aligning Quality Care with Financial Strategy, we’ll break down some of these strategies in detail, explain how they work in practice, and give you a chance to learn from experts and peers who are already using them successfully. Topics include:

• Collaborations with independent pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and the revitalizing role of community-owned pharmacies
• Bundled and transparent surgical pricing through independent surgery centers
• Access to $0 primary care models
• Direct contracting with medical providers to eliminate unnecessary middlemen
• An employer panel discussion, where companies share real-world experiences transitioning to more sustainable, high-value healthcare models
• Key Takeaways: Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the root issues within the current healthcare system and, more importantly, with actionable strategies they can implement within their own organizations. Learn how to design a benefits plan that delivers cost control, employee satisfaction, and truly high-quality care.

These strategies aren’t hypothetical. They’re working in the real world–and the right consultant should be helping you understand when and how to apply them. If they’re not, it may be time to explore what’s possible with a more proactive, better-informed partner.

A consultant who’s truly doing their job won’t just manage your renewal—they’ll challenge the status quo and bring you strategies that reduce costs, improve care quality, and give you greater control over your plan.

Upcoming event - Join us!

That’s exactly what our upcoming NextGen Healthcare Summit is designed to do. This event is a chance to step out of day-to-day decision-making and into a space where you can explore proven solutions, hear from experts, and learn how other employers are successfully implementing these approaches.

NextGen Healthcare Summit: Healthcare Reimagined: Aligning Quality Care with Financial Strategy

Date: September 18, 2025

Location: Dubuque, Iowa 

Time: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm CST

Register HERE.

Your benefits program is one of your company’s largest investments—both financially and in terms of employee impact. It deserves more than a status quo approach. If your current advisor isn’t bringing new ideas to the table, educating you on emerging strategies, or actively helping you implement meaningful change, it may be time to rethink the relationship. Because when it comes to employee benefits, standing still isn’t safe—it can be costly. 

If you have questions about your benefits program or would like to know more about the NextGen Healthcare Summit, reach out today. We’re here to chat!