The Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in Group Health Plans

Prescription drugs account for nearly 30% of total healthcare spending in the U.S., and costs continue to rise faster than inflation. For employers offering group health insurance, managing pharmacy expenses has become one of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — in benefits strategy.

At the center of this issue are Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) — powerful intermediaries that influence how much employers and employees pay for prescription drugs. But how

Employee Benefits Trends Among Startups vs. Established Companies

When it comes to designing employee benefits, startups and established companies often face very different challenges. Startups operate with tight budgets and a focus on rapid growth, while larger organizations typically have more resources and compliance requirements to consider. Yet in today’s competitive labor market, both types of companies must offer benefits that attract and retain talent.

In this article, we’ll explore the employee benefits trends shaping startups and established businesses in 2025 — what makes

Self-Funded vs. Fully Insured Group Health Plans: Pros and Cons for Employers

For most businesses, health insurance is one of the largest expenses after payroll. Yet many employers don’t realize they have funding model options beyond traditional fully insured coverage. In fact, more and more companies, even mid-sized ones, are exploring self-funded health plans as a way to gain control over rising costs.

So which model is right for your organization in 2025: self-funded or fully insured? This guide will break down the differences, advantages, and disadvantages

Negotiating Group Health Insurance Renewals: Strategies for 2026

Every year, employers brace for the same challenge: the group health insurance renewal process. Premium increases, shifting employee needs, and compliance requirements make renewals one of the most critical — and stressful — times for HR leaders and business owners.

In 2026, with medical inflation and evolving employee expectations, it’s more important than ever to approach renewals strategically. This guide will walk you through how group health insurance renewals work, why costs are rising, and

Tax Advantages of Offering Group Health Insurance to Employees

For many businesses, providing health insurance is the single most expensive employee benefit. But what often goes overlooked is that offering group health insurance comes with significant tax advantages for employers. These advantages can help offset costs, improve cash flow, and make providing coverage more financially sustainable.

This guide will explore the key tax benefits of offering group health insurance in 2025, including deductions, credits, and payroll tax savings — and why employers of all sizes

Top 5 Mistakes Employers Make When Shopping for Group Health Insurance

Choosing the right group health insurance plan is one of the most critical decisions employers make. Health benefits are not only the second largest business expense after payroll, but they also play a vital role in attracting and retaining top talent.

Yet many companies, from small businesses to large organizations, make costly mistakes when shopping for group health insurance. These errors can lead to overspending, compliance risks, and unhappy employees.

In this article, we’ll

Section 125 Nondiscrimination Testing: How to Pass

When offering employee benefits, compliance is just as important as cost and coverage. One area that often confuses employers is Section 125 nondiscrimination testing. If your company offers a Cafeteria Plan (sometimes called a Section 125 plan), you are required by the IRS to perform annual nondiscrimination testing.

Failing this test can result in significant tax consequences, particularly for highly compensated and key employees. In this guide, we’ll break down what Section

How Hybrid & Remote Workforces Are Changing Employee Benefit Needs

The way we work has changed forever. What began as an emergency response to the pandemic has evolved into a long-term transformation: hybrid and remote work models are now mainstream. According to Gallup, more than 70% of U.S. employees in eligible roles work remotely at least part of the time in 2025.

This shift has profound implications for employee benefits. Traditional packages built around in-office