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Business health insurance

Health benefits that give you more control over costs.

Traditional health insurance is not your only option. We help business owners compare fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded plans to find a benefits strategy that balances cost, flexibility, and employee satisfaction.

Compare health plan options Schedule a benefits review

Ready to explore options? Compare plans. Want a second look at what you have? Schedule a benefits review.

For many businesses, health insurance feels like a yearly cycle of rising costs and limited options. Most employers assume a traditional fully insured plan is their only choice. It is not. Our role is not to push a particular solution. It is to help you understand fully insured, level-funded, and self-funded approaches so you can make an informed decision about what fits your business.

Why many employers feel stuck

Premiums that keep rising. Limited plan flexibility. Little visibility into what actually drives the cost. Few alternatives ever presented. The frustration is real, and it usually comes from only being shown one path forward.

Your options

Better benefits start with better options.

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. We help employers evaluate the approaches that fit their situation.

Fully insured plans

Traditional carrier-sponsored health insurance, with fixed monthly costs.

Level-funded plans

A hybrid that combines predictable monthly costs with potential savings and built-in stop-loss.

Self-funded plans

Greater cost transparency and control, with stop-loss protection to limit financial risk.

Featured

Self-funding is no longer just for large companies.

Modern programs have made self-funded and level-funded plans accessible to many small and mid-sized businesses. Potential advantages include:

Predictable monthly paymentsStop-loss protection against unexpected claimsPotential year-end refunds when claims run lowAccess to national provider networksAdministrative support and plan managementACA reporting supportGreater visibility into health plan costs

National network options may include Aetna, Cigna, and PHCS, depending on the program.

Comparison

Fully insured vs level-funded vs self-funded.

FeatureFully insuredLevel-fundedSelf-funded
Fixed monthly costYesYesPredictable
Potential refundNoSometimesOften available
Claims transparencyLimitedModerateGreater visibility
Employer controlLowerModerateHigher
Stop-loss protectionN/AIncludedIncluded
Cost flexibilityLowerModerateHigher
Who it fits

Businesses that benefit from exploring their options.

Growing businesses

Companies facing rising healthcare costs as they expand.

Multi-state employers

Organizations with employees across multiple states.

Startups

Businesses building a competitive benefits program.

Professional service firms

Firms seeking strong benefits while managing overhead.

W-2 and 1099 workforces

Organizations with flexible workforce structures.

Employers seeking cost control

Companies wanting transparency and predictability.

When to review

It may be time for a benefits review if:

Your renewal increases every yearYou have never reviewed alternative funding optionsYou have experienced significant growthYour employee count has changedYour workforce spans multiple statesYou are unsure whether self-funding is an optionYou want greater visibility into healthcare costsYou want better benefits without dramatically higher expense
Frequently asked

Business health insurance questions, answered.

What is a self-funded health plan?
A plan where the employer pays employee health claims directly rather than paying fixed premiums to a carrier, usually with stop-loss insurance to cap the risk. It can offer more transparency, control, and potential savings when claims run lower than expected.
Is self-funding only for large companies?
No. Modern self-funded and level-funded programs have made this option accessible to many small and mid-sized businesses, not just large corporations.
What is stop-loss insurance?
Coverage that protects a self-funded employer from unexpectedly high claims. It caps the employer’s risk, so a few large claims do not become a financial emergency. It is what makes self-funding manageable for smaller groups.
How many employees are required?
It varies by program, but many level-funded and self-funded options are available to smaller groups than employers expect. The right fit depends on your group size, demographics, and goals.
Can startups qualify?
Often yes. Startups looking to offer competitive benefits can frequently access level-funded or self-funded programs designed for growing companies.
Are multi-state groups eligible?
Yes. Many programs use national provider networks, which makes them well suited to employers with workers in multiple states.
Can 1099 workers be included?
Depending on the program and structure, organizations with a mix of W-2 and 1099 workers may have options. It is worth confirming for your specific workforce.
What happens if claims exceed expectations?
Stop-loss insurance steps in. It caps the employer’s exposure so unexpectedly high claims are covered above the threshold, which is what keeps self-funding from becoming a gamble.
Can employers receive refunds?
Sometimes. With level-funded and self-funded plans, if claims come in lower than expected, the employer may receive a year-end refund or surplus, which is one of the appeals over a traditional fully insured plan.
How does level-funded differ from self-funded?
Level-funded plans combine predictable fixed monthly payments with the savings potential of self-funding and built-in stop-loss, making them a popular middle ground. Fully self-funded plans offer more control and transparency with somewhat more variability.
Are self-funded plans ACA compliant?
Yes. Self-funded plans can be structured to meet ACA requirements, and programs typically include reporting support to help employers stay compliant.
Which provider networks are available?
Network options may include national networks such as Aetna, Cigna, and PHCS, depending on the program. We help match the network to your workforce.
Learning center

Going deeper.

Guides we are adding for employers.

What Is A Self-Funded Health Plan?SoonSelf-Funded vs Fully Insured Health InsuranceSoonWhat Is Stop-Loss Insurance?SoonHow Much Does Group Health Insurance Cost?SoonIs Self-Funding Right For Small Businesses?SoonLevel-Funded vs Self-Funded Health PlansSoonHow Healthcare Costs Impact Growing BusinessesSoonCommon Employee Benefits Mistakes Business Owners MakeSoon
Our role is to help you decide, not to push a solution

Not sure whether you're paying more than you need to?

A benefits review can identify ways to improve employee benefits, evaluate alternative funding strategies, and compare available options, so you can make an informed decision.