BENEFITS RISK MANAGEMENT

Implementing The Right Health Care Platform To Control Costs

All the best intentions in the world to control costs will not achieve results if you are not utilizing the right benefit platform. Christi Benefits provides clients with unique health plan platforms to implement the right strategies and control costs. Platforms that enable employers to participate in the profitability of their plan as a result of quality management.

Traditional carriers simply do not offer the information or the means to effectively create a positive impact on costs. Christi Group changes the game and puts our clients back into the driver’s seat while maintaining safety and flexibility. Until employers begin asking the right questions and implementing the right platforms, the healthcare trend line will not change. Period.

We implement programs that utilize a broad spectrum of alternative funding platforms such as:

Fully Insured
Level Funded
Retrospective Funding
Partial Self-Funding
Medical Captives
Cost-Plus Programs
Self-Funding

Our primary focus is to provide employers a multitude of solutions to change the financial cost escalation due to poorly managed health plans while increasing the delivery of quality of care to employees. The good news is that controlling costs is attainable and we can help our clients achieve outstanding results.

Fortunately, organizations have more control than they may realize. By choosing the right health plan funding model and understanding the balance between protection and control, employers can significantly reduce costs while delivering a superior employee experience.

The Cost Challenge

As healthcare costs continue to rise, traditional funding models like fully insured plans have become less sustainable. Employers are seeking more strategic ways to manage their benefits spending without compromising on quality or employee satisfaction.

Funding Models Overview

Fully Funded Plans: Stability Through Outsourced Risk

In fully funded models, employers pay a fixed premium to an insurance provider, who assumes all claims risk. This model offers cost predictability and minimal financial exposure, making it a popular choice for smaller organizations.

However, it also limits transparency and control over how health dollars are spent.

Pros

Predictable budgeting
Low financial risk

Cons

Lack of transparency
No savings from low claims years
Limited plan customization

Level-Funded Plans: A Balanced Hybrid Approach

Level-funded plans combine elements of both fully and self-funded models. Employers pay a fixed monthly fee that covers estimated claims, administrative costs, and stop-loss insurance. If claims are lower than expected, employers may receive a refund.

Pros:

Cost stability with refund potential
Moderate transparency
Some customization options

Cons:

Potential liability for high claims
Less control than self-funded models

Self-Funded Plans: Control and Transparency at Scale

In a self-funded plan, the employer assumes direct responsibility for claims. This model provides maximum control over plan design, vendors, and costs. Employers can implement stop-loss insurance to mitigate high-cost claims and may save significantly in low-claims years.