For too many employers, managing health benefits has become a frustrating cycle: carriers raise rates, advisors negotiate a little, and everyone pretends a “smaller loss” is a win.
But let’s call it what it is—a loss is still a loss.
We recently helped two very different organizations, and their stories reveal a common theme: when you stop settling for the status quo, real savings are possible.
A 39% Renewal Increase Turned Into a Cost-Savings Opportunity
A mid-sized company with 75 employees came to us staring down a brutal 39% health insurance renewal increase. Most brokers would’ve tried to negotiate the hike down a few points and called it a victory.
We didn’t.
Instead, we challenged the increase aggressively—cutting it to 15%. Then we shopped the market, found a new carrier willing to offer rates just 1% higher than the previous year, and negotiated a $21,000 credit for the client.
In the end? The company spent less than they had the year before. No magic. Just refusing to accept “better than terrible.”
$2–4 Million in Untapped Savings
Now, contrast that with a municipality of 4,000 employees. Despite working with a major national benefits firm, their pharmacy plan hadn’t been reviewed in years. Budget hit after budget hit followed—three in just five months—just to keep up with runaway pharmacy costs.
We took a look at just 10 medications. That’s all it took to uncover $2–4 million in annual savings through targeted pharmacy strategies. No plan design changes. No carrier switch. No TPA overhaul.
That money had been there the whole time—just sitting on the table while their budget took the blows.
What These Two Stories Have in Common
Both organizations were working with advisors who either didn’t know how, or didn’t care enough, to push for more.
Too many brokers:
- Miss major savings because of knowledge gaps
- Avoid deep analysis, especially around pharmacy
- Make more money when nothing changes
At DSG Benefits Group, we don’t play that game. We put our own fees on the line, because results should speak louder than promises.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Pull your most recent renewal. Did you win, or settle for a “less bad” renewal?
- Ask this question: What would happen if your broker put their fees at risk?
- Let’s talk. If you want to explore options that go beyond the standard broker playbook, let’s connect.
The bottom line: You’re likely leaving money on the table. Let’s make sure more of it stays in your company’s pocket—where it belongs.