An Alabama building supply company had worked directly with Blue Cross Blue Shield for over a decade. They thought they were saving money by cutting out the middleman. They were wrong.
The Reality Check
When renewal time came around each year, the company had no choice but to accept whatever BCBS offered. With no advocate fighting on their behalf, they faced:
- Zero access to their own claims data
- Completely manual benefits administration
- No leverage in negotiations
- Renewal timing that didn’t align with their business cycle
Most carriers don’t want you to see what’s happening behind the curtain. Without your own expert reviewing the details, you’re at their mercy.
Taking Control
The company approached DSG Benefits Group for help. We immediately identified three critical issues:
- Poor Timing: Their June renewal date created budget planning headaches
- Administrative Burden: Their manual processes wasted valuable HR time
- One-sided Negotiations: BCBS held all the cards
Our Straightforward Approach
We didn’t promise magic.
We delivered results:
- We implemented Employee Navigator to automate their entire benefits administration process
- We negotiated a rate hold through January 1, 2025, moving their renewal to a more favorable time
- We redesigned their plan with a higher deductible but added a front-loaded HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement)
Real Results
The changes weren’t just administrative—they delivered measurable value:
- $100,000 in direct savings through strategic plan redesign
- Better benefits for employees despite the higher deductible
- Proper Open Enrollment meetings for the first time
- Automated administration that freed up HR resources
- A dedicated advocate fighting for their interests
The Honest Truth
Most brokers won’t tell you this: carriers make more money when you work with them directly. That’s why they’ll offer “competitive” rates to keep you from seeking outside help.
What’s missing isn’t just a broker—it’s having someone who understands the system working exclusively for your interests.
Is Your Company Next?
If you’re working directly with a carrier, ask yourself:
- Who’s reviewing your claims data?
- Who’s fighting for better terms at renewal?
- Is your renewal timing optimal for your business?
- Are you confident you’re getting the best possible deal?
Don’t wait until your next renewal to find out how much you could be saving.
Ready for a Different Approach?
Book a 15-minute call with our team to see if we can help your company the way we helped this Alabama building supplier. No pressure, just honest answers about what might be possible for your benefits program.
Book Your Call Today → https://calendly.com/davidgoldfarb/15-minute-call