Last week, I wrote about a difficult 27% health plan renewal. Now, our client has chosen a path forward.

After negotiating rate relief, we also proposed to raise their deductible from $1,000 to just $2,000. They were still looking at an 18% increase. Even in a booming economy, that might be hard to absorb. Our client decided however to keep the lower deductible and pay for all of the increase!

Then, we wrapped up two more unusual renewals.

A dental practice with just six covered employees got a 12.9% increase. We found another insurer offering slightly better coverage for a 0% increase. Recognizing the ‘inconvenience’ of switching insurers - with one individual being treated for a chronic condition - they chose to split the higher premium with employees and stay put.

Last, a machine shop with 59 covered employees and an $88,000 increase. Again, multiple plan changes were presented; one would have halved the increase. The twist in this case; it’s a union shop with a history of intransigent negotiations. Not this year. Management agreed to keep the current plan and pay the full increase.

Has there been enough disruption in this watershed year?

Anecdotally, yes!