My approach

I evaluate fully-insured, level-funded, and fully-funded ERISA options against your group profile — not just the one I'm most familiar with.

How I think about it

Three plan structures — pick what fits.

Most groups in the 5–50 employee range have only ever been quoted on fully-insured plans. That's leaving real money on the table for healthier groups.

Fully-Insured

Traditional group coverage

Carrier takes the risk. Predictable monthly costs. Good for groups with older employees, chronic conditions, or those who prioritize price stability over potential savings.

Best for: groups under 5 EE, older workforces, risk-averse owners
Level-Funded

Shared-risk savings model

Fixed monthly cost like fully-insured, but if claims come in below projected, you get money back at renewal. Often 20–40% cheaper for healthier groups.

Best for: 5–50 EE healthy groups, growth-stage businesses
Fully-Funded ERISA

Self-funded structure

You take more of the risk in exchange for more flexibility, lower fixed costs, and detailed claims data. Requires a stop-loss policy and proper administration.

Best for: 50+ EE established groups, sophisticated owners
Eligibility

Who qualifies for these plans?

Group requirements

  • 5–100 eligible employees
  • 50% participation minimum
  • Employer contributes 50%+ of lowest-cost employee plan
  • Active business with payroll documentation
  • Covered states include FL, TX, GA, TN, NC, plus 18 others

Rate guarantees

  • 12-month rate lock for virgin groups (no prior level-funded coverage)
  • Like-plan renewal rules apply at year 2
  • Re-rates available mid-year for material group changes
  • Stop-loss protection included on every plan
  • Year-end claims reconciliation with potential refund
Tax-advantaged savings

The HSA tax-advantage story.

An HSA-qualified plan does more than lower premiums. It hands employees a triple-tax-advantaged savings account most don't realize they have.

Without HSA

Standard $1,000 paycheck

Gross pay$1,000.00
Federal tax (22%)−$220.00
FICA (7.65%)−$76.50
State tax (3.99%)−$39.90
Take-home$663.60

Then $80 paid post-tax for healthcare = $583.60 net

With HSA Pre-Tax

Same $1,000 paycheck, $80 to HSA

Gross pay$1,000.00
HSA contribution (pre-tax)−$80.00
Federal tax (on $920)−$202.40
FICA−$70.38
State tax−$36.71
Take-home$610.51

Plus $80 sitting in HSA = full $690.51 economic value

+$60.35
extra take-home value per paycheck — same gross pay, same coverage

Multiply that across 26 paychecks per year and 10 years of compounding investment growth, and the average employee builds $145,000+ in tax-advantaged retirement healthcare savings.

Ancillary benefits

Round it out with dental, vision, and life.

Affordable add-ons that round out your benefits package without breaking the budget.

Open PPO Dental

$34.77/EE/mo starting

Two cleanings per year, basic and major services covered, large national PPO network. Family rates available.

VSP Vision

$9.52/EE/mo starting

Annual eye exam, frames or contacts allowance, VSP's nationwide network of independent and chain providers.

Group Term Life

Included on 8300 HSA plan

Basic life coverage included with the 8300 HSA plan. Voluntary buy-up coverage available for all employees.

Ready for a real quote?

Tell me your headcount, ZIP, and current carrier — I'll send back a side-by-side of your options.

Or call me directly: (954) 338-9905

Important Information

Rates and plan designs shown are illustrative and based on sample group profiles. Actual quoted rates depend on your group's location, size, age distribution, industry, and underwriting. Final plan terms and rates are determined by the issuing carrier and confirmed in your formal proposal.

Level-funded plans involve some risk-sharing between the employer and the carrier. Plans may include claims surplus refunds at year-end if actual claims are below projected, and re-rate adjustments at renewal based on group experience. Stop-loss protection limits maximum employer exposure.

Plan availability varies by state and group size. Network access (PHCS, Cigna, etc.) varies by plan and geography. Telemedicine, life insurance inclusion, and ancillary product availability subject to carrier approval and underwriting.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a contract or binding offer of insurance. Coverage is governed by the policy documents issued by the carrier. Kristian Delgado is an independent licensed insurance broker (NPN #18338319) authorized to sell in all 50 states.