Why the Right Benefits Broker Does More Than Shop Rates
When most employers think about their group health benefits, the conversation starts — and often ends — with cost. But the best brokers don’t just quote rates — they coach, educate, and support both employers and employees throughout the year. At PF Compass, we see this every day: the real value of a benefits partner shows up between renewals — when an HR professional needs guidance, when an employee has a question, or when leadership wants clarity on what they’re paying for. Partnership That Extends Beyond Renewal Season A true benefits partner is there year-round — helping you onboard new hires, manage offboarding, and keep your team informed. When your broker helps you simplify administration and amplify understanding, the payoff is huge: fewer errors, happier employees, and time back in your day. At PF Compass, we believe your broker should be an active part of your HR ecosystem —...
read moreGroup Healthcare Benefits in 2025: What’s Changing and How PF Compass Can Help
As healthcare costs continue to rise and employee expectations evolve, group healthcare benefits are undergoing a major transformation in 2025. Employers are no longer just offering coverage—they’re strategically designing benefits to attract talent, manage costs, and support employee well-being. Here’s what’s trending and how PF Compass can help your organization stay ahead. Key Trends in Group Healthcare Benefits Level-Funded and Self-Funded Plans Smaller businesses are increasingly adopting level-funded plans, which combine the predictability of fully insured premiums with the cost-saving potential of self-funding. These plans offer more flexibility and transparency, especially when paired with strong analytics and claims support. Personalized Plan Designs Employers are moving away from one-size-fits-all coverage. Popular options include: High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Wellness incentives and mental health support Telehealth services and preventive care programs Cost Management Strategies With healthcare costs projected to rise by over 9% in 2025, employers are:...
read moreWhy Better Employee Benefits Guidance Matters—And Where Employers (and Brokers) Can Step Up
Each year, employees make big financial decisions during benefits enrollment—contributing to retirement plans, selecting health coverage, and choosing ancillary benefits. But without meaningful employee benefits guidance, these choices can do more harm than good. A recent report from SAVVI Financial revealed a troubling trend: 37% of employees avoid thinking about their benefits altogether, saying it’s too overwhelming. 19% say their benefit decisions have caused financial stress. 72% are more concerned about their financial choices this year than last. It’s clear that employees aren’t just confused—they’re quietly struggling. And when benefit decisions lead to stress, it impacts more than finances. Healthcare-related costs are delaying life milestones like buying a home or starting a family for many. Others are dipping into savings just to cover basic medical needs. So how did we get here? Education Is the Missing Link Most companies already offer benefit guides, videos, or portals. But access to...
read moreWhy More Employers Are Moving To Self Funded Captives
If you’re an employer with 50 to 250 employees, chances are your health insurance renewal has become something you dread. Year after year, costs go up—but transparency and control don’t. It’s a frustrating cycle we call the fully insured treadmill, and it’s why more forward-thinking companies are stepping off. At PF Compass, we help businesses rethink how they finance and manage employee health benefits. One of the most effective tools we offer is a self-funded captive model—a proven strategy to take back control, manage risk more efficiently, and even recoup money you’re currently handing over to insurance carriers. Let’s walk through the key challenges—and the smarter solutions available. View Infographic/Print Download The Problem: Escalating Costs, No Control Healthcare costs continue to rise faster than inflation, with annual premium increases outpacing wage growth and business revenue in many industries. But what’s driving these increases? As an employer, ask yourself: Do...
read moreNavigating Healthcare Costs for Employers
In today’s business climate, navigating healthcare costs effectively while still offering competitive benefits is a critical challenge for many employers. With rising premiums and the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare regulations, it’s crucial to find a balance that keeps your workforce healthy and your finances in check. Here are 8 practical tips for employers looking to navigate these tricky waters. 1. Educate Your Employees on Healthcare Utilization One of the most effective ways to manage healthcare costs is to ensure that your employees are well-informed about how to use their benefits wisely. Education can focus on the importance of preventive care, when to use urgent care instead of the emergency room, and the benefits of using generic drugs. Regular workshops or seminars can help employees make informed decisions that save money for both them and your company. Your broker should be your education resource. 2. Embrace Telehealth Options Telehealth has...
read moreWhy Employers Must Consider Upgrading Their Benefits Offerings in the Coming Year
In today’s competitive labor market, one of the most compelling ways an employer can stand out is by offering a comprehensive and attractive benefits package. As we look ahead to the next year, it becomes increasingly crucial for businesses to reevaluate and consider upgrading their benefits offerings. Investing in your most valuable asset, your employees, can lead to higher job satisfaction, improved retention rates, and a stronger company culture. Strategic Implementation Over Ad-Hoc Additions The first step in upgrading benefits is to move away from ad-hoc additions and towards a strategic, well-planned implementation. This approach ensures that new benefits align with both employee needs and business objectives, creating a symbiotic relationship between workforce satisfaction and company success. Randomly adding benefits without considering how they fit into the existing framework can lead to underutilization and wasted resources. Understanding Employee Needs A crucial part of this strategy involves listening to what...
read moreDecoding Group Healthcare Costs: What Are You Paying For?
Navigating the labyrinth of group healthcare costs can be as daunting as it is crucial. For businesses, providing healthcare benefits is a significant investment, but what exactly are you paying for? Let’s demystify the components of group healthcare costs, offering a clearer perspective for business owners and HR professionals alike. The Anatomy of Group Healthcare Costs Understanding the breakdown of healthcare costs can empower you to make informed decisions and potentially identify areas where savings can be achieved. Here’s what makes up the bulk of your group healthcare plan expenses: 1. Premiums: The Core Expense Premiums are the most apparent cost associated with healthcare plans. They are payments made to insurance companies to cover the cost of health benefits for employees. Premiums can vary widely depending on the plan’s coverage level, the insurer, and the demographic makeup of your employee group. 2. Deductibles: The Initial Outlay Deductibles are the...
read moreHow Should Employers Evaluate Their Employee Health Benefits Broker?
When evaluating the role of your health benefits broker in assisting with employer group health insurance, consider asking the following questions to ensure they are effectively supporting your organization’s needs: Expertise and Guidance: Does your broker provide clear, informed guidance on the various health insurance options available? Are they up-to-date with the latest market trends and regulations Assessment of Needs: Is your broker diligent in assessing your company’s specific health insurance needs and budgetary constraints? Do they tailor their recommendations to align with your organization’s goals and workforce requirements? Plan Comparison and Selection: Does your broker present a comprehensive comparison of different health insurance plans? Do they explain the benefits, costs, and features of each option to help you make an informed decision? Enrollment Process: Does your broker facilitate a smooth enrollment process? Are they proactive in ensuring that your employees understand their benefits and are enrolled correctly in...
read moreFive Reasons Why Every Group Healthcare Plan Should Incorporate Mental Health Options
As an employer, are you paying attention to what is stressing out your employees? Mental health options are an integral part of overall health and well-being, yet often go unrecognized or neglected in many group health care plans. Many employers offer physical health benefits that cover doctor visits, prescriptions, and other preventative services but often overlook the importance of mental health care. This oversight can have serious consequences for both employees and businesses alike, leading to increased stress and decreased productivity. A recent survey of over 1,000 employees by JobSage, an employee transparency platform revealed the following disturbing statistics: 41% of Americans are considering quitting their jobs. 67% of employees say they are stressed by their jobs (compared to 54% in 2022). 55% of employees say they are anxious because of job aspects (compared to 36% in 2022). Fortunately, there are several ways employers can incorporate mental health options...
read moreIs it Time for Employers to Consider Reference Based Pricing Health Plans?
It is no secret that overall, healthcare costs are rising, in a climate where employees are looking for more and more from their benefits offerings. For employers it is a constant challenge to provide a robust package that will help with the goal of attraction and retention of talent, while also trying to control costs. Reference based pricing health plans have become increasingly popular in recent years as employers look for ways to contain those rising healthcare costs. Reference based pricing is a type of health plan that sets a maximum allowable fee for certain procedures, tests, and services. While this can indeed be an effective way to control costs, there are pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s the right choice for your company. PROS Cost Control. The primary benefit of reference-based pricing is that it helps employers control healthcare costs. By placing a limit...
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