Posted by Brian Honan on November 5, 2025 in Human Resources
Why Early Strategy — Not Last-Minute Panic— Drives Better Results For many companies, January is the biggest month of the year for employee benefits renewals. Roughly 60% of employer health plans are renewed on January 1, setting the stage for a full year of coverage, costs, and employee experience. That makes the months leading up to January a critical planning window, yet it’s also one of the busiest times of year for HR and company leadership. Between budgets, bonuses, holidays, and year-end reporting, benefits decisions can easily get pushed to the back burner. The result? Rushed renewals, missed opportunities, and plans that don’t reflect your company’s goals. A January Benefits Renewal Deserves More Than an “As-Is” Rollover If your broker’s renewal conversation looks like a quick review of your current plan and a single “sign-off” option, you’re not getting the partnership you deserve. Renewal time should be a strategic...
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Posted by Brian Honan on October 16, 2025 in Human Resources
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 —...
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Posted by Brian Honan on August 8, 2025 in Human Resources
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:...
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Posted by Brian Honan on June 20, 2025 in Human Resources
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...
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Posted by Brian Honan on April 30, 2025 in Human Resources
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...
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