The Broker Innovation Lab celebrates brokers and other benefits stakeholders who have embraced the changing marketplace to position themselves and their business for future success
Alan Goforth is a freelance writer in suburban Kansas City. In addition to freelancing for several publications, he has written a dozen books about sports and other topics.
"In most presidential and midterm election year polling since 1992, health care ranked among voters' top concerns, with the economy taking the top spot in most elections," according to a new KFF report.
Thirty years in the business has taught Al Schiebel that while data and humor build the relationship, it's his 'people-first' conviction and grit that turn complex benefits into client peace of mind.
Out-of-pocket spending is rising faster than wages and inflation, driven in large part by a 65% increase in high-deductible health plan enrollment over the past decade.
Kristine Scheer is a transformational force in benefits, replacing the industry's 'status quo' with a fiduciary-first approach that balances sophisticated data transparency with a deeply human-centered mission.
"Health care has reclaimed its position as Americans' foremost domestic concern, returning to the top tier after several years when economic matters commanded more attention," according to Gallup.
The in-network denial rate ranged from 3% to 36%, with significant variation by insurer and state. Three percent of reporting insurers had in-network denial rates of 30% or higher in 2024, a decrease from 17% in 2023.
"Consolidation may allow providers to operate more efficiently and help struggling providers keep their doors open in underserved areas, but it often reduces competition," a new KFF report said.