What Should I Do if My Renewal Has Already Arrived?
Compare it with the 8 to 10 percent range and the carrier’s filed rates, check the loss ratio and any plan changes, and ask for the rate-change explanation in writing. If the increase is above the range, send us the renewal and we will review it.
Before you accept it
Three checks take less than a day and change what you can negotiate.
Step 1: compare it
Compare the increase with the 8 to 10 percent range and the carrier’s filed rates. The chart shows what each percentage means in dollars on a $500,000 premium.
Step 2: read beyond price
Look for changes to the network, drug formulary, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, not only the rate.
Step 3: ask in writing
Ask the carrier for the rate-change explanation in writing, including how your group’s claims were weighed.
If the increase looks high
A high renewal is a starting point for a conversation, not a final answer.
Send it to CFH
Send the renewal letter, plan summary, contribution split and enrolled counts by tier. There is no cost and no obligation to move anything.
Market the plan
Quotes from other carriers and funding options give you leverage, with your current plan designs and rates as the baseline.
Work out the dollars
Convert the increase to dollars and per-employee cost before you accept.
2027 market outlook questions.
How long do I have to respond?
It depends on the carrier’s notice and your plan’s effective date. Check the renewal letter for the deadline and ask the carrier if it is unclear.
Can I still change plans or carriers?
Often yes, but the closer to the effective date the fewer options remain, so send the renewal as early as you can.
What if the increase is within the range?
A renewal within the range can still be worth checking, because the average includes groups with very different claims.
Where the figures come from.
Bridge Michigan, Michigan 2027 rate announcement Michigan DIFS health coverage rate review Business Group on Health 2027 Employer Healthcare Strategy Survey
Send us your renewal.
We’ll tell you whether it looks competitive, where we see opportunity, and the five questions we’d put to your carrier. No cost, and no obligation to move anything.
The renewal letter
Your current plan summary
Contribution split by tier
Enrolled counts by tier
Four documents — two more if your group is 50 or more. Nothing else; every extra one is a reason to postpone.
An independent employee benefits consulting firm. We look at the entire benefits program: cost, plan performance, risk and administration.
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