Self-Funded Group Health Insurance Plans
Take Full Control of Your Group Health Benefits with a Self-Funded Plan
What Are Self-Funded Group Health Insurance Plans?
In a self-funded plan, the employer assumes financial responsibility for employee healthcare claims rather than paying fixed premiums to an insurance company. Employers typically partner with a third-party administrator (TPA) to process claims, access networks, and handle compliance.
Employers often purchase stop-loss insurance to protect against catastrophic claims, either at the individual (specific) or group (aggregate) level.
Benefits of Self-Funded Group Health Insurance Plans
Cost Savings Potential – Employers keep surplus funds if claims are lower than expected
Full Plan Control – Design benefits, networks, and deductibles to meet workforce needs
Transparency – Direct access to claims data helps identify cost drivers
Flexibility – Coverage can be adapted as business and employee needs evolve
What to Consider When Choosing a Self-Funded Group Health Insurance Plan
Financial Risk – Employers must cover claims, which can be unpredictable
Administrative Complexity – Requires more oversight, usually managed through a TPA
Regulatory Compliance – Governed by ERISA and federal rules, requiring proper filings
Cash Flow Demands – Employers need the financial capacity to pay claims as they occur