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As benefit costs continue to escalate, many employers are searching for ways to gain more control over their expenses. One solution they may consider is using an alternative funding arrangement for their employee benefits.   Alternative funding arrangements can offer flexibility in plan design and opportunities for long-term cost savings. Unlike…

Gene and cell therapies offer the potential to transform the treatment pathway for patients with some of the most debilitating conditions. However, with costs routinely exceeding $1 million per treatment, these therapies can create a significant financial burden for employers. Spark Therapeutics’ Luxturna, a therapy for vision loss, costs $425,000…

A growing category of complex health conditions is contributing to high-cost claims, alongside established drivers such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.  Musculoskeletal disorders (MSK), conditions that affect muscles, bones, tendons, joints, ligaments, cartilage and spinal discs, have become increasingly common, affecting 127.4 million people in the U.S., research shows.    The…

A private equity-backed manufacturing client needed to explore alternatives to traditional group medical plans after seeing a steep renewal increase for the upcoming plan year. The company, an Oswald client since October 2023, was facing a 45% increase, which would have increased costs by $170,000 annually.   The company, which had…

As business owners and executives approach their health benefits renewal period, there is no escape from the uncertainty in the health insurance market. Several of the largest insurers in the U.S. have withdrawn or reduced their earnings guidance for 2025 after underestimating trends in medical care.   Given the unpredictability in…

It is no secret that the U.S. spends an astonishing amount on medical care. In 2023, the average health spend per person in the U.S. was $13,432, which was $3,700 more than the average spend in other similar countries, according to the KFF-Peterson Health System Tracker.   The problems facing the…

The next big disruptor in health and wellness may not be a new drug, but rather, a smarter version of one.   Biosimilars are reshaping the way we think about cost, access and innovation in medicine. Biosimilars are medications that are highly similar to biologic drugs that have been approved by…

The rising cost of healthcare continues to be a significant burden for employers. On July 30, Oswald hosted a Healthcare and Innovation Summit, which provided a unique opportunity for corporate executives, HR leaders, CFOs and business owners to learn about advancements in the healthcare business that have a direct impact…

Problem A transportation client with more than 100 full-time enrolled employees had been operating within a professional employer organization (PEO) model for several renewal cycles, with its health insurance embedded in that structure. The client was utilizing a broad network but consistently faced challenges finding in-network providers across the state.…

July 2025 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:   With 10 years of experience in the insurance and healthcare industry, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the brightest minds in the field.  Over the years, I’ve met with over 500 different organizations and personally consulted with more than 100 companies, ranging…