How to control rising group health costs for a 50+ employee company

5 min read

For a company with 50 or more employees, group health is one of your largest line items — and rising premiums are a real pressure every year. The good news is that at this size, you have more control than smaller groups do. Here are the levers worth understanding before your next renewal.

Reconsider how your plan is funded

At 50+ employees, you're often a strong candidate for level-funded or even self-funded arrangements. These can reward a healthy workforce with lower net costs and give you detailed reporting on where your dollars go. For many mid-size employers, revisiting funding is the single biggest cost lever available.

Use your data

Larger groups can usually get reporting on how the plan is being used. That insight lets you make informed decisions — adjusting plan design, contributions, or wellness efforts based on what's actually happening, instead of guessing. Data turns your renewal from a surprise into a plan.

Right-size plan design and contributions

Offering a smart range of plan options — and setting your contribution strategy thoughtfully — lets employees choose what fits them while keeping company costs sustainable. Sometimes adding a leaner option alongside a richer one gives employees choice and relieves cost pressure.

Support employee health

Healthier employees mean lower claims over time, which matters even more on a level-funded or self-funded plan. Modest wellness efforts, the right emphasis on preventive care, and good communication can pay off — especially across a larger group, where small improvements add up.

Shop the market — and don't auto-renew

The costliest habit is accepting the renewal that lands on your desk without comparison. At your size, an independent broker can take your plan to multiple carriers and funding options every year and pressure-test whether you're still getting the best value. Auto-renewing is rarely the cheapest path.

Controlling group health costs at 50+ employees is less about one magic fix and more about pulling several levers consistently. We help mid-size employers do exactly that — comparing funding, reading the data, and shopping the market every year. We're glad to take a look at your plan, in English or Spanish.