Stop loss state of the market, navigating a hard market

Our experts will break down what’s happening in stop loss and how plan sponsors can prepare for the hard market.

In this session, Marsh McLennan Agency experts deliver a clear-eyed overview of the state of the stop loss market: what's fueling the hard market, how carrier underwriting and contract terms are shifting, and why "wait and see" has become the riskiest strategy of all. You'll leave with a practical read on what to expect at renewal, understand what conditions are driving concerns and strategies you can consider to combat market conditions and manage high-cost claimants.

Whether you're new to self-funding or a seasoned benefits leader, you'll gain the context and the next steps to navigate this market with confidence.

Learning objectives:

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to…

1. Explain what's driving the hard stop loss market — including medical trend, accelerating claims severity, artificially suppressed prior-year rates, reinsurer exits and tightening capacity, and contract concessions— and why carriers expect these conditions to persist beyond a single cycle. 

2. Anticipate what to expect at renewal so you can plan now, the increased use of lasers, how carriers are using AI to assess risk and what all means for your renewal.

3. Apply specific strategies to contain cost and reduce exposure — including assessing your risk, understanding the importance of contract terms and carrier selection, consider your deductibles, proposed lasers and reducing risks.