"This renewal season feels sharper… There’s less patience for vague promises and more appetite for real transparency, real results, and real alignment."

"This renewal season feels more intentional…the employers who are thriving are the ones asking better questions and willing to deconstruct legacy plan designs."

"Renewal activity is centered around employers taking more control of the purchasing decisions and relying less on networks or carriers."

"Employers are just now starting to wake up (many believe they were already enlightened but they really just gave up) to the fact that they CAN control healthcare costs and SHOULD control healthcare costs."

"Employers are connecting the dots between rising costs and broken contracts — and starting to say the quiet part out loud.

One exec flat-out asked if his broker (a friend!) was getting a kickback. It’s not just about saving money anymore; it’s about who’s really on their side."

"This renewal season feels more intense than ever—with relentless rate increases, shifting regulatory rules, and mounting pressure on both employers and employees to find affordable, sustainable coverage options."

"I'm seeing more focus on cost management. We’re living in uncertain times and employers are nervous about the near-term economic future.

Employers are looking for additional ways to manage costs – focusing on solutions to help employees find higher quality, lower cost providers and efficiently utilize the healthcare system."

"This renewal season feels different because, finally, more employers are beginning to question the status quo. They're not just accepting double-digit increases — they're demanding answers and exploring smarter alternatives. Passing cost onto their members isn’t going to fly any longer.”

"Medicare Supplement carriers are announcing some of the highest rate increases the industry has ever seen. As a result, Medicare beneficiaries are either moving to a Medicare Supplement Plan with fewer benefits, taking on more cost risk themselves, or a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD) that they have been intentionally trying to avoid, in order to reduce their monthly premiums.

The outlook is negative any way that you look at it."

"As costs spiral out of control, decision makers are feeling trapped…Employers are becoming more receptive to new ideas and are turning away from the status quo."

"This renewal season feels different in a good way — there’s more openness to rethinking the structure of medical plans… Employers are asking smarter questions, looking for transparency, and thinking long-term."

"What I’ve noticed becoming more prevalent are tech-driven solutions including virtual care and data analytics."