Smarter Benefits, Better Control: Self Funding Simplified

In this kickoff episode of Real Talk: Employee Benefits and Beyond, Jeff Turner sits down with Senior Partner Jonathan Johnson for an honest, practical conversation about the rising cost of healthcare and what employers can do to regain control.With double-digit premium increases becoming the norm, and some employers seeing renewals as high as 40%, 80%, and even at 89%, Jeff and Jonathan break down why costs are skyrocketing and how a strategic approach to self-funding can change the long-term financial trajectory of an employee benefits program.In 30 minutes, you'll hear:What's really driving today's massive premium increasesWhy pharmacy spend is one of the biggest cost acceleratorsA real case where a $300,000 medication was reduced to under $7,000Which organizations are a good fit for self-funding, and which may not be; andHow a proactive, multi-year benefits strategy beats reactive renewals every timeThe guys also share real employer stories, including one client who went from running at a deficit to accumulating a surplus - even considering employee rebates - simply by using the right data and guidance.Copyright © 2026 The information contained herein should be understood to be general insurance brokerage information only and does not constitute advice for any particular situation or fact pattern and cannot be relied upon as such. Statements concerning financial, regulatory or legal matters are based on general observations as an insurance broker and may not be relied upon as financial, regulatory or legal advice. This Podcast is owned by Alera Group, Inc., and its contents may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Alera Group, Inc. March 2026.