Search Results

After facing rising healthcare costs year after year, a large HVAC/R supplies distributor leveraged their partnership with SISCO, our in-house claims management TPA, to implement a strategic solution that would significantly reduce their healthcare spending without compromising employee benefits. The company already had a spousal carveout policy in place to manage costs, but suspected there might be room for improvement. Rather than implementing more restrictive policies or shifting costs to employees, they worked with their trusted claims management partner, SISCO, to conduct a comprehensive spousal eligibility audit - a decision that would prove to be tremendously valuable. Through this straightforward audit process, which required minimal involvement from the company's HR department, SISCO utilized their deep understanding of the company's benefits structure and claims history to identify substantial opportunities for cost reduction while ensuring compliance with existing policies. Our Results For employers looking to manage healthcare costs effectively, eligibility audits represent a powerful tool that can deliver immediate results without creating additional administrative burden. Ready to uncover potential savings in your healthcare plan? Contact our Employee Benefits Consultants to learn how our team can help you implement an eligibility audit for your organization.

In today's fast-paced business environment, creating meaningful workplace relationships is more crucial than ever for employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational success. Yet many leaders struggle to move beyond surface-level interactions. In this engaging session, relationship expert Rob Lawless shares his innovative FRIEND Framework - a simple but powerful approach to building authentic connections in the workplace. Following the tremendous response from our recent seminar series on intentional excellence, we're excited to share this practical tool that transforms how you connect with colleagues, employees, and clients. You'll discover: A structured approach to understanding the whole person beyond their job title Questions that spark meaningful conversations and build trust naturally How to move past awkward small talk to create genuine connections Ways to align professional relationships with personal aspirations and values Watch below to master the conversation framework that's helping leaders build stronger, more engaged teams.

Discover how our innovative pharmacy benefits strategy helped this leading truck dealership achieve dramatic cost savings while improving employee coverage. Key Results The Challenge Rihm Kenworth, the second oldest Kenworth dealership in the country with a 75+ year history, is a well-known entity in Minnesota and across the transportation industry. With approximately 280 employees, Rihm Kenworth partnered with Cottingham & Butler to optimize their benefits strategy and control rising costs. Why They Need Change Benefit costs spiraling upward year after year Specialty drug claims creating unsustainable cost surge Previous provider's rigid plan design limiting options Growth plans hindered by reactive benefits approach The Cottingham & Butler Approach In-Depth Analysis & Strategy Development Utilized our exclusive Pharmacy Toolkit to collect and analyze claims data Pinpointed cost drivers with proprietary Guided Pharmacy Solutions (GPS) process Benchmarked against industry standards to secure competitive edge Strategic Pharmacy Management Developed a tailored strategy, recommending the optimal combination of ControlRX and NaviCareRx programs Aggressive program management cut pharmacy costs by 71%,  reducing per-member per-month (PMPM) spend from $165 to $48 Projected YTD annual savings of ~$500,000 Enhanced Clinical Oversight Applied advanced drug management strategy, reducing specialty drug costs while protecting member access  Maximized patient assistance programs to lower costs for both employer and members  Delivered successful clinical oversight with minimal disruption to member care Network Optimization Maximized carrier relationships to transform regional coverage into nationwide access  Expanded access to care for employees, doubling provider options without increasing costs  Improved employee satisfaction through broader provider choice and improved coverage for out-of-state care "Our collaboration with Cottingham & Butler has been transformative. Not only did we achieve substantial cost savings— nearly half a million dollars in just six months—but we've also significantly improved our employee benefits package. " - Rihm Kenworth Ready to revolutionize your HR processes? Contact us today to begin your journey!

Discover how this employer turned a cost crisis into an opportunity - adding benefits while reducing employee premiums from an innovative market solution. Key Results The Challenge Stonehill, a Dubuque-based care facility, faced a benefits crisis that many employers will recognize. Their well-intentioned "rich" health plan had become a financial liability. With costs soaring $5,000 per member above benchmarks and only half of the employees participating, Stonehill stared down a staggering 26% renewal increase. They needed a solution that could cut costs without sacrificing quality care for their staff. Why They Need Change Projected 26% renewal increase Consistent annual double-digit premium hikes A first dollar HRA plan driving higher-than-average utilization Per-member-per-year costs $5,000 above industry benchmarks Lower participation rates coupled with above-average consumption The Cottingham & Butler Approach Strategic Cost Analysis  Rather than just seeking lower rates, we analyze total program value and market opportunities to identify solutions that work for both employer and employees. Evaluated current plan performance against industry benchmarks Analyzed employee utilization and participation trends Identified opportunities to enhance value while reducing costs Innovative Market Solution  Our deep understanding of individual market dynamics allows us to develop creative funding approaches that maximize value across diverse employee populations. Reduced employee premiums by 70% Achieved 80% adoption of Gold-level plans Delivered 7% savings to employer's budget Strategic Reinvestment Planning By aligning cost savings with workforce needs, we create opportunities to strengthen recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction through strategic benefit enhancements. Implemented new company-paid short-term disability program Added telehealth services across workforce Increased overall plan participation while reducing costs What is ICHRA? An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) allows employers to reimburse employees tax-free for individual health insurance and qualified medical expenses. It offers flexibility, potential cost savings, and increased choice in health coverage for both employers and employees.   Ideal For Organizations With: Low health plan participation Unpredictable renewals Diverse workforce needs Multiple locations Senior care, retail, or hospitality focus Desire for cost stability Ready to revolutionize your HR processes? Contact us today to begin your journey!

When traditional healthcare benefits threatened both employee access and company financials, a strategic pivot to ICHRA revolutionized this employer’s approach to benefits. Key Results The Challenge A large, multi-location senior living employer with a diverse workforce faced an impending benefits crisis that threatened their operational stability. Despite these pressing issues, their former broker seemed out of answers. The reference-based pricing model they'd implemented was causing more problems than it solved, leaving the client in dire need of a solution that would provide the care their employees needed without dramatically increasing costs to the already tight margin of the business. Why They Need Change A projected 40% increase in costs if they left their current referenced based pricing arrangement Low health plan enrollment created a high-risk, high-cost pool Employees faced unexpected balance billing and access issues at healthcare providers The small HR team struggled to manage an increasingly complex benefits landscape across multiple locations The Cottingham & Butler Approach Comprehensive Discovery & Analysis Our approach begins with deep financial and workforce analysis to understand the unique challenges of each organization. For this employer, we examined their healthcare landscape across  22 locations, considering their diverse workforce and varying healthcare needs. Uncovered significant cost variations across employee populations  Identified healthcare access challenges impacting employee satisfaction  Assessed market conditions creating opportunity for strategic change   Strategic ICHRA Design We believe in developing solutions that create both immediate impact and long-term stability. Our team leveraged Wisconsin's strong individual market to design a program maximizing value for both the organization and its employees. Created flexible reimbursement structure across 22 locations Expanded from 1 plan design to 93 employee plan options Structured program for predictable long-term renewals   Accelerated Implementation & Support Our implementation strategy prioritizes clear communication and comprehensive support to ensure successful transitions. We developed a focused rollout plan that simplified this complex change for employees. Completed full implementation within 60 days Provided on-site education at key locations Delivered one-on-one enrollment support for all participants What is ICHRA? An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) allows employers to reimburse employees tax-free for individual health insurance and qualified medical expenses. It offers flexibility, potential cost savings, and increased choice in health coverage for both employers and employees.   Ideal For Organizations With: Low health plan participation Unpredictable renewals Diverse workforce needs Multiple locations Senior care, retail, or hospitality focus Desire for cost stability Unpredictably high renewal (20%+) Large ongoing claimants that cannot be controlled Ready to revolutionize your HR processes? Contact us today to begin your journey!

Discover how this family-owned manufacturing company transformed their employee benefits strategy with innovative solutions from Cottingham & Butler. Key Results The Challenge As a family-owned manufacturing company with deep Midwest roots, this client exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. As their company grew from a small operation to a thriving enterprise with over 200 employees, so did the complexity of their employee benefits needs.   Facing mounting cost pressures and a desire for more sophisticated benefits solutions, the client turned to Cottingham & Butler for a dramatic turnaround in their benefits strategy. Why They Need Change Escalating benefits costs had doubled in just four years Complex web of multiple vendors creating administrative burden Growth opportunities hindered by reactive benefits approach Need for sophisticated risk management beyond traditional solutions Local service limitations holding back strategic initiatives The Cottingham & Butler Approach Strategic Risk Management Our alternative risk expertise opens new possibilities for organizations ready to take control of their healthcare costs. For this employer, we leveraged our member-owned group stop-loss captive to transform their benefits strategy, creating both immediate savings and long-term stability. Reduced fixed costs by 30% through GuideRe captive implementation Delivered $113,000 in medical benefits savings within first six months Created opportunity for premium returns in favorable years Established predictable long-term cost structure with enhanced protection   Benefits Consolidation & Enhancement By consolidating multiple vendor relationships into a comprehensive package, we created a streamlined program that improved coverage while reducing costs across all benefit lines. Consolidated multiple carriers into single comprehensive solution Generated $44,000 in immediate non-medical benefits savings Implemented three-year rate guarantees across all lines Enhanced coverage with higher guaranteed issue limits and income protections Delivered average $250 annual savings per employee on voluntary benefits   Technology & Administrative Solutions Our dedicated technical expertise transformed complex benefits administration into a strategic advantage. For this client, our specialized tech team created a streamlined, user-friendly system supported by clear employee communications. Secured technology credits to offset HRIS system costs Deployed expert tech support for HRIS system optimization Created single administrative interface for all benefits Developed custom benefits guides and communication materials Increased employee engagement through simplified enrollment process "Cottingham & Butler delivered concrete results from day one. Their approach combines innovative solutions with a deep understanding of our business needs." Ready to revolutionize your HR processes? Contact us today to begin your journey!

Written by John McMahon, Vice President, Transportation Group Trucking company owners in the Chicago area face a number of challenges that impact their businesses, with multiple risk factors threatening operational stability and profitability.   Here's an in-depth analysis of the five most significant risks affecting local trucking operations. 1. Economic and Financial Pressures Chicago's trucking sector continues to experience a prolonged freight recession that first took hold in 2022. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, local operators are continuing to face a decrease in freight volumes falling below 2023 benchmarks while operating expenses continue to climb. Adding to these pressures, the average cost per mile has now increased from $2.251 in 2022 to $2.270 in 2023 . This combination of reduced demand and escalating costs has left many local trucking companies navigating increasingly narrow profit margins. 2. Increasing Total Cost of Risk The total cost of risk has become increasingly challenging for Chicago trucking companies. Insurance markets are experiencing significant strain due to: Escalating economic pressures Increased frequency of catastrophic weather events Rising litigation costs All 3 of these risks have led to further increased insurance rates. In response, carriers are exploring alternative risk insurance solutions to keep costs down, including higher deductibles and taking on more risk than in previous years. This shift in risk retention strategy could have long-term implications for company stability and profitability. 3. Regulatory Complexity and Legal Challenges The legal landscape has become increasingly challenging for trucking operations, characterized by: Expanded use of litigation funding Increased personal injury advertising Implementation of the Reptile Theory in courtroom proceedings, leading to lawsuit abuse that is plaguing the industry New state-level employment status tests, putting independent contractor status in jeopardy These factors have created a complex regulatory environment that requires additional resources to navigate effectively. 4. Industry Fraud and Cargo Theft Security challenges have intensified significantly in 2024: Fraudulent activities, including identity theft and double brokering, have increased by over 30% in Q1 2024 According to the FBI, annual cargo theft losses range between $15 million and $30 million These security breaches not only result in direct financial losses but also lead to increased insurance premiums and operational costs 5. Rising Operating Costs Operational expenses continue to increase, with several key factors contributing to the increase: The cost and availability of parts is leading to extended vehicle downtime and increased insurance costs Interest rates have risen making it more expensive and more difficult to get financing and help from banks. Conclusion Chicago trucking companies face a complex risk landscape that requires careful navigation and strategic planning. At Cottingham & Butler, we understand that each trucking company faces unique challenges. Our personalized approach ensures that you receive tailored solutions to address your specific risk profile. By partnering with us, you can effectively address these five key risk areas while maintaining operational efficiency and be well positioned to combat the current industry challenges.   Contact Cottingham & Butler today  to learn how we can help your trucking company navigate these risks and drive towards a secure and prosperous future.

If you're a business owner, HR professional, or CFO, you understand the complexity of today's workforce demands. From rising compensation expectations to evolving benefit needs, creating an effective total rewards strategy has never been more challenging - or more crucial for your success. In this session, we'll show you practical ways to enhance your total rewards program without breaking your budget. We'll cut through the complexity and share what's really working in today's competitive market. You'll learn about: The latest trends shaping employee expectations Methods to maximize your benefits offerings How to get to the root of what today's employees truly value   Ready to transform your total rewards program? Watch now!

In today's challenging economic climate, HR leaders face a critical balancing act: managing rising healthcare costs while maintaining competitive benefits that keep employees happy and engaged. If you're struggling with this dilemma, you're not alone. In this session, we share 10 proven strategies that can help you reduce healthcare expenses without driving away your top talent. Following overwhelming feedback on this topic from this year's seminar series, we're excited to share this practical framework that puts both your budget and your employees' wellbeing first. You'll discover innovative approaches like: Smart risk transfer strategies that can significantly reduce your healthcare burden Creative ways to improve employee health outcomes Methods to optimize healthcare utilization without compromising care quality Practical cost-sharing solutions that work for everyone   Watch below to unlock the ten strategies that could transform your benefits program.

In the ever-evolving world of transportation insurance, staying current with regulatory requirements is crucial for both brokers and their clients. While this regulatory requirement might not be a daily consideration for most transportation companies, its importance cannot be understated. As our transportation practice continues to grow, we're seeing an uptick in questions about MCS-90 endorsements and their applicability to various operations. See below for key takeaways from a recent training with our trucking safety expert at SMSC: Accessibility of information: There is a straightforward online portal where you can search by company name or DOT number to determine filing requirements – a process that takes seconds. To look up motor carrier number, click here: SAFER Web - Company Snapshot To check if a filing has been made: Licensing & Insurance Carrier Search Practical Application: Understanding when and how MCS-90 applies to different operations isn't just about compliance – it's about protecting your business. Our team is equipped to help clients navigate these requirements efficiently.   At Cottingham & Butler, we believe in making complex regulatory requirements more digestible for our clients. Whether you're dealing with MCS-90 endorsements or other transportation insurance needs, our team of specialists is here to help guide you through the process. Our team has access to detailed reference guides and expert resources to help answer your specific questions about MCS-90 requirements. We understand that while these requirements might not affect every operation, having the right information when you need it is crucial. Contact your Cottingham & Butler representative today to discuss your specific needs and ensure your operation is properly protected.

Undergoing compliance investigation is a source of apprehension for any motor carrier. The implementation of changes and safety measures has made an FMCSA compliance review investigation visits particularly daunting for trucking operations. Please join us as we delve into the intricacies of the FMCSA review process and present best practices for preparedness and compliance to ensure a successful investigation.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Why Motor Carriers are selected for a compliance investigation? Understanding the various types of compliance investigations, such as roadside inspections, compliance reviews, and focused investigations. Explore the seven "BASIC" Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, including unsafe driving, hours-of-service compliance, and vehicle maintenance.  Stay informed about upcoming changes with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, including regulations and reporting requirements.  Gain insight into the investigation process, including how violations are identified, documented, and addressed. Click here to download the presentation.

In the world of personal insurance, finding the right balance between comprehensive coverage and affordable premiums can be challenging. We recently had the opportunity to help a family overcome this exact dilemma. Our team worked diligently to restructure their insurance portfolio, resulting in increased protection and decreased overall costs.   The Situation Our clients, a family with significant assets, found themselves in a precarious position. Their existing insurance coverage was inadequate, particularly in terms of liability protection. Their coverage limits didn't align with their net worth, leaving them exposed to potential financial risks.   Our Approach After a thorough assessment of the family's situation, we identified several key areas for improvement: Liability Coverage : We recognized the need for a substantial increase in liability protection. Home Insurance : The existing home insurance policy required significant adjustments. Auto Insurance : We saw an opportunity to optimize the auto insurance strategy. Emerging Risks : In today's digital age, we identified a gap in protection against cyber threats.   The Results Our team implemented a comprehensive strategy that addressed all the family's insurance needs: Added Umbrella Policy : We introduced a robust umbrella policy providing $10,000,000 in personal liability coverage. This policy also included $2,000,000 of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, offering an extra layer of protection. Increased Home Insurance : We boosted the home insurance coverage by 150%. The new policy includes guaranteed, unlimited rebuild coverage, ensuring the family's home is fully protected regardless of future construction costs. Restructured Deductibles : We realigned the deductible strategy for both home and auto insurance to better match the family's risk tolerance. This adjustment played a crucial role in optimizing their overall insurance costs. Personal Cyber Crime Coverage : Recognizing the growing threat of cyber-crimes, we added coverage up to $100,000 to protect against digital risks.   The Outcome: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs By strategically increasing the family's risk assumption at lower levels, we were able to significantly enhance their protection against catastrophic losses. The restructured portfolio now offers superior coverage across all areas, particularly for high-impact events that posed the greatest financial risk.   The most remarkable aspect of this case? We achieved all of these improvements while simultaneously lowering the family's overall insurance costs.   Our commitment at Cottingham & Butler to providing tailored, comprehensive insurance solutions that protect our clients' assets and peace of mind, all while optimizing their insurance spend.