You've Heard the Basics. Now Get the Full Picture.
Most conversations about self-funding start in the same place: whether it will save money, how it handles risk, and what a plan might look like. Those are reasonable starting points, but they rarely tell the whole story.
This guide was written to take the conversation further. It covers how self-funded plans actually work, what they require to succeed, and how to think about the decision responsibly so that whatever direction you choose, you're making it with clarity and confidence.
What's Inside
Eight chapters that build on one another, moving from foundational concepts to financial mechanics, timing, and partner selection.
Stop-Loss Insurance | What it actually does, how it's structured, and why the details matter more than the premium.
Financial Mechanics | How money moves through a self-funded plan, including fixed costs, variable claims, reserves, and cash flow.
Plan Design | What it takes to build a plan that works financially, operationally, and for the people who use it.
Timing | How to evaluate whether now is the right time to explore self-funding, and what to do if it isn't.
Claims Data | How to use data as a management tool rather than a source of noise or anxiety.
Pharmacy Strategy | How PBMs work, what an Rx carve-out means, and how employers can approach pharmacy costs more intentionally.
TPA Evaluation | How to assess the partner responsible for running your plan day-to-day.
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Who this guide is for
This guide is for HR leaders, CFOs, and business owners who want a clearer picture of how self-funding works before making a decision or want a better framework for managing a plan they've already moved into.