By: Katelyn Bush
It's That Time of Year Again...
With the January 1 sales cycle now in full effect, employer groups of all sizes are reassessing their employee benefits offerings. As healthcare premiums continue to climb , more and more businesses are moving away from traditional insurance and turning towards self-funding. This alternative model allows for greater customization of health plans and also helps businesses manage costs more efficiently— creating a potential win-win for both employers and employees, right?
Not quite.
While self-funded plans offer greater flexibility, they also come with unique challenges. One of the biggest hurdles, according to Vince Lewis, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at UME (Underwriting Management Experts), is finding a reliable stop-loss provider. “You have to work with the right provider of stop loss. There is a common misconception that if you work with one stop loss provider you work with them all, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.. Not working with the right provider can ultimately cost the employer money and the EB [Employee Benefits] producer lost business.”
So, how can you tell if a stop-loss provider is the right fit for your business? The key is looking beyond price tags and focusing on other factors such as transparency, flexibility, and overall service. You need more than a provider who offers low costs—you need a trusted partner who’s ready to provide support and guidance as you navigate the ins and outs of self-funding.
Experience The UME Difference
Underwriting Management Experts sets itself apart by being a trusted parter for your business. UME isn’t your average stop-loss provider; it’s the largest independently owned Managing General Underwriter (MGU) in the country. UME’s independence allows its underwriters to make decisions that are truly in the best interest of both the employer and the producer. With UME, there is no more red tape— you’re in control of your benefits, backed by a partner you can trust.
Another thing about UME: They’re experts at customer service. UME's sales and underwriting teams take the time to get to know you and your business inside and out, ensuring that you’re more than just a policy number. With UME, you will have access to a dedicated group of experts that understand your goals and communication styles. With UME, you can count on a collaborative relationship where your needs are prioritized, and every interaction is designed to help you succeed.
But that’s just the beginning of UME’s unmatched advantages. UME doesn’t just provide unbiased, personalized support—they redefine what it means to deliver speed, flexibility, and innovation in stop-loss coverage.
Speed: “Because we have made profitable results for our carriers, our full underwriting authority can make decisions in a matter of minutes, not days,” says Vince Lewis,“This has translated into quoting close to 60% of everything we receive and closing ratios in the double digits.” Put another way, UME is dedicated to supporting members around the clock. This responsiveness is crucial in the stop-loss market, where handling claims timely and accurately can make all the difference.
Flexibility: UME understands that businesses evolve—and so do their needs. That’s why they’re always ready to adapt. Whether you need to make an immediate adjustment or a mid-year change, UME has the tools to make it happen. Added Vince Lewis, “UME offers flexible underwriting terms, inclusive of full underwriting and claims authority on behalf of our carriers so that we can respond quickly and positively to emerging opportunities.”
Innovation: In the stop-loss market, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just about keeping up with the latest trends— it's about offering creative solutions that set you apart. UME excels in this by providing a broad range of services, from traditional and level-funded stop loss to MEC plans, captives, and reinsurance. Their ability to think outside the box ensures that you get solutions that are both effective and innovative, helping you manage benefits in ways others might not even consider.
Looking Ahead: Enrollment Season and Beyond
Let’s be honest: even for experienced employers, navigating self-funding and stop-loss can feel overwhelming. From picking the right providers to adapting to changes in your workforce, you’re juggling dozens (if not hundreds) of decisions each season. But with UME by your side, you can take your first steps toward simplifying the enrollment process and choose the best plan for you and your team. As Vince Lewis says, “When you choose UME, you’re choosing more than a stop-loss provider—you’re choosing a strategic partner for your long-term success."
We are proud to feature Underwriting Management Experts on the Granite List.