For many Indiana small businesses, health insurance feels like a moving target. Prices go up, carriers change, and the rules seem to shift every year. It’s no wonder so many employers end up signing renewals without asking questions. They assume higher costs and fewer choices are just “how it works.”
But that’s no longer true. The Indiana market has changed, and with it come both new opportunities and new risks. Below are examples of what Indiana employers get wrong about health plans, and what you can do to make smarter decisions this renewal season.
1. There is nothing you can do about increasing rates.
It’s easy to assume double-digit increases are inevitable, especially if you’ve been seeing them for years. But what Indiana employers get wrong about health plans is thinking those increases are unavoidable. Renewal hikes often reflect outdated plan structures, carrier consolidations, or lack of competition in your current setup.
Before accepting another increase, compare your renewal against other products on the market. Chamber Care and certain level-funded plans, for example, may offer similar coverage at lower costs. A side-by-side review can help you see whether your current plan still fits, or if you’re simply paying more out of habit.
2. Level-funded plans always save money.
Level-funded plans are marketed as a smart way for small businesses to save, and in some cases, they can be. But they’re not risk-free.
These plans behave more like self-funding behind the scenes, meaning your costs can swing based on how your group’s claims perform. The first year might bring savings—but if claims rise, your renewal could spike just as dramatically as an ACA plan’s. Without transparency, employers can get caught off guard by how unpredictable these plans become over time.
Before committing to a level-funded plan, be sure to speak to an experienced benefits consultant to learn how renewals are calculated and what protections (if any) exist for high claims years.
3. All networks are basically the same.
Indiana’s health plan networks vary more than you may realize. Some offer statewide access to all major hospitals and providers, while others quietly limit where employees can go for care.
A plan that looks competitive on paper can create headaches later if key local hospitals or specialists are out of network. That’s why it’s worth confirming provider access before you sign. Chamber Care, for example, includes every major hospital system in Indiana—an important distinction for employers who want predictable access for their teams.
4. National carriers automatically mean better service.
Large carriers bring name recognition, but they don’t always bring the ability to help on a local level. When you call for help, you might get routed through a national service center that knows little about Indiana’s provider landscape or regulations.
Local partners, on the other hand, often offer faster service and deeper relationships with the state’s medical networks. SIHO, for instance, has decades of experience managing Indiana-based plans and works closely with the Chamber Care program to ensure employers get responsive, knowledgeable support.
5. It’s easier just to renew instead of exploring different options.
This mindset might be the clearest example of what Indiana employers get wrong about health plans. Too many employers accept renewal increases without exploring alternatives simply because the process feels overwhelming.
But reviewing your renewal side by side with other options doesn’t take long, and it can reveal opportunities to reduce costs or improve coverage. Even if your current plan ends up being the best fit, you’ll know you made the choice with confidence and not guesswork.
The Indiana small-group market is evolving fast. New partnerships and products have made it easier than ever for small employers to find the right balance between cost, coverage, and stability.
If your renewal just landed on your desk, take a moment before you sign. A clear comparison of ACA, level-funded, and Chamber Care plans can help you make a decision that serves both your business and your employees without the surprises that too often come later.
Please let us know if you have any questions. We understand that local companies have unique needs that most national firms don’t consider or struggle to identify. This leaves your people with a less effective, one-size-fits-all benefits plan. However, our ability to cater to the needs of our clients comes from decades of client partnerships. This perspective allows us to fully address unique needs and generate creative benefits plans.
You shouldn’t have to worry about just being a number, offering a generic plan, or getting the unique support you need. Call us today.
This Benefits Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice.