Group Health Insurance, Funding Models & Voluntary Benefits | Thrive Benefits Group
Group Business Solutions

Health Insurance &
Voluntary Benefits

Independent guidance on fully insured, level-funded, and self-insured medical plans, plus voluntary benefits that sit beside them.

Medical Funding Models

Major medical is the baseline plan employees use. Funding models are based around the risk pool. Fully insured, level-funded, and self-insured are your options. We match the pool to the group, not the other way around.

  1. The Community Pool: Carrier holds all risk. Rates stay flat for 12 months, but clean claim years don't earn money back.

    Best for: Groups seeking zero risk exposure and simple administration.

  2. The Private Pool: Predictable monthly budget with a claims corridor. Favorable claims can earn a surplus refund, depending on the contract.

    Best for: Groups with 20+ healthy lives looking to transition away from carrier rate hikes.

  3. Owning the Pool: Employer holds claims risk above a stop-loss threshold. Unlocks unbundled vendors, total data visibility, and maximum savings.

    Best for: Larger groups with strong cash flow prepared to manage health spend as a strategic asset.

Voluntary Benefits That Sit Beside Medical

You don't need to fire your current broker or tear up your existing medical plan to add supplemental benefits and create more savings.

Accident

Cash after a covered accident — ER, follow-up, therapy — without waiting on the medical deductible alone.

Critical Illness

A lump-sum on a covered diagnosis so employees have cash for time off, travel, or uncovered bills.

Hospital Indemnity

A defined cash amount on a covered hospital admission to help with deductible and time away from work.

Disability

Income protection when an employee cannot work due to injury or illness.

Life

Beneficiary protection through term or permanent coverage, placed beside the medical plan.

Dental & Vision

Routine and specialty care major medical typically does not cover well — often a different carrier.

Voluntary Benefits Funded From SIMRP Savings

A Section 125 SIMRP can create employer FICA savings that fund voluntary benefits without a new budget line. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta used that structure to add staff protection alongside $140,499 in combined annual savings.

Book a Benefits Strategy Review

A zero-obligation, 20-minute conversation focused on your specific business goals. Whether you want to explore funding models, compare rates, or layer on voluntary benefits without disrupting your primary plan, we provide objective guidance so you can make informed decisions on your terms.