Anchorpoint Insurance Group

High-Cost Medical Claims Surge in Employer Health Plans, Driven by Cancer and Heart Disease

A new report by Tokio Marine HCC – A&H Group reveals a dramatic increase in the size and frequency of medical stop loss claims among U.S. employer-sponsored health plans, highlighting the growing difficulty in maintaining affordable healthcare benefits amid rising claim costs.

Since 2014—when the Affordable Care Act removed caps on health benefit payments—stop loss claims exceeding $2 million have surged by 1,251%, once considered rare but now increasingly common. Over the past year alone, the frequency of large claims has jumped significantly across all major thresholds: claims above $200,000 rose 46%, above $500,000 by 75%, above $1 million by 112%, and those over $2 million by 247%.

The report identifies cancer (neoplasms) and cardiovascular conditions as the top cost drivers, together accounting for over 48% of stop loss claim costs in 2024, up from 44% in 2021. Musculoskeletal and digestive diseases also remained prominent. Emerging contributors to high-cost claims include nervous system, endocrine, metabolic, and infectious diseases, pointing to a broader and more complex risk landscape.

Jay Ritchie, president and CEO of Tokio Marine HCC – A&H Group, attributes the surge in claims to hospitals adjusting post-COVID and an industry shift driven by rising treatment costs and evolving AI technologies. The stop loss market is responding with stricter policy terms and increased premiums.

Similar trends are echoed by QBE and Sun Life, with both insurers reporting spikes in high-dollar claims—particularly from cancer treatments and cardiovascular conditions—indicating a continued hardening of the stop loss insurance market.

Reach out to us today to receive more information regarding group plan quotes and to compare coverage options that keep you competitive in the marketplace.

As employers, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees. To avoid costly insurance claims, fines and penalties from OSHA, it's important to be aware of the top 10 most frequently cited violations and take proactive steps to prevent them. Here are some key points to consider:

· Fall Protection: Provide fall protection equipment and training to employees working at heights above six feet.
· Hazard Communication: Have a written hazard communication program that includes labels, safety data sheets, and employee training to communicate the dangers of hazardous materials to employees.
· Respiratory Protection: Provide appropriate respiratory protection equipment and training to employees who are exposed to harmful airborne contaminants.
· Scaffolding: Ensure scaffolding is properly constructed, inspected, and maintained to prevent falls and other injuries.
· Ladders: Ensure ladders are in good condition, properly positioned, and used according to manufacturer instructions to prevent falls and other injuries.
· Lockout/Tagout: Have a written lockout/tagout program and ensure employees are properly trained on how to use it to isolate hazardous energy sources during maintenance or repair work.
· Powered Industrial Trucks: Ensure employees are properly trained and certified to operate powered industrial trucks such as forklifts.
· Fall Protection Training Requirements: Train employees on fall hazards, how to use fall protection equipment, and how to properly inspect and maintain equipment when working at heights.
· Machine Guarding: Properly guard machinery that can cause serious injuries or amputations and ensure employees are trained on how to use it safely.
· Eye and Face Protection: Provide appropriate eye and face protection and ensure employees are properly trained on how to use it when exposed to hazards that can cause eye or face injuries.

By staying up-to-date on OSHA regulations, providing proper training, and ensuring a safe work environment, we can protect our employees and avoid costly violations. Let's prioritize safety in the workplace and work towards creating a healthier and safer environment for everyone.



Link to OSHA:

Law and Regulations | Occupational Safety and Health Administration Law and Regulations Beryllium The latest information on the new beryllium standard to prevent chronic disease and lung cancer in workers. Walking-Working Surfaces Read the recently updated Frequently Asked Questions on the 2016 final rule. Previous Next OSHA's mission is to ensure that employees wor...

Anchorpoint has expanded services to our trucking division.

Attention all builders and construction professionals! Are you currently working on a construction project? If so, have you considered protecting your investment with builders risk insurance coverage?

Builders risk insurance is specifically designed to protect construction projects from potential losses during the course of construction. It covers a wide range of risks, including damage from fire, wind, theft, and vandalism. Additionally, it can cover losses resulting from faulty design, materials, or workmanship.

Having builders risk insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection during the construction process. It can also help you stay on schedule and on budget by providing the funds needed to repair or replace damaged property.

If you're interested in learning more about builders risk insurance and how it can benefit your construction project, feel free to reach out to Anchorpoint Insurance (210-640-7050). As a provider of builders risk insurance, we can answer any questions you may have and help you find the right coverage for your commercial and residential needs.

Don't let unexpected losses derail your construction project. Invest in builders risk insurance coverage today and protect your investment from start to finish!

International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 17 — 19, 2022. The 72 hour event is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks or buses inspected, on average, every minute across North America.

KeepTruckin Rebrands to Motive Technologies

KeepTruckin Inc. has officially rebranded to Motive Technologies Inc. as of April 12. According to a release, the new name reflects the customers it serves, the products it builds, and the mission of the company. With its rebrand, Motive has launched the Automated Operations Platform, a combination of IoT hardware and AI-powered applications that connect and automate physical operations.

Anchorpoint has partnered with Motive to provide our customers with an economical ELD alternative that improves the safety, productivity, and profitability for trucking operations.

Call 210-640-7050 to learn how you can receive an automatic 5% discount on your truck insurance and 5% discount on your new Motive ELD account.

Attention Truckers: Mobile carriers are sunsetting 3G soon. Will your Electric Logging Devise (ELD) be affected? If you are unsure if your ELD relies on a 3G network, contact your ELD provider.

Anchorpoint Insurance Services on LinkedIn: Will your ELD be affected by the 3G sunset in 2022? If your ELD relies on a 3G network, ask your ELD provider about their plan for upgrading or replacing your device to one that will be supported after the...

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Anchorpoint Holiday Hours Season Greetings Season Greetings! As another year comes to a close, we continue to feel profound gratitude for our valued clients and partners like you. We thank you for your continued support and we

Heads up!

International Roadcheck will take place May 4-6. Over that 72-hour period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout North America will conduct inspections on commercial motor vehicles and drivers.

International Roadcheck - CVSA – Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

Focus = HOURS OF SERVICE AND LIGHTING

Please pass along to your team.

Visit https://www.cvsa.org/programs/international-roadcheck/focus-area/ for details. 210-640-7050