S.M. Stevens and Associates, LLC

08/06/2026

This might be on the optimistic side but good information leading up to Q4!

Small businesses that offer health insurance to their employees could see health costs rise in 2027, according to our new analysis of preliminary rate filings from all 50 states and DC.

Nearly 300 insurers offering small group coverage reported a median proposed premium increase of 14% for next year. Small group insurers say rising medical prices, including for hospitalizations, physician care, and prescription drugs, and increased utilization are major drivers of the premium increases.

07/14/2026

Dental hygiene is such an important part of maintaining proper health and wellness! Here's some great awareness from a trusted source...

06/24/2026

A top notch PEO can be an ideal solution for certain employers, for a number of reasons! Contact Kayleigh Stevens for a quote!

When a client asks about partnering with a PEO, do you lean in or change the subject? Nate Olsen outlines what a healthy alliance with a dedicated PEO specialist actually looks like: how you stay the lead advisor, avoid pricing pitfalls and deliver deeper HR expertise without losing control of the relationship.

🔗 Read the article: https://ow.ly/TzpU50YR4Sa

06/17/2026

Some interesting findings related to GLP-1 use and activity levels. It's SO important to continue cardiovascular and strength training regiments while lowing weight on GLP-1's

https://www.foxnews.com/health/ozempic-users-may-making-major-weight-loss-mistake-new-study-suggests?fbclid=IwY2xjawSfik1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeJUDR9wtCbckIR-pNltXn5aUY74nBebZQkcOqpZCLcxiJ0FHo3IR3rBcr3Hw_aem_T7Bk2c0R3bxhLE9jMpx60Q

New research finds GLP-1 users significantly reduced physical activity, with daily steps and exercise declining after starting a weight loss medication.

05/19/2026

Something is brewing…

05/13/2026

Some great awareness/advice for larger employers in this article. Let us help you GET and STAY compliant!

Fiduciary compliance is entering a more disciplined era. In 2026, employers are expected to show how benefit decisions are evaluated, documented and monitored — not just that they were made in good faith.

🔗 Read the article: https://ow.ly/O7tB50YR5ak

04/30/2026

After 5 years, settlement payments start going out next month…

A settlement has been reached involving antitrust litigation brought against the 36 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans throughout the county. The litigation involved a class of BCBS subscribers who alleged that BCBS violated antitrust laws when it engaged in what is known as illegal market division...

04/24/2026

From a colleague...

04/21/2026

There are a number of strategies that can be deployed to increase employer based health insurance offerings. Contact us to learn more!

Employer-sponsored health insurance is the largest source of health coverage for people under 65, covering 165.6 million people in March 2025, but its reach is uneven.

About four in five (80%) adult workers under age 65 have an employer that offers health insurance to at least some employees, but that share falls to 60% for lower-paid workers. Learn about these and other trends in employer-based health coverage in our updated analysis: https://on.kff.org/42dv4Si

04/04/2026

Some great advice and information from Property and Casualty insurance guru - Jared Ohl...