The Process
HOW IT WORKS
Self-funding sounds complex. We’ve engineered it into a clear, three-phase climb — from plan design to transparent claims management — with predictable costs at every step.
Your Ascent
FIVE STEPS TO BETTER BENEFITS
Every employer group follows the same proven path. Here’s exactly what happens at each level.
Understand Your Group
We analyze your workforce demographics, current claims history, utilization patterns, and budget. This data shapes every decision that follows — no guesswork, no generic templates.
Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks
Architect Your Benefits
We design a plan structure tailored to your group — selecting the right funding tier, benefit levels, network, and stop-loss parameters. You approve every decision before we move forward.
Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks
Build & Launch
We handle carrier placement, stop-loss binding, ID card issuance, and member enrollment. Your employees get a seamless onboarding experience with zero disruption.
Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks
We Handle the Rest
Ascend processes every claim with 99.2% accuracy. Members get a seamless experience. You get real-time reporting, transparent data, and a dedicated account team.
Ongoing — 24/7 claims portal
Ascend Year Over Year
At renewal, we review your claims data, identify cost drivers, and re-architect the plan for the next year. Surplus funds from the pool are returned to participating employers.
Annual review cycle
Funding Structure
ONE FUNDING STRUCTURE
A single, unified approach that combines the best of every model — predictable costs, stop-loss protection, and year-end surplus refunds.
Ascend Self-Funded Risk Pool
Predictable. Protected. Transparent.
Ascend’s self-funded risk pool blends level-funded predictability, broad PPO network access, and built-in stop-loss protection into one streamlined structure. You get fixed monthly contributions, catastrophic claim coverage, and full claims transparency — without choosing between three separate products.
- Fixed monthly contributions — no surprise premium spikes
- Specific & aggregate stop-loss protection included
- Broad PPO network access for members
- Year-end surplus refund when claims run below projection
- Real-time claims reporting and employer dashboard
- Dedicated account team from day one
- Works for employer groups of 25–5,000+ employees
- Co-op programs available for groups of 1–25 enrolled
Common Questions
WHAT EMPLOYERS ASK
Still have questions? Our team is ready to walk you through every detail.
How is self-funding different from fully-insured?
With fully-insured plans, you pay a fixed premium to an insurance carrier who keeps any surplus. With self-funding through Ascend, you pay actual claims costs plus administration — and any surplus stays with your group.
What happens if claims exceed our projections?
Stop-loss insurance protects you at both the individual member level (specific stop-loss) and the group level (aggregate stop-loss). Your financial exposure is capped regardless of claim volume.
How long does it take to get started?
Most groups complete the needs assessment and plan design phases in 2–4 weeks. Implementation and enrollment typically take another 2–4 weeks, so plan for a 4–8 week total timeline from first conversation to effective date.
What size employer groups do you work with?
We work with employer groups from 25 to 5,000+ employees. For smaller groups of 1–25 enrolled, we offer co-op programs that provide the same self-funded advantages through a shared pool structure.
Do employees notice a difference?
In most cases, no. Members receive the same ID cards, network access, and claims experience they’re used to. The difference is behind the scenes — in how the plan is funded and administered.
READY TO START YOUR CLIMB?
Talk to our team about which funding structure fits your group. No obligation, no pressure — just clarity.