sbg_ben, the more you learn about the self-funding model, the more you will understand about the budgeting, how to recommend the group fund their plan, what to expect, what not to expect, and finally, that it is not a short-term strategy. All self-funding and level-funding models are 3-5 year strategies. Unless the plan blows up over multiple years and causes rates to go beyond fully insured, the group will come out ahead.
No one can say that self-funding is 100% effective unless they can pre-determine who will be sick and terminate them before that occurs; and we all know that is not going to happen. Oracles are hard to find and seers are inconsistent. Thus the reason to learn as much as possible, understand any group could benefit from it (remember, underwriting may eliminate this option), and grab your successes as they come. The size cases you are looking at at ideal for the self-funding/level-funding approach. I would suggest either partnering with someone or getting the representative from either the TPA or carrier go with you to present your first few times.
Best of luck and please let me/us know how things progress. One final note, if you do a truly self-funded approach, make certain the TPA is using a fully transparent PBM (pharmacy benefit manager).
Little tougher in your state, but there is plenty of opportunity for self funding in Alabama without the blues. Have written 2 groups in since January. Good luck
