Helping Municipalities and Schools Take Control of Health Care Costs

At ECCHIC, we take pride in serving all our clients, but when it comes to public organizations—municipalities and school districts—the stakes feel even higher. Their “income” isn’t profit-driven; it comes from taxpayer dollars. That means every wasted dollar is a dollar that could have gone toward better roads, schools, and public services.

We visited Iowa and met with a city administrator, her assistant, and the HR director of a large school organization. The city was spending around $500,000 per year on health insurance with Blue Cross, while the school system was paying a staggering $1.5 million to a similar carrier. Their biggest frustration? They felt trapped—held hostage by their insurance provider and its pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), with no real control over their costs.

We showed them how to break free from this stranglehold, eliminate middlemen, and work directly with local pharmacists and medical providers. The realization was eye-opening for them: they didn’t have to play by the insurance companies’ rules.

The Problem with the Traditional Approach

Like many public organizations, their search for savings always started the same way—calling around for premium quotes from various insurers. And the results? Predictable.

?? Some quotes were slightly higher. ?? Some were significantly higher. ?? Benefits were often cut. ?? Additional costs trickled down to employees.

It’s a never-ending cycle. But it doesn’t have to be.

A Better Way: Ownership, Not Just Quotes

Organizations don’t need another agent tossing out premium quotes. They need advocates—experts who expose the hidden costs PBMs and insurers tack onto medical and pharmacy expenses. When I explain that the real comparison isn’t premium vs. premium but actual medical costs vs. prepaid premiums, that’s when the lightbulbs go on.

There’s an old saying: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

Here’s my version: “If you keep fighting rising health care costs with a phone call to just another insurance agent, maybe it’s time to call ECCHIC.”

We’ve helped municipalities save thousands while giving them something even more valuable: peace of mind.

The Accountability Gap

Local governments are accountable to their taxpayers—yet there’s zero accountability when they overpay for insurance. That’s where ECCHIC steps in. We help municipalities own their health plan instead of renting it from an insurer. That means real control over costs, real savings, and a plan that works for their employees.

If you’re involved in city or county government, instead of calling for another quote, call ECCHIC. Because if you just want a price, go to Shakespeare.

If you want a solution, call us.

The Ecchic Group | 314-997-8865