The health care industry has become merger-happy in recent months, but many employers want no part of it. Neither, for that matter, does MedBen.

According to Modern Healthcare, "several surveys of Fortune 500 companies and other big employers reveal nervousness that the reduced competition among health insurers will mean higher health care costs for them." In one such survey, 95% of respondents viewed the loss of competition as a negative.

In an industry where mergers and buyouts make headlines seemingly every week, MedBen is something of an anomaly — growing and thriving as a benefits management company while remaining independent for nearly 80 years. And we believe it's that very autonomy that has allowed us to thrive, by allowing us to make changes quicker, to try new ideas sooner, and to respond to customer requests faster.

Moreover, because MedBen is a private company and not beholden to a parent or partner, we have the freedom to negotiate provider network discounts with the sole purpose of saving clients money. "We make decisions based on what is best for the customer, not what is best for the stockholders," said MedBen Chairman & CEO Doug Freeman.

Finally, MedBen has prospered in a climate where the Affordable Care Act is essentially rewriting the benefits management playbook on a regular basis. But rather than look for answers from other companies, we've embraced the challenge and responded with new product offerings and additional ways to save clients even more money.

"We have good people, some of whom have been with us for decades," Freeman said. "And they bring a combination of experience and great instincts that enable MedBen to stay proactive at a time when other companies are taking a 'wait-and-see' attitude, or looking for help elsewhere."

In short, to paraphrase a popular 1980's ad campaign, MedBen doesn't buy your business... we earn it. (Bonus memory points if you heard that in your head with John Houseman's voice.)

Learn more about the MedBen Advantage by visiting our website or contacting Vice President of Sales & Marketing Brian Fargus at bfargus@medben.com.