Collaboration Corner | August 2024
A Message from the President
As I reflect on the remarkable journey we have embarked upon together, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the impact we are making in the industry. Our mission to support and enhance the well-being of thousands of credit union employees and their families has never been more vital. Through our innovative and collaborative health plans, credit unions are saving millions of dollars while providing superior benefits.
It is inspiring to witness the growing number of credit unions joining I-Care. InterLutions is now the largest and fastest growing Employee Benefits CUSO in the country, a testament to our dedication and the trust you place in us. Our unique approach leverages claims data, HR technology, and pooled plans to deliver lower-cost health plans with enhanced coverage and superior plan designs.
With over 10,000 lives insured, our client base ranges from small credit unions with a single employee to large organizations with over 1,000 employees. By harnessing our collective purchasing power and the collaborative spirit of the credit union industry, we provide enhanced benefits at reduced costs.
We firmly believe that employees are the greatest asset to our industry. They deserve the very best benefits, and we are committed to delivering just that. Together, we are building a healthier future for all.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Jesse Kohl
President of InterLutions
Resources and Updates from InterLutions
Help Your Employees Distinguish Between FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs.
Association Health Plans: Here’s why they work for credit unions.
Association Health Plans (AHP) allow smaller employers to band together to purchase the types of coverage that are typically only available to large employers, which can be less expensive and better tailored to the needs of their employees. Download our white paper to learn how our credit union AHP has helped thousands of employees and family members. Access the Whitepaper
What’s an Insurance Captive, and is this the right fit for my credit union?
Captives work for some employers but not for others. How can you be certain that you are making the right decision for your organization? The key to the decision is an understanding of your organization’s risk and the captive’s risk— including insight into large-claims risk for all members of the captive. Download our white paper to understand the risks and benefits associated with an insurance captive. Read the Whitepaper
Help your employees distinguish between FSAs, HSAs, and HRAs.
Although human resources professionals are very familiar with these accounts, some employees may not understand how to distinguish between flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, and health savings accounts. InterLutions created a convenient infographic to show the key differences between these. Download the Infographic
InterLutions Events
Join us for our upcoming events and take a look back at what we have been up to.
Start Your Health Plan Renewal Evaluation Now
Tuesday, August 13 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CT
Employer health plans have experienced the highest rate increase in over a decade. Inflation, increasing prescription drug prices, and higher labor costs are three primary drivers in the rising rate of medical insurance premiums. InterLutions was formed to help credit unions deliver quality and affordable health plans to their employees through innovative and collaborative health plans.
2024 Economic Outlook Conference
Tuesday, September 12 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT
Corporate Central's Economic Outlook Conference will be held on Thursday, September 12 at The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, WI. Attendees will learn valuable information about the current and upcoming economic environment from a diverse speaker lineup that will assist with your 2025 planning efforts. Eligible attendees can earn CPE credits for this event.
Dinner with Michigan Credit Unions
In June, InterLutions and our partner, Strategic Resource Management (SRM), were pleased to host a dinner with our members at the Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates' Annual Convention & Exposition in Traverse City. We had a great time connecting and exchanging ideas!
The Benefits Buzz
Industry news and articles making the rounds.
Do You Have a 'Competitive-Enough' Employee Benefits Package for 2024?
Along with benefit plan amendment deadlines and implementation requirements, the turning of the calendar is a good time to reassess if benefits are robust enough to recruit and retain the best talent. Read More
Addressing Employee Burnout, Artificial Intelligence Top 2024 Wellness Trends.
A new report cites the need for employers to embrace change to help workers stay healthier and live longer. Go to the Article
7 Trends to Watch in Benefits and Compensation in 2024.
Controlling health care costs continues to be a focus for organizations in 2024. It’s never too late or too early to start exploring better employee benefit options. Learn More
Rising Healthcare Premiums are Eating Away at Employees’ Paychecks.
New research may help HR departments better understand just how much rising health insurance premiums are affecting workers’ earnings. Read it Here
What Credit Unions Are Saying About I-Care
See What Our Clients Are Saying
“When we considered our healthcare alternatives, I-Care was just the logical choice. The right pricing, service, and people made it a no-brainer.”
- David Powers, CFO Landmark Credit Union
“Flexibility of plan design, along with the potential for significant cost savings and future wellness program, made I-Care the best employee healthcare option for us.”
- Terri Green, VP-HR Fox Communities Credit Union
“It’s a whole different level of support.”
- Janice Appleby, SVP/Chief Human Resources Officer Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union
Collaboration Corner
Thank you to our valuable partners. We couldn’t do it without you!
Partner Spotlight
Thank you, Co-op Credit Union!
Get to Know Your CUSO Team
Meet Jesse Kohl, President.
What excites you about InterLutions right now?
What our team is doing at InterLutions really impacts people’s lives. Credit unions are seeing more employees opt-in to health plans because of our solutions. It’s amazing to see and it’s what our industry is all about.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Definitely family time. Coaching youth sports consumes a lot of my time – but I love it. It’s fun, challenging, and rewarding all at the same. I’ve coached teams where we didn’t lose a game all season, and teams where we didn’t win a game all season. By the end of the season, the kids don’t care about the record – it’s all about working together, making friends, and getting better as an athlete and as a human.
Tell us something interesting that people might not know about you?
My dad bought my son a 6-pack of chicken eggs for his birthday in 2020 (what an odd birthday gift?). We built a coop in our backyard and haven’t had to purchase a carton of eggs ever since!
My Favorite...
- Food: BBQ ribs (Pappy’s in St Louis)
- Music: Beatles (the White Album)
- Book: The Road to Character (David Brooks)
- Movie: Anything from Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese
- Hobby: I started playing the piano when COVID hit – it’s one of my favorite things to do
- Travel: I take my son on a baseball trip to explore a new stadium every summer. We’ve been to seven so far. PNC Park was our favorite.
Jesse’s youngest son, Gibson, holding his favorite chick.
Jesse coaching his daughter’s basketball team - 2021 Basketball Champs!