Self-funding offers employers the flexibility and independence to better manage healthcare costs through alternative reimbursement strategies, like direct-to-employer contracting where health systems partner with health plans to lower costs and improve care. EAS Health utilizes Direct Contracting through Transparent Pricing Arrangements, or reference-based pricing that affords employers the opportunity to reimburse according to Medicare pricing. 

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Medicare reimbursement rates are typically the lowest rate a provider will accept for a service. EAS Health uses Medicare as a baseline and then negotiates with providers a contracted rate that is a percentage above. This new rate is usually significantly lower than the discount provided by a PPO network for the same service. The plan design is often entirely copay based for the member relieving them of the hassles of deductibles and co-insurance.