# Stop the Gold Plan Trap

> Offer a single Bronze health plan to save money and reduce employee anxiety.
- Title: Stop the Gold Plan Trap · Inc | Shortify
- Summary: Offer a single Bronze health plan to save money and reduce employee anxiety. Businesses can cut insurance costs by switching from Gold to Bronze plans with…
- Keywords: gold plan, bronze plan, hsa, merp, deductible, healthcare plan, Stop, Gold, Plan, Trap, Inc
- Source: Inc — https://inc.com/dan-cosgrove/dont-pick-a-gold-healthcare-plan-this-renewal-period/91417075
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gold plan, bronze plan, hsa, merp, deductible, healthcare plan
## The Gold Plan Trap
The Gold Plan is a wealth transfer from employees and companies to insurance carriers.
## The Math of Bronze
Switching to a Bronze plan saves $3,000 per employee annually in premiums.
## Prefund the HSA
Deposit $3,000 into each employee’s HSA on January 1st for a $0 deductible.
## The MERP Strategy
Pay 100 percent of medical expenses after the first $1,000 deductible.
## Employee Shift
Employees become consumers who use preventative care and telehealth options.
## The 2026 Edge
HSA limits rise to $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families in 2026.
## Key takeaway

Businesses can cut insurance costs by switching from Gold to Bronze plans with HSAs or MERPs.