CONNER
CONNECTION
OUR INSIGHTS:
Q1 INSURANCE OUTLOOK
Stay informed with expert insights on market shifts, risk management strategies, and the latest innovations in commercial, employee benefits, and personal insurance. Our goal is to keep you ahead of the curve with valuable knowledge and updates that matter most to you.
CONNER
CONNECTION
OUR INSIGHTS:
Q1 INSURANCE OUTLOOK
Stay informed with expert insights on market shifts, risk management strategies, and the latest innovations in commercial, employee benefits, and personal insurance. Our goal is to keep you ahead of the curve with valuable knowledge and updates that matter most to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEW
AWARD
10th CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS A
BEST PLACE TO WORK IN INDIANA
We are excited to announce that Conner Insurance has been officially selected as one of the best places to work in Indiana for 2025! This honor is a testament to the wonderful team that we have to support our fantastic clients.
OUR UPDATED
MISSION, VISION, & VALUES
UPDATED
MISSION STATEMENT
We provide sound counsel and care during life’s most significant moments.
UPDATED
MISSION STATEMENT
We provide sound counsel and care during life’s most significant moments.
UPDATED
VALUES
Honor God in Word and Deed.
Serve People Generously.
Build Trusting Relationships.
Solve Problems Decisively.
Deliver Excellence in the Details.
VISION
STATEMENT
We are passionate professionals that exceed the traditional standards for delivering thoughtful counsel, risk management strategies, and effective communication that serves the unique needs of our customers.
OUR
REPORTS
COMMERCIAL
INSURANCE
We believe that informed businesses make the best decisions when it comes to protecting their assets. Our Commercial Insurance team is committed to helping you understand your coverage options, so you can confidently safeguard your business and employees against unexpected risks. We’re here to ensure your business remains protected and prepared for the future.
SPOTTING THE DETAILS
CLIENT SUCCESS
We know that the smallest details can have the biggest impact. Recently, we discovered a small exclusion — buried in just one page of a 200+ page policy — that would have completely excluded liability coverage for a client’s products. By catching this critical gap, we were able to secure a new policy that provided full coverage while also saving the client thousands of dollars a year.
This is why having the right team on your side matters. We don’t just sell insurance — we protect your business, your future, and your peace of mind.
RECOGNITION
COLE CHAPIN RECOGNIZED AS MADISON COUNTY'S BEST AGENT FINALIST
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE
MARKET UPDATES
The property and casualty (P&C) market is continuously shifting, influenced by economic conditions, claims trends, and evolving risk factors. As businesses navigate these changes, understanding market trends is critical to making informed decisions about coverage and risk management strategies.
At Conner Insurance, we are committed to keeping you ahead of these industry developments. Our 2025 Market Outlook provides insights into expected rate changes across key insurance sectors, helping you anticipate shifts and plan accordingly. Whether you're evaluating property, casualty, executive, or environmental coverages, our expertise ensures you receive the most strategic solutions tailored to your needs.
EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS
Your employees are your greatest asset, and providing them with the right benefits is crucial for their well-being and your business’s success. Our Employee Benefits team is dedicated to keeping you informed on the best options available to meet the needs of your workforce. We want to help you create a benefits program that attracts and retains top talent while aligning with your company's goals.
COMBINED ANNUAL SAVINGS FOR 1 MEDICATION AND INFUSION CARE
SIGNIFICANT MEDICATION SAVINGS
CLIENT SUCCESS
At Conner Insurance, we are committed to helping our clients find cost-effective solutions to manage their healthcare needs. One of our recent success stories involved a patient who has been on a complex medication regimen for cystic fibrosis and required ongoing infusions. By working with the client, we identified two significant opportunities for savings that not only reduced healthcare costs but also made the patient’s treatment more accessible.
Cost-Effective Medication Strategy
The patient had been taking Creon, a medication for cystic fibrosis, since 2009. Since 2022, the patient has been filling a prescription for 900 pills per month, a cost of $10,922. While Medicaid and patient assistance programs were not an option, the plan was covering the brand-name medication. After exploring alternatives, we discovered that the medication could be obtained through a Canadian pharmacy via mail order for just $2,099. This approach led to an annual savings of $105,876, providing a significant reduction in medication costs without compromising the patient’s care.
More Accessible and Affordable Infusion Care
In addition to managing medication costs, we also looked for ways to reduce the expense of ongoing medical infusions. Since December 2023, the patient had been receiving Vyvgart infusions every 4 weeks, with each infusion costing $23,129. By partnering with an independent infusion center located just 10 miles closer to the patient’s home, we were able to secure a more affordable infusion cost of $6,239 per treatment. This change alone resulted in an estimated annual savings of $203,000.
Together, these two changes will save the client over $300,000 annually while providing the patient with high-quality, accessible care. We’re proud to help our clients optimize their healthcare expenses and ensure they receive the best care at the most affordable prices.
COMBINED ANNUAL SAVINGS FOR 1 MEDICATION AND INFUSION CARE
SIGNIFICANT MEDICATION SAVINGS
CLIENT SUCCESS
At Conner Insurance, we are committed to helping our clients find cost-effective solutions to manage their healthcare needs. One of our recent success stories involved a patient who has been on a complex medication regimen for cystic fibrosis and required ongoing infusions. By working with the client, we identified two significant opportunities for savings that not only reduced healthcare costs but also made the patient’s treatment more accessible.
Cost-Effective Medication Strategy
The patient had been taking Creon, a medication for cystic fibrosis, since 2009. Since 2022, the patient has been filling a prescription for 900 pills per month, a cost of $10,922. While Medicaid and patient assistance programs were not an option, the plan was covering the brand-name medication. After exploring alternatives, we discovered that the medication could be obtained through a Canadian pharmacy via mail order for just $2,099. This approach led to an annual savings of $105,876, providing a significant reduction in medication costs without compromising the patient’s care.
More Accessible and Affordable Infusion Care
In addition to managing medication costs, we also looked for ways to reduce the expense of ongoing medical infusions. Since December 2023, the patient had been receiving Vyvgart infusions every 4 weeks, with each infusion costing $23,129. By partnering with an independent infusion center located just 10 miles closer to the patient’s home, we were able to secure a more affordable infusion cost of $6,239 per treatment. This change alone resulted in an estimated annual savings of $203,000.
Together, these two changes will save the client over $300,000 annually while providing the patient with high-quality, accessible care. We’re proud to help our clients optimize their healthcare expenses and ensure they receive the best care at the most affordable prices.
HEALTHCARE & BENEFITS INSIGHTS:
NAVIGATING A COMPLEX SYSTEM
Understanding the healthcare system can be overwhelming, but knowledge is the key to making informed decisions. Our latest blogs break down critical issues, offering guidance on optimizing benefits, avoiding costly mistakes, and uncovering the challenges within the system.
- Don’t Let the Fear of Medical Debt Drive Your Benefits Program
- Don’t Let Post-Enrollment Oversights Lead to Costly Penalties
- Harnessing AI for Business Growth and Employee Wellbeing
- The Dark Side of the Healthcare System: Why it is Failing Our Community
- Employee Benefits Definition: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Options
- The End of GLP-1 Shortages–What Employers Need to Know
BENEFITS MARKET
INSIGHTS
Indiana House Bill 1004: Proposed Changes Affecting Nonprofit Hospitals
House Bill 1004 aims to regulate pricing among nonprofit hospitals in Indiana by revoking their nonprofit status if they charge more than 200% of Medicare reimbursement rates. This legislation seeks to promote transparency and affordability in healthcare pricing.(heraldtimesonline.com)
Current Status:
- February 21, 2025: The Indiana House passed House Bill 1004, introducing measures to limit pricing among nonprofit hospitals.indianapublicmedia.org
- February 21, 2025: The bill was referred to the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee after its first reading.legiscan.com
Next Steps:
- Senate Committee Review: The Senate Health and Provider Services Committee will review the bill, hold discussions, and may propose amendments.
- Senate Voting: If approved by the committee, the bill will proceed to the full Senate for debate and voting.
- Conference Committee: If there are discrepancies between the House and Senate versions, a conference committee will reconcile differences.
- Governor's Approval: Once both chambers pass the final version, the bill will be sent to the Governor for signing into law.
Implications for Employers:
Employers with healthcare plans involving nonprofit hospital services should monitor the progress of House Bill 1004. If enacted, the bill could lead to changes in hospital pricing structures, potentially affecting healthcare costs and plan negotiations.
Telehealth Relief Not Extended into 2025
As of December 21, 2024, the American Relief Act of 2025 was signed into law, averting a federal government shutdown. However, this new legislation did not extend the relief measures from the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which allowed plan sponsors to offer telehealth services alongside a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) without affecting Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility.
What This Means for 2025 and Beyond
Starting in 2025, any telehealth plan—whether standalone or integrated into a group health plan—will be considered disqualifying coverage for HSA eligibility unless it meets specific requirements:
- The telehealth plan must have a deductible or charge fair market value (FMV) per use until the minimum deductible required for an HDHP is met.
What Employers and Employees Need to Know
- For Employers: It is crucial to review and update your plans to ensure they comply with the new rules for HSA eligibility.
- For Employees: If you are enrolled in an HDHP and use telehealth services, be aware that changes to your plan may impact your ability to contribute to your HSA.
OUR HEALTHCARE
REPORT
HEALTHCARE
REPORT
BENEFITS MARKET
INSIGHTS
Indiana House Bill 1004: Proposed Changes Affecting Nonprofit Hospitals
House Bill 1004 aims to regulate pricing among nonprofit hospitals in Indiana by revoking their nonprofit status if they charge more than 200% of Medicare reimbursement rates. This legislation seeks to promote transparency and affordability in healthcare pricing.(heraldtimesonline.com)
Current Status:
- February 21, 2025: The Indiana House passed House Bill 1004, introducing measures to limit pricing among nonprofit hospitals.indianapublicmedia.org
- February 21, 2025: The bill was referred to the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee after its first reading.legiscan.com
Next Steps:
- Senate Committee Review: The Senate Health and Provider Services Committee will review the bill, hold discussions, and may propose amendments.
- Senate Voting: If approved by the committee, the bill will proceed to the full Senate for debate and voting.
- Conference Committee: If there are discrepancies between the House and Senate versions, a conference committee will reconcile differences.
- Governor's Approval: Once both chambers pass the final version, the bill will be sent to the Governor for signing into law.
Implications for Employers:
Employers with healthcare plans involving nonprofit hospital services should monitor the progress of House Bill 1004. If enacted, the bill could lead to changes in hospital pricing structures, potentially affecting healthcare costs and plan negotiations.
Telehealth Relief Not Extended into 2025
As of December 21, 2024, the American Relief Act of 2025 was signed into law, averting a federal government shutdown. However, this new legislation did not extend the relief measures from the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which allowed plan sponsors to offer telehealth services alongside a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) without affecting Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility.
What This Means for 2025 and Beyond
Starting in 2025, any telehealth plan—whether standalone or integrated into a group health plan—will be considered disqualifying coverage for HSA eligibility unless it meets specific requirements:
- The telehealth plan must have a deductible or charge fair market value (FMV) per use until the minimum deductible required for an HDHP is met.
What Employers and Employees Need to Know
- For Employers: It is crucial to review and update your plans to ensure they comply with the new rules for HSA eligibility.
- For Employees: If you are enrolled in an HDHP and use telehealth services, be aware that changes to your plan may impact your ability to contribute to your HSA.
At this year’s NextGen Summit, speakers shared real-world applications of AI that are reshaping business strategies. Discussions focused on how AI can be leveraged to identify top-quality healthcare providers based on patient outcomes, streamline hospital bill disputes, and improve operational efficiency. These insights emphasized AI’s growing role in reducing costs, enhancing decision-making, and driving smarter business solutions. As AI continues to evolve, companies that adopt these practical applications will gain a competitive edge in delivering better results for their clients and employees.
PERSONAL
INSURANCE
We know that navigating personal insurance can be overwhelming, but staying informed about your coverage options is the key to protecting what matters most. Our Personal Insurance team works closely with you to ensure that your home, car, and assets are covered in ways that best suit your needs. We’re here to help you make well-informed decisions that give you peace of mind and security.
RECOVERED
CLIENT ADVOCATION:
CLAIMS SUCCESS
At Conner Insurance, we believe that insurance should work for you when you need it most. Recently, one of our clients experienced significant water damage after a sudden pipe burst in their bathroom. Thankfully, our dedicated Claims Advocate, Dereka, was there to guide them through the process.
From reviewing coverage to connecting them with a trusted water remediation vendor, Dereka ensured every step was handled smoothly. When the contractor’s estimate exceeded the insurance carrier’s by over $3,000 and the adjuster was unresponsive, she didn’t stop there. By escalating the issue and working with the carrier’s management, she secured the additional approval—ensuring our client received the full amount needed for repairs.
The client later reached out to express their gratitude for Dereka’s swift action and advocacy. This is what we do—protecting what matters most to you.
HOME | AUTO | LIFE | & MORE
MARCH BLOG POST
DISCOUNTS:
TIPS & TRICKS TO SAVE MONEY
When it comes to personal insurance, there are many ways to save money without sacrificing coverage. At Conner Insurance, we want to help you uncover discounts you may not know about. Below are some detailed tips and tricks to lower your insurance premiums while keeping your coverage intact.
HOME & AUTO
INSIGHTS
Over the past three years, the Home and Auto insurance industry has faced three major challenges:
- Increased catastrophic weather events
- Persistent inflation
- Supply chain disruptions
For decades, Home and Auto insurance was considered stable, albeit tedious. However, during the pandemic, insurance commissioners urged carriers to return premiums to consumers as driving decreased. Shortly after, inflation surged, impacting material costs—shingles, wood, paint, bumpers, windshields—all rising well beyond 2020 pricing. Since insurance pricing lags behind economic shifts, carriers were caught off guard, forced to adjust rates year after year.
At the same time, hurricanes, wildfires, and windstorms hit nearly every region, causing major losses. Reinsurance companies—who provide financial backing to primary insurers—responded by raising premiums and deductibles. As a result, insurance carriers had no choice but to do the same, introducing stricter policies and higher rates.
To make matters worse, supply chain disruptions created long delays, especially in auto repairs, where parts shortages turned wait times from weeks to months.
For nearly two years, our carrier reps have come to us with news of new restrictions, higher deductibles, and rising premiums. Through it all, the Personal Lines team at Conner Insurance has remained committed to keeping our clients informed, even as changes shifted rapidly. If your Account Manager has provided excellent service, a quick email of appreciation would mean the world to them!
As we move into spring, we’re finally seeing a slowdown in premium increases, particularly for auto insurance. Carrier loss ratios have improved, and we expect rate hikes to level off throughout 2025. However, restrictions remain tight—carriers continue to be highly selective about roof age, driving records, claims history, and even dog breeds.
At the start of the year, I introduced our team to the classic song Love the One You’re With by Stephen Stills. My advice? The best option for your renewal is likely your current carrier.
The last three years brought challenges unlike any we’ve seen, with rate increases that typically unfold over 15 years compressed into a fraction of that time. We deeply appreciate your trust in Conner Insurance. Our commitment to providing top-tier service and expert guidance remains unwavering.
If you have feedback—good or bad—I welcome your call or email.
Onward! Todd Hufford, COO 317.808.7737 thufford@connerins.com
TODD'S MARKET
REPORT
TODD'S MARKET
REPORT
HOME & AUTO
INSIGHTS
Over the past three years, the Home and Auto insurance industry has faced three major challenges:
- Increased catastrophic weather events
- Persistent inflation
- Supply chain disruptions
For decades, Home and Auto insurance was considered stable, albeit tedious. However, during the pandemic, insurance commissioners urged carriers to return premiums to consumers as driving decreased. Shortly after, inflation surged, impacting material costs—shingles, wood, paint, bumpers, windshields—all rising well beyond 2020 pricing. Since insurance pricing lags behind economic shifts, carriers were caught off guard, forced to adjust rates year after year.
At the same time, hurricanes, wildfires, and windstorms hit nearly every region, causing major losses. Reinsurance companies—who provide financial backing to primary insurers—responded by raising premiums and deductibles. As a result, insurance carriers had no choice but to do the same, introducing stricter policies and higher rates.
To make matters worse, supply chain disruptions created long delays, especially in auto repairs, where parts shortages turned wait times from weeks to months.
For nearly two years, our carrier reps have come to us with news of new restrictions, higher deductibles, and rising premiums. Through it all, the Personal Lines team at Conner Insurance has remained committed to keeping our clients informed, even as changes shifted rapidly. If your Account Manager has provided excellent service, a quick email of appreciation would mean the world to them!
As we move into spring, we’re finally seeing a slowdown in premium increases, particularly for auto insurance. Carrier loss ratios have improved, and we expect rate hikes to level off throughout 2025. However, restrictions remain tight—carriers continue to be highly selective about roof age, driving records, claims history, and even dog breeds.
At the start of the year, I introduced our team to the classic song Love the One You’re With by Stephen Stills. My advice? The best option for your renewal is likely your current carrier.
The last three years brought challenges unlike any we’ve seen, with rate increases that typically unfold over 15 years compressed into a fraction of that time. We deeply appreciate your trust in Conner Insurance. Our commitment to providing top-tier service and expert guidance remains unwavering.
If you have feedback—good or bad—I welcome your call or email.
Onward! Todd Hufford, COO 317.808.7737 thufford@connerins.com
RECOGNITION
Tony Wilcox was super great and very helpful while finding us the best insurance options for our new home! He was also very prompt with getting everything submitted so we did not need to delay our closing date!
Brooke was amazing to deal with! She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and helpful with our insurance needs! I recommend 100%.
Went through a car total loss situation and those people came through. Jennelle specifically could not have been more responsive and helpful throughout the whole process with advice and claim handling.
Very professional and thorough made sure I had all the information. I had very little questions because she covers it all. Outstanding experience!!!
Ashley Brown was recommended to me and she's great, saved me on my home insurance with a similar policy that was nearly half the previous yearly cost and walked me through all the home and auto policy details very clearly.
Prompt and professional!
RISK & RESOLVE
PODCAST
The Risk & Resolve Podcast brings you expert perspectives straight from the top. Hosted by our CEO, Ben Conner, and COO, Todd Hufford, this podcast explores the intersection of leadership, business ownership, and the insurance industry. Join them as they dive into the challenges, strategies, and opportunities that shape the future for leaders navigating an ever-changing world.
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TRUST!
We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve you and support your business. Your trust and partnership are the foundation of our success, and we are committed to continuing to provide you with exceptional solutions, whether in Commercial, Employee Benefits, or Personal Insurance.
If you have been pleased with the service you have received, we would be grateful for your referral. Helping others navigate their insurance needs and achieve the same great results is what drives us, and we would love to assist those you know in securing the coverage they need.
Thank you for being a valued client!