CONNER
CONNECTION
WELCOME TO OUR
APRIL-JUNE 2026 NEWSLETTER
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
WELCOME TO OUR
APRIL-JUNE 2026 NEWSLETTER
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
APRIL- JUNE 2026
OVERVIEW
APRIL - JUNE 2026
OVERVIEW
AWARDS
11th CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS A
BEST PLACE TO WORK IN INDIANA - RANKED 6TH
We are excited to announce that Conner Insurance has been officially selected as one of the best places to work in Indiana for 2026! This honor is a testament to the wonderful team that we have to support our fantastic clients.
20 CLIENT WINNERS
2026 ROSIE AWARD
We’re proud to celebrate 20 of our clients being named Rosie Award winners for benefits strategies that are making a real impact for employers and employees alike. This recognition reflects the thoughtful, innovative work being done to simplify benefits, improve outcomes, and create meaningful savings.
1st YEAR AS A
TRAVELERS 2026 AGENT OF THE YEAR - MIDWEST REGION
We are proud to celebrate our Personal Lines team for being recognized as the Travelers 2026 Agent of the Year for the Midwest Region! This award reflects the hard work, dedication, and care our team provides every day to our clients. It is an award is a reflection of what can be achieved when talent and teamwork come together.
4th CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS A
ROSIE AWARD WINNER
We’re proud to share that we’ve been named a Rosie Award winner for our work on a benefits plan that delivers real impact for employers and employees alike. This recognition highlights our strategic approach to simplifying benefits, improving outcomes, and creating meaningful savings. It’s an honor to be recognized for innovation in a space that touches so many lives.
1st YEAR AS AN
ASPIRE CHAMBER AWARD FINALIST
We’re proud to share that we were named a finalist for the 2026 Excellence in Talent Development Award presented by Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance. This recognition highlights employers making a measurable impact in recruiting and developing talent, and we’re honored to be included among organizations committed to strengthening the workforce and investing in people. Being chosen as a finalist, reflects the dedication of our team and our continued commitment to creating opportunities for growth, development, and success.
OUR
IMPACT
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.
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE
MARKET UPDATES
What Businesses Should Be Paying Attention To
The commercial insurance market continues to show signs of stabilization in 2026, but conditions remain mixed depending on the line of coverage and your organization's risk profile. Increased carrier capacity is creating more competition in some areas, while liability-related coverages continue to face ongoing pressure.
Carrier Competition Is Increasing
After several years of a challenging market, many insurers are becoming more competitive, particularly for organizations with strong loss histories and well-managed operations.
Businesses may see:
- More carrier options at renewal
- Increased competition for desirable accounts
- Greater flexibility in pricing and terms for well-performing risks
What this means: Companies that can demonstrate strong risk management practices are finding more opportunities in today's market.
Liability Coverages Remain Under Pressure
While some insurance lines are stabilizing, commercial auto, umbrella, and excess liability continue to face challenges driven by rising claim severity, litigation trends, and large jury awards.
Carriers remain focused on:
- Fleet safety and driver performance
- Contractual risk transfer
- Liability exposures and claims history
- Excess and umbrella program structures
What this means: Businesses should expect continued underwriting scrutiny and potential rate pressure within liability programs.
Risk Quality Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage
Underwriters are increasingly differentiating between organizations that actively manage risk and those that take a reactive approach.
Areas receiving additional attention include:
- Safety culture and training programs
- Cybersecurity controls
- Fleet management and telematics
- Business continuity and disaster preparedness
What this means: Investments in risk management are no longer just loss prevention tools—they can directly influence insurance outcomes and market access
Emerging Risks Are Shaping Underwriting Conversations
Insurers are paying closer attention to evolving exposures, including cyber threats, artificial intelligence, supply chain disruptions, and severe weather events.
Organizations should be prepared to discuss:
- Cybersecurity safeguards
- Data privacy practices
- Vendor and supply chain dependencies
- Business resilience planning
What this means: Businesses that proactively address emerging risks are better positioned during the renewal process.
Planning Ahead Creates Better Outcomes
In a market that continues to evolve, early preparation remains one of the most effective strategies for controlling costs and improving results.
Successful organizations are:
- Starting renewal discussions earlier
- Reviewing coverage and limits proactively
- Identifying risk trends before renewal
- Aligning insurance strategy with business objectives
What this means: The best results often come from preparation and planning—not last-minute marketing efforts.
Final Takeaway
The commercial insurance market is becoming more competitive in select areas, but challenges remain in liability-driven lines. Organizations that focus on risk management, data quality, and proactive planning will be best positioned to take advantage of improving market conditions.
At Conner Insurance, we continue to monitor market trends and advocate for our clients, helping them make informed decisions and build insurance strategies that support long-term business success.
A BETTER WAY TO APPROACH
INSURANCE
When a business owner came to us after purchasing insurance online, they had one goal: keep things simple and avoid extra cost. Like many, they assumed working with a broker would be more expensive and more time-consuming.
The reality turned out to be the opposite.
After reviewing their coverage, we not only found gaps in their policy—we were able to improve their protection and save them over $5,000. Even more surprising to them, the process required less of their time, not more. Instead of navigating policies on their own, they had a partner to guide them, explain coverages clearly, and handle the heavy lifting—something they shared had never been done for them before.
In another case, a routine policy review uncovered an issue that could have been costly. A business was not being properly rated for their operations—something that would have resulted in a $15,000 audit bill at year-end.
By catching it early, we helped correct the issue and worked with the carrier to spread the cost throughout the year, avoiding a large, unexpected expense.
SAVED THROUGH POLICY REVIEW
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Very good at managing and monitoring a volatile charter school market.
I have been working with Jason and Christine for several years and they have always gone above and beyond to provide everything and anything that we need. They always respond to any questions or concerns in a timely manner. Awesome team to work with.
Both Jason and Karen excel at professionalism, friendliness and knowledge. No improvements can be thought of at this time honestly.
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.
EMPLOYER ANNUAL SAVINGS OF
DRIVING BETTER BENEFITS
THROUGH STRATEGY
High-Cost Medication Savings: Reblozyl
A member receiving ongoing treatment every 21 days was incurring extremely high infusion costs in a hospital setting.
Through a Single Case Agreement, we were able to:
- Reduce cost per treatment from $47,384 → $13,504
- Save $33,879 per treatment
- Deliver $575,953 in annual savings
Impact: Significant long-term cost reduction for a necessary, ongoing treatment—without disrupting care.
Oncology Cost & Stop Loss Strategy: Keytruda
For a member undergoing cancer treatment, costs and stop loss exposure were escalating quickly.
Our team:
- Reduced treatment cost from $46,539 → $20,330 per visit
- Generated $445,547 in annual savings
- Negotiated a stop loss laser reduction from $750K → $430K
Impact: Lowered both immediate claims spend and long-term financial risk for the employer.
Stop Loss Advocacy in Action
With a 24/12 stop loss contract, timing is everything—and delays can be costly.
Through proactive claims monitoring and hands-on advocacy, we:
- Pushed critical claims through before year-end deadlines
- Resolved processing issues directly with providers and TPAs
- Secured reimbursements that would have otherwise been lost
Total Impact: $178,716 in avoided costs for the employer
Turning a 51% Renewal Into a Strategic Win
A mid-market employer came to us facing a 51% renewal increase, driven by high-cost claimants—and was told no other options existed.
We took a different approach:
- Reframed the challenge as a risk management strategy
- Built a custom solution across TPA, network, and PBM
- Delivered a full proposal within 24 hours
Outcome:
- Final increase reduced to 25% above budget
- $293,000 in annual savings vs. incumbent recommendation
- Earned Broker of Record within 14 days
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.
- The Million Dollar Prescription: How Orphan Drugs are Redefining Employer Risk
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BENEFITS MARKET
INSIGHTS
What Employers Should Be Paying Attention To
As we move through 2026, employers continue to face rising healthcare costs, growing employee expectations, and increasing pressure to deliver meaningful benefits while maintaining financial sustainability. While healthcare inflation remains a challenge, many organizations are finding new opportunities to improve outcomes through strategic benefits planning.
Healthcare Costs Continue to Rise
Medical and prescription drug costs remain one of the biggest challenges for employers. Higher utilization, specialty medications, and chronic health conditions continue to drive healthcare spending upward.
Areas seeing the greatest impact include:
- Specialty prescription drugs
- Chronic condition management
- Behavioral health services
- High-cost medical claims
What this means: Employers should expect ongoing cost pressures and evaluate strategies that address both healthcare spending and employee health outcomes.
Prescription Drug Management Remains a Key Focus
Pharmacy costs continue to outpace overall healthcare inflation, largely driven by specialty medications and the growing use of GLP-1 drugs for weight management and diabetes treatment.
Employers are increasingly evaluating:
- Pharmacy benefit management strategies
- Drug pricing transparency
- Specialty medication oversight
- Alternative funding solutions
What this means: A proactive pharmacy strategy can have a significant impact on long-term plan performance and cost control.
Data and Analytics Are Driving Better Decisions
Organizations are increasingly using claims data and population health insights to identify opportunities for improvement and better manage healthcare spending.
Key areas of focus include:
- Chronic condition trends
- Preventive care utilization
- Pharmacy spend analysis
- Employee engagement metrics
What this means: Employers who leverage data can make more informed decisions and target resources where they will have the greatest impact.
OUR BENEFITS
REPORT
NEW OFFERINGS
BRINGING CARE HOME WITH NICE HEALTHCARE
Nice Healthcare makes it easy for employees to get care at home or virtually — at no cost to the employee. Services include in-home primary care, chronic condition management, preventive care, virtual urgent care, mental health, physical therapy, on-site labs/X-rays, and prescription delivery. Convenient, personalized care that reduces costs and keeps employees healthy.
DIRECTPATH - A CUSTOM HEALTH PLAN
Navigating healthcare shouldn’t feel overwhelming—but for most employees, it is. That’s where DirectPath comes in. As part of a smarter benefits strategy, DirectPath provides year-round advocacy, education, and cost transparency, helping employees make more informed healthcare decisions while reducing unnecessary spend. From resolving claims issues to guiding members to higher-quality, lower-cost providers, it creates a better experience for employees—and measurable savings for employers.
HR RESOURCES & INSIGHTS
HOW PROACTIVE IS YOUR BENEFITS RENEWAL STRATEGY?
Most HR leaders don’t know how much control they actually have — until it's too late.
Take this 3-minute quiz to assess your current renewal strategy and discover how to avoid year-end surprises.
You will receive a review on your current benefits approach to renewals and an analysis on key areas to improve on.
BENEFITS BENCHMARKING TOOL
The ultimate tool for assessing and enhancing your company's benefits package. The Health Rosetta Plan Grader utilizes advanced algorithms to deliver a concise grade, benchmarked against industry standards, along with targeted insights into areas of strength and improvement. In a competitive talent landscape, this user-friendly tool empowers you to optimize your health plan, ensuring it stands out and attracts top talent.
In only 5-minutes receive a comprehensive report on how your company ranks to other competitors benefits packages.
GLP-1 MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CASE STUDY
Our client faced a growing diabetes crisis across its workforce of more than 10,000 members. Rising medication costs, fragmented care, and increasing chronic disease risks were driving healthcare spend and impacting employee wellbeing
Our pharmaceutical partner integrated into their plan with a high-touch diabetes management program designed to:
- Improve clinical outcomes
- Increase medication adherence
- Reduce unnecessary pharmacy spend
- Empower members to take control of their health
The result was a comprehensive care model combining clinical oversight, pharmacy management, coaching, and technology.
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
I’ve had an excellent experience with Conner Insurance. Their team provides truly great service from start to finish. They are knowledgeable, professional, and always take the time to explain options clearly so you can make informed decisions.
I wish there was higher praise than excellent. Karen does an absolute fabulous job for us. From responding promptly, to keeping us up to date on what needs to be filed, to answering all my questions.
Diana brings sound knowledge and advice to our team. She always approaches our renewal with our values in mind which allows us to provide the best options for our employees. She is genuine and warm. It has been wonderful working with her and the team.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
ANGIE BRECHEISEN
ASSISTANT ACCOUNT MANAGER
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.
MORE COVERAGE. BETTER PROTECTION.
ANNUAL SAVINGS.
A client was in the process of purchasing a $2.5M home in Fishers when they were referred to our team by their lender. Excited about the new home—but facing a challenge—they had prior claims that made securing coverage more difficult.
Their current carrier was unable to write the policy and had placed them in a surplus lines option. The result?
- Very high deductibles
- Limited coverage
- An annual premium of nearly $35,000
Not exactly the peace of mind you want when buying your dream home.
After taking a deeper look, we explored alternative options and were able to secure a policy through Safeco that completely changed the situation.
The outcome:
- Stronger, more comprehensive coverage
- Lower out-of-pocket exposure
- Approximately $15,000 in annual savings
What initially felt like a difficult placement turned into a significantly better result—both in protection and cost.
The takeaway? Even in more complex situations, having an independent advisor on your side can open doors to better options, better coverage, and better outcomes.
SAVED ANNUALLY & MORE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
HOME & AUTO
INSIGHTS
What Individuals and Families Should Be Paying Attention To
The personal insurance market continues to adjust after several years of significant rate increases driven by inflation, severe weather events, rising repair costs, and increased claim activity. While some segments are beginning to stabilize, homeowners and drivers should remain proactive when reviewing their insurance coverage.
Rate Increases Are Beginning to Moderate
Many insurance carriers have implemented substantial rate adjustments over the past few years to keep pace with higher claim costs. While premium increases are still occurring in some areas, the pace of those increases is beginning to slow.
Factors impacting rates include:
- Home construction and repair costs
- Auto repair technology and labor expenses
- Weather-related claims
- Local claims trends
What this means: While rates may still increase at renewal, many policyholders are seeing a more predictable environment than in recent years.
Home Replacement Costs Continue to Evolve
The cost to rebuild a home remains significantly higher than it was just a few years ago. As a result, many homeowners are seeing increases in dwelling limits to ensure adequate protection.
Homeowners should review:
- Dwelling coverage limits
- Recent renovations or upgrades
- Detached structures
- Personal property coverage
What this means: Ensuring your coverage reflects today's rebuilding costs can help prevent unexpected gaps after a loss.
Weather Risks Remain a Major Concern
Severe storms, hail, wind events, flooding, and other natural disasters continue to impact insurance claims across the country.
Insurance carriers are paying closer attention to:
- Roof age and condition
- Property maintenance
- Geographic risk exposure
- Water damage prevention measures
What this means: Proactive home maintenance and risk mitigation efforts can help reduce losses and improve insurability.
Auto Insurance Continues to Face Challenges
Although market conditions are improving, auto insurance remains one of the most impacted lines of coverage due to rising repair costs, vehicle technology, medical expenses, and litigation trends.
Drivers should consider:
- Reviewing liability limits
- Evaluating deductibles
- Updating vehicle information
- Discussing available discounts
What this means: Regular policy reviews can help ensure you're balancing protection and affordability.
Coverage Reviews Are More Important Than Ever
Life changes can quickly affect insurance needs, yet many policies go years without a comprehensive review.
Events that may warrant an insurance review include:
- Purchasing a new home or vehicle
- Home renovations
- Marriage or divorce
- Acquiring valuable personal property
- Adding youthful drivers
What this means: Keeping your coverage aligned with your current lifestyle helps ensure you have the protection you need when it matters most.
Final Takeaway
While personal insurance markets are showing signs of greater stability, rising claim costs and weather-related risks continue to influence coverage and pricing. Taking time to review your policies, evaluate your risks, and update your coverage can help protect what matters most.
At Conner Insurance, we're here to help you navigate a changing insurance landscape and ensure your coverage keeps pace with your life.
HOME & AUTO MARKET
UPDATE
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Strongly recommend Elizabeth LaLond for any insurance needs. Always responsive and thorough!
I think they have done a fantastic job with being accessible, knowledgeable, as well as on top of every concern or issue we’ve had
Had a wonderful experience working with Haley Rose! Haley streamlined the process for us to ensure we received adequate coverage at the best available rate. Would highly recommend working with Haley in the future.
Brooke Starling was a dream to work with. Made everything truly seamless with excellent and detailed communication.
Ashley Brown at Conner Insurance helped me switch my home and auto coverage and saved me over $200 a month. She shopped multiple options, explained everything clearly, and made the process easy. Highly recommend giving her a call if you think you’re overpaying.
We were looking for an agent that could save us money on both our home and auto insurance. Brynn from Conner Insurance did just that. We loved the great local service too.
EVENTS
RECAP
NEXTGEN
HEALTHCARE SUMMIT DUBUQUE
Our Dubuque summit was designed for executives and HR leaders seeking sustainable solutions to rising healthcare costs. This event explored proven strategies that are reshaping the benefits landscape — from collaborating with independent PBMs and revitalizing the role of community-owned pharmacies, to leveraging innovative primary care models. Attendees gained practical insights from industry experts, discovered actionable approaches to managing healthcare more effectively, and left equipped with strategies to drive long-term value and measurable impact in 2026 and beyond.
INDY 500
PRACTICE DAY
Our Indy 500 Practice Day event was the perfect way to kick off race month here in Indianapolis! We had a great time experiencing the track with referral partners and teammates. Indianapolis Motor Speedway V.P. of Marketing, Michael Kaltenmark, shared some race day insights, giving our guests a behind-the-scenes look at everything that has to happen in order to make the Indy 500 a success.
HANCOCK HEALTH
LUNCH & LEARN
Our Hancock Health Lunch & Learn gathered Hancock County employers and organizations to discuss the Hancock Community Health Plan, Conner's solution for simplifying healthcare for mid-sized businesses in the county. Hancock Health leaders, Steve Long and Joel Hungate spoke on the state of Hancock County and how this health plan promotes long term, sustainable employee wellness.
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.
EPISODE
FEATURES
Leading Through Pressure: Navy Lessons, CEO Decisions, & Building a Stronger Wabash
Brent Yeagy joins Risk & Resolve to share what it takes to lead when the stakes are high—from serving in the U.S. Navy submarine force to leading Wabash through disruption, transformation, and growth. A candid conversation about resilience, responsibility, healthcare stewardship, and what it takes to lead with clarity when the stakes are high.
Building with Purpose: Entrepreneurship, Discipline, & Fatherhood
Marcus Hall joins Risk & Resolve to share how entrepreneurship, discipline, and fatherhood have shaped the way he builds businesses and manages financial responsibility. From the realities of business ownership to creating long-term stability for his family, Marcus offers a thoughtful perspective on money, leadership, and building a life with purpose.
Care Reimagined: Building a Sustainable Primary Care Model
This Risk & Resolve episode features a recorded session from our NextGen Healthcare Summit. Thompson Aderinkomi, founder and CEO of Nice Healthcare, shares how his team is reimagining primary care through a more accessible, sustainable model. From in-home and virtual care to reducing costs for employers and improving the patient experience, this conversation explores what it takes to build a healthcare solution designed for today’s challenges.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
LILY FLEMING
ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE
THANK
YOU!
THANK
YOU!
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TRUST!
We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve you and support your business. Your trust and partnership are the heart of our work, and we remain committed to delivering exceptional solutions across Commercial, Employee Benefits, and Personal Insurance.
If you’ve been pleased with our service, we’d be honored by your referral. Helping others navigate their insurance needs and achieve the same great results is what motivates us every day.
Thank you for being a valued client!