SHOW NOTES
GUEST INFO
Episode Guest:
Gary Clark, Head of HUB Charter Practice
Website:
https://www.hubinternational.com/
EPISODE SUMMARY
Health insurance renewals are shaping up to be one of the biggest financial stressors charter schools will face heading into 2026. In this episode, Daniel sits down with Gary Clark, Senior VP at HUB International and head of HUB’s national charter school health practice, to break down why this renewal cycle is projected to be the most challenging in decades—and what school executives can do right now to protect their budgets.
Gary explains the macro forces driving unprecedented premium increases: delayed inflationary impact on provider contracts, rising hospital and pharmacy costs, and a surge in million-dollar claims nationwide. He also reveals surprising insights specific to charter schools—particularly high maternity costs and rising mental health utilization.
The conversation demystifies health plan structures (fully-insured, level-funded, self-funded, and captives) and shows why choosing the right structure can unlock control, flexibility, and meaningful cost savings. Gary also shares real-world examples of charter networks that reduced costs, built reserves, and improved employee benefits through strategic plan design.
Whether you’re a CEO, CFO, HR leader, or board member, this episode gives you actionable steps to prepare for 2026, avoid budget shocks, and approach health insurance as a strategic advantage—not a liability.
EPISODE TAKEAWAYS
2026 renewals will be historically high—prepare early. Inflation from two years ago is finally flowing through provider contracts, driving dramatic premium increases.
Rising prescription drug costs and million-dollar claims are major contributors. The industry saw a 30% increase in million-dollar claims in 2024—affecting every structure, fully insured or self-funded.
Charter schools outperform in most areas—except two. The biggest cost drivers unique to charters: Maternity costs (very high frequency + expensive claims) & Mental health utilization (higher than general population).
Your plan structure determines your control—and your savings. Fully insured = convenience but limited innovation. Self-funded/captive = transparency, flexibility, and real cost management opportunities.
Strategic schools are saving ~$200 per employee per month. HUB’s charter captive members have reduced costs and reinvested in better benefits (especially around mental health).
Leaders must be actively involved—health insurance is a top-5 budget driver. Gary urges school executives to treat their health plan as a strategic initiative, not an annual administrative task.
The “wave” will pass, but strategy is what determines long-term success. By optimizing structure, plugging in innovative vendors, and managing claims proactively, schools can weather 2026 and emerge stronger.
RESOURCES
HUB Charter School Practice – Case studies, market insights, and health plan resources
CHAPTERS
00:00 The 2026 Renewal Crisis
04:41 Understanding Cost Drivers in Health Insurance
08:22 Charter Schools and Unique Health Challenges
10:51 Exploring Health Insurance Structures
18:32 The Impact of Plan Structures on Renewals
24:34 Practical Steps for Charter School Leaders
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Gary Clark is a 25-year veteran of the insurance and risk management industry. He specializes in health insurance and commercial insurance structures that allow employers to maximize Employee Total Compensation and minimize organizational liability. He is a employee Benefit Leader for HUB Charter, HUB's Practice specifically focused on helping charter schools across the country succeed.
ABOUT OUR HOST
Daniel Casselli is a life-long learner whose passion for education has driven his professional endeavors. He is a former classroom teacher and youth ministry director whose entrepreneurial spirit landed him in the world of education technology. At EVERFI Inc., Daniel helped run the business development efforts for EVERFI’s Financial Education Program and the company was eventually sold to Blackbaud for $750M in 2021. Shortly before EVERFI’s acquisition, Daniel joined Class Technologies as one of the earliest sales hires and went on to lead K12 Enterprise Sales and helped the company land its first 100+ K12 customers across public, charter, and private schools. Daniel brings his unique experiences to BuyQ where he is focused on growth, operational excellence, business strategy, and client satisfaction. He is a graduate of Grove City College where he studied Religion and History.
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