# Handl Health > Handl Health is a parallel intelligence platform for self-funded health plans. It turns U.S. healthcare price transparency data (machine-readable files published under the Transparency in Coverage rule) into provider rate benchmarking, health plan design, plan activation, and in-year plan monitoring tools for benefits consultants (brokers), payers (carriers), third-party administrators (TPAs), and self-funded employers. ## Full site content ### [Health plan benchmarking & network analytics for benefits consultants | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/) See the latest CMS Transparency in Coverage updatesFor Benefits Consultants # Plan intelligence for the toughest renewals Handl gives benefits consultants network and provider-level rate benchmarking, alternative benefit designs and the data to win every renewal Book a demoLearn more [Image: Handl Health network analytics dashboard — optimize plan performance with projected annual healthcare claims comparing current plan and plan options] Connected Health Plan Platform ## Parallel intelligence finds the signal Connecting plan-level data with real member utilization to evaluate, design and activate health plans that actually perform. Benchmark Result Inpatient Outpatient Professional Inpatient Outpatient Professional$9.34M $663k identified ### Grow your book with payer contract benchmarking Upload a census or claims file. Get instant healthcare pricing benchmarks across 150+ networks and more than 6,000 hospitals. Plan A Projected cost $2.1M − $600,000 less than incumbent network RecommendedPlan B Projected cost $1.9M − $400,000 less than incumbent network ### Model alternative benefit designs before the renewal Map scenarios side by side with live cost projections and network adequacy analysis. [Image: Dr. Mirolla, MD] Dr. Mirolla MD 4.9High-performance · Health Clinic (7.4 mi) Care Steerage 48% to Tier 1 ### Drive member adoption of cost-efficient care Provider tiering and a member app that steers to high-quality, low-cost care. Claims repriced 3,102 Overpayments flagged $418,000 Contract compliance 99.1% ### Cover client risk with active plan monitoring Track network performance monthly with ongoing claims reconciliation. Explore Features ## Health plan analytics for better outcomes Plan IntelligenceMember IntelligenceAI-Led InsightsClient Deliverables01 — Plan Intelligence ### Benchmark and model new plans Network pricing comparisons against thousands of plan, carrier and provider benchmarks. Build health plan scenarios with live cost projections and healthcare rate intelligence. 150+ networks, 6,000+ hospitalsActual cost projectionsExplore Network Analytics [Image: Handl Health Plan Intelligence — average contracted rates by services and procedures compared across carrier networks, with variance score and savings insights] 02 — Member Intelligence ### Care steerage by quality and cost Activate a member app to guide provider searches and incentivize higher-quality, lower-cost selections. Custom plan tieringMember app includedExplore Member Navigation [Image: Knee Arthroscopy — member intelligence care steerage by quality and cost] 03 — AI-Led Insights ### Turn analytics to action Connect healthcare price transparency and plan analytics to actual recommendations. Handl suggests why and where to make a switch or when to stay put. Data highlightsThe why behind the whatSee how Network Analytics turns data into insights [Image: Handl Health AI Briefing — key insights from your network evaluation including estimated savings, top opportunity, and network performance] 04 — Client Deliverables ### Health plan decision support Savings and fiduciary proof for every network and plan decision, packaged in presentation-ready reports. Presentation-ready reportsNo analyst requiredExplore solutions for benefits consultants [Image: Handl Health client report — network evaluation summary with $14.7M total annual savings, quality impact, and total cost by setting of care] Success Stories ## Delivering better employer benefits plans I can walk into a client meeting with confidence. Handl makes it easy to prove value and win trust with data that speaks for itself. Head of Data Analytics, National Brokerage Atlanta, GA “Handl Health has been a game-changer for my business. The analytics have uncovered real savings opportunities for my clients, which we've been able to take real action on through our member tools.” Benefits Broker Dallas, Texas “Handl has become central to how we evaluate and build alternative health plans as a third-party administrator. The platform allows us to evaluate costs, design networks and use that data in real time to guide members to higher-value care.” Sidhartha Sinha CEO, Avant Health Proof is in the data ## Expanding access to health plan pricing Handl’s platform parses through millions of plan and provider pricing files and highlights the biggest opportunities for change. $1B+ In self-funded medical costs analyzed in 2025 $112M In network & plan-design savings 22% Average savings on shoppable procedures 53% Adoption of top-rated providers ## Trusted by leading benefits consultants, TPAs and payers [Image: For Benefits Consultants] ### For Benefits Consultants Spot overpayments, close compliance gaps and walk into every client meeting with network comparisons that win business. Pitching new business? See presale tools [Image: For Employers] ### For Employers Diagnose where your plan overspends and hold every vendor accountable with your own claims, benchmarked against real market rates. [Image: For Payers and TPAs] ### For Payers and TPAs Defend against competition by activating a variable copay plan on your network and serve employer demand for innovation. FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### What are the sources of Handl's healthcare data? Legislation including Hospital Price Transparency and Transparency in Coverage requires that all negotiated rates between payers and providers, as well as gross charges and cash prices from hospitals, are publicly available. Handl combines healthcare price transparency files with other data sources like claims, Medicare rates and provider quality to create a complete, accurate dataset. ### How is Handl's pricing data different from what my payer already provides? ### Can I white-label reports to present to my clients under my own brand? ### How long does it take to go from onboarding to first insights? ### Does Handl integrate with my existing TPA or carrier systems? Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Connect with our team to learn how Handl can support your business. Book a demo --- ### [Employee health plan analytics | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/products/network-analytics) Network Analytics # Compare health plan pricing across current benchmarks Before you can design a better health plan, you need a complete picture of your current one. Benchmark plan and provider pricing and uncover insights that may lead to cost savings. Book a demoSee all products150+ Plans benchmarked < 4 Min. Avg. time to first insight 384 MSAs covered How it works ## Health plan analytics in minutes ### Bring your own data or use ours Evaluate plans using simulated claims, census files or actual claims data. Handl Health ingests and normalizes everything automatically. ### Run your benchmark assessment See a detailed network comparison against thousands of comparable plans by geography, industry and employer size. ### Review your analysis Get a structured evaluation report covering rate benchmarks and network coverage that is ready to share with clients or plan sponsors. AI-enabled insights highlight cost savings and help you tell the full story. Platform capabilities ## Know plan costs before the renewal ### Rate benchmarking Compare payer and provider negotiated rates across specialties and geographies against Medicare benchmarks. - Specialty-level rate comparisons across 60+ markets - Peer cohort building by employer size and industry - Exportable benchmark charts for client presentations with blinded demo options Pitching new business? See how Handl works for producers. [Image: National access overview — covered members and gaps by network] ### Model provider tiers and design care navigation Move utilization from high-cost providers with copays and point-of-referral guidance that makes the shift real. - Score and tier every provider by cost and quality - Design copay differentials and encounter-based steerage - Provide variable-copay options Learn more [Image: Future spend with migration — preferred design applied] ### Identify member disruption Verify that your plan's network actually covers your members by specialty, geography and access standards. Find potential member disruption risks before they affect employee care. - Drive-time access mapping for your member population - Out-of-network cost estimator - Network quality scoring by geographic market Learn more [Image: Per-market access overview — drive-time compliance by market and specialty] ### Run advanced network modeling Track plan performance year-round and offer adjustments that preserve quality of care for members across every market. - Out-of-network savings opportunities - Provider utilization tracking - Automated defensible paper trail Learn more [Image: Plan performance — recoverable spend, out-of-network spend, and steerage metrics] < 4 Min. Time to first insight Average to benchmark report 8-12% Network savings identified Across all plan evaluations 3-4% Savings from steerage Updated continuously 2-4% Payment integrity savings Identified with claims repricing Testimonials“It’s been a great tool. It allows us to look at which ultimate bottom-line network is going to be the best for our clients.” Zach Fritz, EVP of Employer Services The Partners Group Start today ## See network analytics in action Book a personalized demo and see how Handl Health delivers results from day one. Book a demo --- ### [Benefit design to reduce healthcare costs | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/products/design) Benefit Design # Build dynamic, tiered and transparent health plans Design high-value health plans without sacrificing coverage. Every decision is backed by defendable actuarial models. Book a demoSee all products6k Hospitals 2.5M Providers Side-by-side Scenario comparison How it works ## Data-driven plan design ### Evaluate your current plan Start with a network evaluation using your claims data and census files. Design pulls in your benefits benchmarks as the foundation for your new plan. ### Benefits plan modeling Identify provider-tiering opportunities, tap into encounter-based care steerage and adjust copays to find cost savings and impact. ### Finalize and share Compare scenarios side by side and export a plan design summary ready for payer negotiation or plan sponsor approval. Platform capabilities ## Win the next renewal ### Score and tier every provider Score every provider by episode, site of care, clinical quality, efficiency and cost into a Value Index, then rank them into tiers. - Value Index across clinical, efficiency and cost - Scored by episode and site of care - Every provider tiered, beyond the big systems - Builds on the claims and network data from your network evaluation Quick Wins Top opportunities to steer & save 1$90K in Oncology Savings Redirect cancer care to Northside Health 2$65K from Joint Surgery Shift MSK care to Lakeview Medical Center 3$45K in Colonoscopy Savings Redirect GI procedures to Summit Regional Hospital ### Model the tier shift, design the steerage Move utilization from high-cost tiers to Tier 1 with copays and point-of-referral guidance that makes the shift real. - Model utilization shifts between provider tiers - Design copay differentials and encounter-based steerage - Care pathway design and site-of-care steering [Image: Provider comparison — Gastro] ### Provide variable-copay options Model multiple tiered, variable-copay designs side by side and see the actuarial value, member cost-share and savings against the current plan. - 50+ adjustable variables: variable copays by provider tier and site of care - Actuarial value and member cost-share per scenario - Savings vs. the baseline plan, PMPY [Image: Member intelligence — dark] ### Deliver a member impact analysis Understand how every design change affects your member population. Model premium changes, out-of-pocket shifts and access impact. - Isolate member disruption risk by geography, providers and procedures - Drive-time analysis to see detailed impacts - Present an employer-ready report to build consensus - Analysis feeds directly into plan activation — explore Dynamic Copay Plans [Image: Per-market access overview] 8-12% Network savings identified Across all plan evaluations 3-4% Savings from steerage Updated continuously 2-4% Payment integrity savings Identified with claims repricing 3x Faster benefit design cycle vs. traditional manual process Testimonials“The truth is, if you don’t have this, you can’t really do the job for your clients that they need. We are playing chess, and our competitors are playing checkers.” Senior Vice President Regional Brokerage Start today ## See our data in action Book a personalized demo and see how Handl Health delivers results from day one. Book a demo --- ### [Deploy and scale custom health plans | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/products/dynamic-copay-plans) Dynamic Copay Plans # Run a dynamic copay plan on your network Activate a new plan design with your existing network and claims engine. Real-time eligibility, bundled adjudication and one member bill enabled by Handl. Book a demoSee all products4 months Avg. time to go-live 150 Episode bundles 5 AHPs in market One Connected Platform ## Everything a dynamic copay plan needs in one pipeline Handl connects plan design, eligibility and adjudication so a new plan can go live on your existing network without member disruption. How it works ## From finalized design to a plan that runs ### Configure the plan Load your finalized design — tiers, copays, episode definitions — and Handl stands it up as a live, sellable plan configuration. No custom build. ### Connect your network Your new plan runs on the network you already contract and feeds your existing claims and adjudication platform. Providers verify tier and bundled price through the Handl portal or your existing 270/271 transaction. ### Go live and adjudicate Each episode resolves to a single member copay and a single bill. Members are steered to Tier 1 care at the point of referral, and your team monitors performance from day one. Member Experience ## A plan members actually know how to use Every dynamic copay plan comes with a customizable Member Navigation built in. Members see one copay price and their best-value care options at the moment they need care, not after the bill arrives. Explore Member Navigation Platform capabilities ## What does it take to build a dynamic copay plan? ### Episode adjudication engine Every episode of care resolves to one member copay and one bill, adjudicated on Handl’s episode logic and passed to your claims platform. - 150 episode bundles across chronic and procedural care, ready to adjudicate - Single bundled copay per episode, with back-end reconciliation across providers - Event-based adjudication that feeds your existing claims system [Image: Member Intelligence — episode adjudication and member copay view] ### Score and tier every provider Score every provider by episode, site of care, clinical quality, efficiency and cost into a Value Index, then rank them into tiers. - Value Index across clinical, efficiency and cost - Scored by episode and site of care - Every provider tiered, beyond the big systems - Builds on the claims and network data from your network evaluation [Image: Future spend with migration — preferred design applied] ### Provider connectivity Your tiers only create savings if they’re honored where care happens. Easily make tier and bundled prices visible to providers at the point of care. - Handl provider portal or your existing 270/271 eligibility transaction - Real-time tier and bundled-price verification - Works with your established provider directories [Image: National access overview] ### Runs on your network, feeds your systems Launch on the network you already contract, and keep pricing and underwriting with your actuaries. - No new provider contracts. Activate a plan on your existing network, including national/BlueCard access for out-of-area members - Structured inputs feed your actuarial and underwriting workflow; you own pricing - Integrates with your existing claims and adjudication platform [Image: National access overview — covered members and gaps by network] ### Built in navigation and monitoring A dynamic copay plan only works if members act on it, and you can prove the savings. Navigation and monitoring come connected out of the box. - Point-of-referral steerage to Tier 1 providers. Learn more - Continuous provider-cost monitoring and payment integrity. Learn more - Group and provider reporting for plan sponsors [Image: Claims repriced — monthly repricing with overpayments flagged and contract compliance] FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### Do we have to build a new network? No. You can activate a plan on the network you already contract, including national/BlueCard access for members who get care out of area. Tiering is applied on top of your existing network; you don’t renegotiate contracts to launch. ### Does this replace our claims platform or our actuaries? ### How does one copay work when an episode spans multiple providers? ### How fast can we go live? Start today ## Launch a dynamic copay plan in months Book a personalized demo and learn how Handl can activate your new plan. Book a demo --- ### [Member navigation for dynamic copay plans | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/products/member-navigation) Member Navigation # Guide members to high-value care Turn your plan design into member action, steering care to top-rated, cost-effective providers through an intuitive AI-enabled app Book a demoSee all products [Image: Provider facility card showing rating, procedure copay, and opening hours] How it works ## A better member experience ### Search for care Members use a traditional search or AI-enabled chat to find the care they need, by specialty, condition or procedure. ### See one upfront price They see exactly what’s included and one all-in price for the whole episode, including surgeon, facility, anesthesia, imaging and follow-up. ### Compare, then book They compare facilities on quality, see each price and book the highest-quality, lowest-cost option. Discover where higher quality means a lower copay. Platform capabilities ## Find high quality care ### Search once, see the price Members search in plain language for any procedure or specialty and see one all-in price for the whole episode, all before they book. - Plain-language search, not J or CPT codes - One all-in price per episode, shown up front - Ranked to the member’s plan, network and location [Image: Park General Radiology Associates — provider search with upfront price] ### Quality lowers the cost Higher-quality providers come with lower copays, so the best care is also the affordable, easy choice. - Providers ranked by quality and total cost - Higher quality, lower copay - Tier 1 by default, with incentives to match - Copay tiers set directly in Dynamic Copay Plans [Image: Dr. Mirolla, MD] Dr. Mirolla MD 4.9High-performance · Health Clinic (7.4 mi) Care Steerage 48% to Tier 1 ### One price, no surprises One upfront copay covers the whole episode — surgeon, facility, anesthesia, imaging and follow-up. The price is the price, every time. - One bundled copay per episode - No surprise bills, no stack of EOBs - In-app support and 360° cost-and-quality transparency - Savings tracked year-round in Network Monitoring SOC2 and CAA compliant [Image: Member Intelligence — episode adjudication and member copay view] Testimonials“We're finally connecting plan design to member action. The system does the heavy lifting, so our team can focus on outcomes, not workarounds. We always knew our program generated savings, but we didn't realize just how much.” Head of Product Regional Health Plan Start today ## See member navigation in action Book a personalized demo and see how Handl Health delivers results from day one. Book a demo --- ### [Health Plan Monitoring | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/products/monitor) Network Monitoring # Cover fiduciary risk and health plan compliance Benefits consultants and plan sponsors gain real-time visibility into payer and provider oversight Book a demoSee all productsReal-time Plan performance dashboards < 24 hrs Anomaly detection time 100% Continuous compliance coverage How it works ## Build a compliant health plan ### Connect your live plan data Handl ingests claims, eligibility and network data continuously via APIs. ### Set up continuous monitoring Run monthly diagnostics and compliance reports. ### Track, report and act Identify plan performance issues and review claims for payment accuracy. Platform capabilities ## Continuous plan monitoring ### Monthly repricing Continuous claims repricing with an API connection and established plan evaluation criteria will identify errors and trends. - Live ingestion of claims and plan documents - Anomalies are flagged for follow up - Plan sponsor and consultant dashboard views - Start with a baseline from your network evaluation [Image: Claims repriced — monthly repricing with overpayments flagged and contract compliance] ### Keep the savings from eroding Watch provider cost and plan performance year-round so the savings the plan created don't quietly erode, and every renewal starts with a full-year summary. - Provider-cost and utilization tracking - Full-year performance summary for renewals - Scenario modeling for next-year adjustments - Works in tandem with Member Navigation [Image: Plan performance — recoverable spend, out-of-network spend, and steerage metrics] ### Defend each decision Oversight has to be documented and every claim evaluated against four layers, with a quarterly defensible paper trail. - Every claim evaluated against the four layers - Quarterly fiduciary-defense documentation - CAA-ready compliance reporting [Image: National access overview — covered members and gaps by network] Testimonials“I can walk into a client meeting with confidence. Handl makes it easy to prove value and win trust with data that speaks for itself.” Head of Data Analytics National Brokerage, Atlanta, GA Start today ## See Network Monitoring in action Book a personalized demo and see how Handl Health delivers results from day one. Book a demo --- ### [Healthcare price and plan intelligence | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/solutions) Platform # Parallel intelligence to optimize employer health plans Handl supports the full lifecycle of self-funded plans: evaluate the network, design the benefit, activate an alternative plan, and monitor performance, with plan and member data at every step Book a demoPlan Option 1 LiveTotal projected cost $13.8M Save $1.2M annually (8%)Cost by service category Hospital$2.76MInpatient$4.85MOutpatient$6.17MBenchmark result $13.8M $1.2M identifiedSteerage opportunity $580k to Tier 1 providers 3x Faster benchmarking 2.5M+ Providers in the benchmark library $112M In network & benefit-design savings Plan and Member Intelligence ## The intelligence layer for health plans Handl combines rate comparisons, claims history and utilization signals to give brokers and plan sponsors continuous visibility into what a plan costs and where to make improvements. The challenges ## Built for the complexity of self-funded employers ### Benchmarking is hard Building defensible plan recommendations takes significant time. Handl delivers negotiated rate comparisons in minutes. ### Benefit design is guesswork Identifying higher-value providers, steering to lowest-cost facilities and optimizing employee copays requires data that's hard to access. ### Risk is constant Compliance and health plan fiduciary risk increases plan costs. Platform capabilities ## Integrated capabilities link plan and member data Network Analytics ### Benchmark intelligence across every market Are you on the right network? Benchmark network allowed amounts by plan, provider and service. Use a market basket of claims for approximations or claims files, census and provider utilization for a more detailed analysis. - Rate benchmarking by geography and specialty - Peer-group comparisons by employer size and industry - Exportable data and charts for client presentations Learn more [Image: Cost by service category] Benefit Design ### Design cost-efficient plans with provider tiering Model benefit design scenarios with actuarially-certified data; identify cost savings opportunities with provider tiering, focusing on improving outcomes while lowering costs. - Interactive plan modeler with live cost projections - Side-by-side scenario comparisons with member impact - Drill down into highest-utilized providers and procedures Learn more [Image: Steerage Opportunities] Dynamic Copay Plans ### Build a custom health plan on your preferred network Offer a variable copay plan with a member navigation experience to steer patients toward high-value providers. - Proactive care navigation - Variable copays - No member disruption Learn more [Image: Park General Radiology Associates] Plan Monitoring ### Savings found between plan renewals Assure CFOs they are meeting employer fiduciary duties by providing ongoing claims monitoring. - Payment integrity reviews - Continuous claims repricing - Plan performance monitoring Learn more [Image: Claims repriced — network monitoring overview] Testimonials“We were winning maybe 15% or 20% of the time on these really difficult cases because we're going up against big competition; we wanted to increase that by 5% or 10%. We had a 45% close rate when we used Handl. We won an $800,000 client, and there's a very good chance we would not have won it had we not used Handl.” National Practice Lead Employee Benefits, Top 20 Brokerage FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### Why should self-funded employers care about healthcare price transparency files? Most employers are surprised by the wide disparity in plan costs – by provider, specialty or geography. For self-funded employers, healthcare price transparency MRFs help answer the most fundamental question in benefits strategy: How cost effective are the unit prices my plan pays its network of providers? Handl's benchmark intelligence draws on negotiated rate data across thousands of plan and network combinations, giving employers, TPAs and benefits consultants the power to see if plans are over- or under-performing relative to peers of similar size and industry. ### How do you model the financial impact of a plan design change before it goes live? ### What is a variable copay plan and how does provider tiering reduce total cost of care? Start today ## Ready to see it all together? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Plan cost comparison and analytics | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/solutions/consultants) For Benefits Consultants # Uncover hidden healthcare insights to win new accounts Benefits consultants trust Handl Health to turn healthcare price transparency and plan intelligence into meaningful employee benefits strategies Book a demoPitching new business? See presale tools Provider comparison — Gastro Employer · projected spend Live Savings 48% ($179.8k)76% steeredBenchmark result $9.34M $663k identifiedRegional disruption 6,098 4 states < 4 Min. Average time to run a network evaluation 3x ROI on new business 150+ Plans in the benchmark library Plan and Member Intelligence ## From negotiated rates to real client savings Handl turns payer and provider negotiated rates into intelligent benchmarks, plan comparisons and new benefit designs that save your clients money. The challenges ## Plan transparency drives action ### Clients want cost visibility The status quo discount-based renewal model isn't reducing healthcare costs, but building a real-time pricing benchmark takes time you don't have. ### Employers are locked into payer networks Tier providers and optimize for site-of-care utilization to bring down costs without disrupting existing networks. ### Questions come after the renewal The plan you built in March drifts by October, and nobody notices until the renewal lands. Handl tracks costs through the year so you can fix the small things before they become the increase. Parallel Intelligence ## Bring the plan, not just the numbers Grow Your Book ### Clear rate comparisons for prospect presentations Pull market-rate benchmarks using a census file and market basket of claims in minutes. Walk into meetings with healthcare claims analytics that show what they should be paying. - Geography, provider and specialty-level rate comparisons - Export presentation-ready charts instantly - Blinded demos to share selected details Learn more [Image: Benchmark result — rate comparisons by service category] Win the Renewal ### Health benefit design optimization Show clients alternatives to their existing plans. Demonstrate cost savings through plan design comparison. Keep the same network, but find the savings. - Identify provider tiering opportunities - Compare self-funded plan designs - Analyze member disruption Learn more [Image: Provider comparison — Gastro] Cover Fiduciary Risk ### Advanced network monitoring Track plan performance year-round and offer adjustments that preserve quality of care for members across every market. - Out-of-network savings opportunities - Provider utilization tracking - Automated defensible paper trail Learn more [Image: Plan performance — network monitoring for benefits consultants] Differentiate with an AHP ### Activate a dynamic copay alternative health plan Variable copay plans are in demand. Provide an off-the-shelf AHP that delivers higher quality and lower cost options for employers and their members. - Tier providers by site, quality and cost of care - Offer $0 copays for Tier 1 providers - Steer members at the point of referral [Image: Member navigation — Knee arthroscopy] Testimonials“We researched multiple companies who were building similar tools, and we thought Handl was the best option. It's an important tool for our team to have to help support our clients and manage their healthcare spend.” Emily Young Employee Benefits Consultant, The Partners Group FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I benchmark my clients' health plan costs? Upload a census file, actual claims data or use Handl's market basket of claims information. The platform compares your client's network performance against millions of carrier and provider benchmarks with breakdowns by geography, specialty and plan type. You'll get a fiduciary-grade comparison you can share directly with a client or use to build a renewal recommendation. ### What is member disruption, and why does it matter during a renewal? ### How can I design a health plan that meets ERISA requirements and is able to demonstrate only reasonable plan member expenses? Start today ## See the difference data can make Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Network Evaluations for New-Business Producers | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/solutions/producers) For Producers # Show detailed plan savings before the RFP For benefits consultants focused on new business, run a market-rate comparison from nothing more than a list of zip codes and bring insight to the first conversation instead of a generic capabilities pitch Book a demo [Image: Handl Health rate comparison product showing market benchmarks by service category] < 4 Min. Time to first insight 150+ Plans in the benchmark library 384 Markets (MSAs) 3x ROI on new business Presale rate comparison ## Prospecting without data is a coin flip Rate comparisons and network benchmarking have historically required a signed engagement and a full census or claims file. Before you've signed an NDA, the deal is already decided. The challenges ## Bring insight to the first conversation ### You're pitching blind Every producer says the same thing in the first meeting. Without something concrete, the pitch is generic: process, service model, promises. The prospect has heard it before, from someone else, last quarter. ### The data you need comes too late RFP-stage analysis arrives after the prospect has already formed an opinion of who's serious. You need actionable pricing benchmarks before the prospect hands over their data. ### Capabilities pitches don't win The producers winning more often are the ones who show up to the first meeting with something specific to that employer before there's a signed agreement. Presale Analysis ## Zip code to benchmark in minutes Choose InputsRun ComparisonBring to MeetingStart with what you have ### Zip code or market basket inputs You don't need the prospect's actual claims data to run this. Benchmark provider and network pricing for the employer's locations without needing any of their data yet. - Input zip codes for the prospect's employee population - Use a market basket of claims as a utilization proxy - Compare pricing across networks, industry, and employer size [Image: Cost by service category] Market-rate intelligence ### Instant rate comparison Quick enough to run between scheduling the meeting and walking into it, thorough enough to hold up when the prospect starts asking follow-up questions. - Agnostic comparison across plans and providers - Objective view of the market, building credibility - See steerage opportunities and projected savings [Image: Benchmark result — rate comparisons by service category] Export and present ### Blinded, presentation-ready reports An exportable, presentation-ready comparison, blinded where appropriate so no prospect-identifying data is exposed before there's a signed relationship. - Export presentation-ready charts instantly - Show an employer what they're likely overpaying - Defend your recommendations with real numbers [Image: Claims repriced — network monitoring overview] Testimonials“We've been doing this for so long and we never imagined we'd be able to see this type of data. You would never get it. They would never tell you. It's insane.” Practice Leader, Regional Employee Benefits Firm FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need the prospect's claims data to run this? No — a zip code or a market basket of claims is enough to start. ### How fast can I get something before my meeting? ### Can I show this without exposing a prospect's identity before they've signed anything? ### Is this specific to one carrier or network? Start today ## Walk in with data that wins the relationship Book a personalized demo and see how fast you can run your first presale comparison. Book a demo --- ### [Build dynamic copay health plans | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/solutions/payersandTPAs) For Payers and TPAs # The platform to deliver alternative health plans Payers and TPAs use Handl to design, activate and monitor dynamic copay plans on the networks they already contract Book a demo4 months Avg. time to go-live 150 Episode bundles 5 AHPs in market Plan and Member Intelligence ## One connected dataset beneath every plan Handl normalizes negotiated rates, claims, provider quality, directory and episode data into a single modeling-ready layer. Your team designs and prices the plans. Handl maintains the layer beneath them. The challenges ## Alternative health plans are in demand ### Employers want AHPs now Clients are asking for competitive, affordable plans this cycle. Building one the traditional way takes years. Handl activates a plan in months and opens it to the benefits consultants in our network right away. ### Activation is complex and risky End-to-end design, adjudication and provider connectivity is a multi-year build. Handl provides the infrastructure purpose-built for it, so you are configuring rather than constructing. ### Undifferentiated plans lose at renewal When plans look the same as everyone else's, sponsors and brokers find other options. Handl's provider Value Index surfaces cost savings and steerage improvements that give them a reason to stay. Platform capabilities ## Next generation health plans start here Design the PlanActivate the PlanMonitor the PlanWin the RenewalPlan design ### Actuarially-certified copay modeling Score and tier every provider by episode, site of care, quality and cost. Model multiple copay scenarios side-by-side and prove the savings before anything goes live. - Tiered network selection using the provider Value Index - Member cost-share and savings per scenario - Select from modeled outcomes, not guesswork Learn more [Image: Impact snapshot comparing current and preferred plan design spend] Dynamic Copay Plans ### Member navigation with one bundled price Provide a simpler member experience for episodic care with a single copay and a single bill, surfaced by Handl from a connected dataset. - One bundled member price per episode - Episode-based 270/271 transactions through Handl's provider portal - Adjudication enablement with no re-platform Learn more [Image: Member navigation — Knee arthroscopy] Plan Monitoring ### Advanced plan monitoring Track plan performance year-round with continuous repricing, payment integrity review and reporting your sponsors understand. - Group & provider reporting - Continuous provider-cost monitoring - Point solutions savings validation Learn more [Image: Network monitoring] Plan modeling ### Evaluate total AHP cost savings Defend your plans before the renewal with actual claims analyzed and an all-in savings number you can confidently present. - Network discounts by tier - Utilization shifts by tier - Every provider scored and tiered Learn more [Image: Benchmark result — Acme Mfg] Testimonials“Handl has become central to how we evaluate and build alternative health plans as a third-party administrator. The platform allows us to evaluate costs, design networks and use that data in real time to guide members to higher-value care.” Sidhartha Sinha CEO, Avant Health FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### Do we have to build a new network? No. You can activate a plan on the network you already contract, including national and BlueCard access for members who get care out of area. Tiering is applied on top of your existing network. You do not renegotiate contracts to launch. ### Does this replace our claims platform or our actuaries? ### How do we use data to build dynamic copay plans that steer members to high-value providers? ### Can Handl help carriers and TPAs connect alternative health plans to member navigation tools? ### Can carriers and TPAs use Handl's healthcare price transparency insights to support contracting? ### How does Handl support 270/271 eligibility transactions? ### How does Handl support encounter-based adjudication workflows? Start today ## Build an alternative health plan that delivers savings Book a personalized demo and put a new plan in motion. Book a demo --- ### [Employer health plan intelligence | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/solutions/employers) For Employers # Take control of your healthcare spend Most employers make health plan decisions based on data controlled by carriers. Handl’s independent diagnostic ensures employers have the intelligence to optimize employee benefit spend. Book a demo$112M In network & plan-design savings 22% Average savings on shoppable procedures 53% Adoption of top-rated providers Plan and Member Intelligence ## Price transparency data improves plan outcomes Handl turns publicly available healthcare pricing data into actuarial-grade benchmarks, benefit design recommendations and quarterly plan analytics your team can act on immediately. The challenges ## Contain health plan costs without removing benefits ### Healthcare costs keep rising Facing double-digit healthcare price increases, CFOs and HR leaders are faced with cutting benefits to keep costs within budget. ### Good information is hard to access Benefits are a significant line item with no visibility to the actual costs of care. Optimizing deductibles, out-of-pocket limits and benefit structures requires hard-to-access actuarial data. ### Employees can’t find high-value care Patients go to certain doctors for a variety of reasons, and cost isn’t the deciding factor. Employer Plan Diagnostic ## Built to optimize your spend Independently Verified Data ### See actual carrier and provider rates View actuarial grade network diagnostics using this year’s data — independent of your carrier. - Rate benchmarking by geography and specialty - Peer-group comparisons by employer size and industry - Out-of-network cost estimator Learn more [Image: National access overview — network coverage comparison] Actuarial Support ### Benefit design support Identify plan misalignment, then create an optimized benefit structure. - Identify provider tiering opportunities - Compare self-funded benefit designs - Analyze employee disruption - Give employees the information they need to make smart care decisions Learn more [Image: Per-market access overview — drive-time compliance by market and specialty] Quarterly Plan Analytics ### Monitor claims over time Easily set up plan monitoring, auditing redundancies and waste before they feed into next year's renewal. - Track plan design changes to monitor care steerage results - Stop cost drift before your next renewal increase - Evaluate claims against benefit design, adjudication policy and negotiated rates Learn more [Image: Plan performance — network monitoring for benefits consultants] FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### I already have a broker. Why do I need to work with Handl Health? Handl partners with you and your broker. Many mid-market brokers are slammed with other priorities and don't have actuaries or engineers on staff to build publicly available healthcare data into something useful for their clients. Handl is here to help those brokers drive more value for employers and their broker partners by better arming them for renewal negotiations while providing new plan design recommendations. ### Will Handl help us avoid cutting benefits during renewal? ### What does the actuarial network diagnostic actually tell us at renewal time? ### How does Handl's data help us meet our fiduciary duty, specifically? Start today ## See the difference data can make Connect with our consultants to see how to reduce plan costs while improving benefits. Book a demo --- ### [Contact | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/contact-us) Contact # Get in touch Tell us how Handl Health can help your business Not sure where to start? Explore our products and solutions or learn about our team. Leave this field emptyFirst name *Last name *Work email *Company *Phone (optional)What is this regarding? *Select an optionComments (optional)* By submitting this form, you agree to Handl Health's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Submit --- ### [Book a Demo | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/schedule-a-demo) Book a demo # See Handl Health in action Book a personalized walkthrough and see how parallel intelligence helps you benchmark faster and design better health plans 123Your details ## Your contact details So we know who to reach out to. Leave this field emptyFirst name *Last name *Work email *Company *Company TypeSelect company typePhoneContinue What to expect ## Here's what to expect We keep demos short, focused and relevant to your specific situation ### A tailored walkthrough We'll demo the modules most relevant to your role and talk about your specific needs. ### Meet your solutions team You'll connect directly with a sales lead who understands your specific challenges. ### A clear next step We follow up quickly with a recap, relevant resources and a proposed path forward. --- ### [Blog | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/blog) Blog # Stay up to date on all things Handl Health [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Featured ## CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes Ria Shah breaks down the finalized Transparency in Coverage updates, from network-level pricing files and new context to timelines and employer next steps. [Image: Ria Shah] Ria Shah October 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Featured ## The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now Evan Anderson shares insights from Relentless Health Value on network discounts, payment integrity and practical steps employers can take to improve health plans. [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan Anderson September 30, 2026 [Image: New guide: How confident are you in your healthcare pricing data?] Featured ## New guide: How confident are you in your healthcare pricing data? A new Handl Health guide examines why published healthcare rates need context before they can support real decisions. HHHandl Health September 1, 2026 ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign up [Image: What rugby taught me about year four of a startup] Company News ### What rugby taught me about year four of a startup [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushSeptember 21, 2026 [Image: The question I could never answer as a broker] Price Transparency ### The question I could never answer as a broker [Image: Justin Cross] Justin CrossSeptember 10, 2026 [Image: Ahmed Marmoush joins "Claims Denied" to discuss the death of cost shifting] Media ### Ahmed Marmoush joins "Claims Denied" to discuss the death of cost shifting HHHandl HealthSeptember 7, 2026 [Image: New guide: How confident are you in your healthcare pricing data?] Price Transparency ### New guide: How confident are you in your healthcare pricing data? HHHandl HealthSeptember 1, 2026 [Image: Transparency in Coverage Data: Know Your Precise Numbers and Take Control of This Year's Renewal] Webinars ### Transparency in Coverage Data: Know Your Precise Numbers and Take Control of This Year's Renewal HHHandl HealthAugust 24, 2026 [Image: Ria Shah joins BUILDERS to discuss finding the right buyer] Media ### Ria Shah joins BUILDERS to discuss finding the right buyer HHHandl HealthAugust 24, 2026 [Image: The next step for consumer price transparency] Price Transparency ### The next step for consumer price transparency [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushAugust 21, 2026 [Image: Putting the teacher hat back on] Leadership ### Putting the teacher hat back on [Image: Justin Cross] Justin CrossAugust 11, 2026 [Image: Handl Health adds Justin Cross as SVP of employer solutions] Company News ### Handl Health adds Justin Cross as SVP of employer solutions HHHandl HealthAugust 11, 2026Showing 1–12 of 49 posts 12345Next Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Plan diagnostic for benefits brokers | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/solutions/consultants/plan-diagnostic) Plan diagnostic for brokers # Know their numbers before the meeting Get a one-time, independent health plan pricing diagnostic. Send us the ZIP codes, and walk into your prospect or renewal conversation with market-rate evidence. Request a diagnostic What you need to start - ZIP codes or marketsRequired - Census fileNot needed - Claims dataNot needed - Platform subscriptionNot needed Data that makes a difference ## Show up with pricing intelligence, not carrier discounts Your advantage comes from showing plan pricing that they didn't know was possible. Prospect ### Earn the first real conversation Show a prospect where their markets sit on price before you ask for a census or claims file. Lead with something specific to them instead of a capabilities deck. Renewal ### Know the market before the increase lands Walk into renewal already understanding provider pricing in your client's markets, so your response is grounded in independent data rather than the carrier's framing alone. How it works ## From insights to outcomes Smarter network decisions come from credible & independent insights - 01 ### Tell us the markets Share the ZIP codes or markets where the employer's people live and work. - 02 ### Handl runs the comparison We compare pricing in those markets against independent market rates. - 03 ### Bring evidence to the room Use the findings in your prospect meeting or renewal conversation. The offer ## An independent network evaluation to guide next steps The diagnostic is built for brokers who want evidence now and the option to go deeper later. Request a diagnostic - ### ZIP codes to start A list of markets is enough to begin - ### Regional provider disruption Map disruption hotspots down to the state and city - ### Projected annual cost across networks A market-rate comparison that sits alongside your carrier relationships - ### Care steerage impact snapshot See current vs. optimized spend with steerage applied Why it matters ## Your clients expect you to know the market Pricing has long been hard to see without a signed engagement and a full data file. The diagnostic gives you an independent reference point first, so your recommendations rest on more than one source. - Independent market-rate comparison - Prospect or renewal - One-time diagnostic Request a diagnostic FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### What does the health plan network diagnostic tell us? Historically, health plan rates are negotiated based on claims experience and relationship leverage. Handl gives you a negotiation brief, showing exactly what your carrier pays and what competitors pay for the same services in your market. This current-year pricing data gives employers a view of the real negotiating power you can offer. ### How does Handl's data help employers meet their fiduciary duty? ### Do I need the employer's claims data or census? ### Do I have to access the Handl platform to get a diagnostic? ### Can I use it for a prospect or for an existing client? Request a diagnostic ## Walk in with something specific Tell us who you are and, if you have them, the markets you're working in. Our team will follow up to scope your diagnostic. - One-time diagnostic, no ongoing fee - No census or claims data required - No platform purchase or subscription Leave this field emptyFirst name *Last name *Work email *Firm *This is for (optional)New prospectClient renewalNot sure yetZIP codes or markets (optional)No census or claims data needed. You can share markets later if you prefer. * By submitting this form, you agree to Handl Health's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Request a diagnostic --- ### [Press & Media | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/press-and-media) Press & Media # Newsroom Explore the latest news, articles and podcasts about Handl Health ## Latest News PodcastRelentless Health Value · September 30, 2026EP531: Slaying the three-headed monster of health plan networks, with Evan Anderson ListenWebinarHandl Health · September 9, 2026Transparency in Coverage data: Know your precise numbers and take control of this year's renewal Watch webinarPodcastHospitalogy · September 7, 2026Handl Health and the Death of Cost Shifting with Ahmed Marmoush ListenPodcastBUILDERS · August 24, 2026Finding the buyer who was already on the hook | Ria Shah ListenNewsEverywhere Ventures · August 19, 2026Founders Everywhere: Ria Shah Read articleNewsPR Newswire · August 11, 2026Handl Health adds Justin Cross as SVP of employer solutions Read articlePodcastBenefitsAlly · June 29, 2026Parallel intelligence for self-funded health plans ListenNewsHealthcare Brew · June 25, 2026How cutting deals with employers saves health systems money Read articleNewsThe Self-Insurer · May 8, 2026Consequences of delayed care Read articlePodcastAligned for Impact · April 17, 2026How one founder is reimagining health plans from the ground up ListenNewsWall Street Journal · March 3, 2026WSJ Pro venture capital newsletter Read articleNewsHIT Consultant · February 27, 2026Handl Health raises $14.2M to optimize employer-sponsored health plans Read articleNewsdot.LA · February 27, 2026Los Angeles tech news Read articleNewsInsurance Nerds · February 26, 2026InsurTech Handl Health raises $14M Read articleNewsLos Angeles Times · February 26, 2026Handl Health secures $14M Series A to transform the healthcare intelligence space Read articleNewsAxios Pro Deals · February 24, 2026Exclusive: Handl Health raises $14.2M for health plan AI Read articleNewsThe Rough Notes Company · January 30, 2026Harnessing AI to parse billions of data points and deliver fast, accurate pricing Read articlePodcastLeader's Edge · July 22, 2025From pharmacy to AI healthcare startup ListenNewsKATU 2 ABC · March 27, 2025Oregon lawmakers advocate for bill requiring hospitals to provide costs up front Read articleNewsNBC News · March 12, 2025Hospitals keep dodging price transparency rules, leading Trump to take action — again Read articleNewsFierce Healthcare · May 1, 2024Price transparency is here to stay Read articleNewsModern Healthcare · April 26, 2024Top digital health funding Read articleNewsFierce Healthcare · April 26, 2024Fierce Healthcare fundraising tracker Read articleNewsPR Newswire · April 24, 2024Handl Health secures $2.5M in seed funding to drive innovation for the employer-sponsored benefits ecosystem Read articleNewsBrokerTech Ventures · March 27, 2024BrokerTech Ventures announces 2024 accelerator cohort Read articlePodcastSelf-Funded with Spencer · January 31, 2023How price transparency will make healthcare shopping easier Listen ## Media inquiries Curious about what we do? Explore our products and solutions or learn about our team. Leave this field emptyFirst name *Last name *Email *Publication or outlet *Phone (optional)Your inquiry (optional)Submit --- ### [Privacy Policy | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/data-privacy-policy) Legal # Privacy Policy Effective Date: June 1, 2024 Acknowledgement BY PROVIDING INFORMATION TO US OR BY USING THE SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE WITH THIS PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY PART OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY, THEN PLEASE DO NOT USE THE SERVICES. US Data Processing Notice PLEASE BE AWARE THAT HANDL AND ALL ASSOCIATED SERVICES AND SYSTEMS ARE HOUSED ON SERVERS IN THE UNITED STATES. If you are located outside of the United States, information we collect (including cookies) are processed and stored in the United States, which may not offer the same level of privacy protection as the country where you reside or are a citizen. By using the Services and providing information to us, you consent to the transfer to and processing of the information in the United States. ## Introduction Handl Health, INC. ("Handl Health," "Handl," "we," "us," or "our") values the privacy of our business clients and partners ("users," "you," or "your"). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you engage with our website at www.handlhealth.com and our business-to-business (B2B) services (collectively the "Services"). We are committed to protecting the confidentiality and security of your business-related data. Please review this policy carefully. ## 1. Information We Collect - Company Information: Company name, business address, industry sector, and corporate contact details. - Professional Information: Contact information of individuals within your organization, including names, job titles, email addresses, and phone numbers. - Transactional Data: Information related to business transactions, contracts, purchase orders, invoices, and payments. - Communication Data: Records of communications between your organization and Handl Health, including emails, phone calls, and other correspondence. - Technical Data: Information about your organization's use of our services, such as login details, IP addresses, device information, and system logs. - Client Data: Data about your clients or customers, including their names, contact information, purchasing history, preferences, and interactions with the organization. ## 2. Cookies We may use cookies and similar tracking technologies. For full details on the cookies we use and how to control them, see our Cookie Policy. You can also manage cookies via your browser settings — for guidance, visit the help pages for Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari. ## 3. How We Use Your Information - To provide and manage our Services - To develop and enhance our products and Services - To send business-related communications, marketing, updates, and promotional materials - To analyze business data and improve our Services - To respond to law enforcement requests and as required by applicable law - To comply with legal obligations - As may be otherwise specified at the time of collection, with your consent ## 4. Sharing Business Information We may share information with corporate subsidiaries, affiliates, and third-party service providers acting on our behalf, including advisors, customer support, hosting, analytics, email delivery, marketing, and database management providers. We may also share information for compliance purposes, or in connection with a corporate transaction such as a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy. ## 5. Updates to This Privacy Policy We may periodically update this Privacy Policy. Material changes will be posted on the website or communicated directly to you. Your continued use of the Services after any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy. ## 6. Contact Us Get in touch Email: support@handlhealth.com Address: Handl Health, INC., 10000 Washington Blvd., #6-112, Culver City, CA 90232 --- ### [Cookie Policy | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/cookie-policy) Legal # Cookie Policy Effective Date: June 1, 2024 This Cookie Policy explains how Handl Health, INC. ("Handl Health," "Handl," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at www.handlhealth.com and use our business-to-business (B2B) services (collectively, the "Services"). It should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle your information more broadly. ## 1. What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, and to provide reporting information. Cookies may be "session" cookies, which are deleted when you close your browser, or "persistent" cookies, which remain until they expire or you delete them. ## 2. Types of Cookies We Use - Strictly necessary cookies: Required for the website to function — for example, to maintain secure sessions and remember your preferences. These cannot be switched off in our systems. - Performance & analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with the Services by collecting information anonymously, so we can measure and improve performance. - Functional cookies: Enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your choices and settings. - Targeting & marketing cookies: May be set through our site by us or our advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. ## 3. How We Use Cookies - To keep the Services secure and operating reliably - To remember your settings and preferences - To analyze usage and improve our products and Services - To measure the effectiveness of our communications and marketing ## 4. Third-Party Cookies Some cookies are placed by third parties that provide services to us, such as analytics and marketing providers. These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect information about your use of the Services. We do not control these third-party cookies, and their use is governed by the privacy policies of the third parties providing them. ## 5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences You can control and manage cookies in several ways. Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies through their settings. Please note that removing or blocking cookies may affect your experience and some parts of the Services may no longer work as intended. For guidance, visit the help pages for Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari. ## 6. Do Not Track Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting that signals websites you visit that you do not want to be tracked. Because there is not yet a common industry standard for how to respond to DNT signals, our Services do not currently respond to them. We will continue to monitor developments in this area. ## 7. Updates to This Cookie Policy We may periodically update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of the Services after any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy. ## 8. Contact Us Get in touch Email: support@handlhealth.com Address: Handl Health, INC., 10000 Washington Blvd., #6-112, Culver City, CA 90232 --- ### [/terms-conditions](https://handlhealth.com/terms-conditions) Legal # Iris Terms & Conditions Last updated: July 24, 2024 These Iris terms and conditions (the “Terms”) are a legal agreement entered into by and between you (“Customer”) and Handl Health, Inc., a Delaware corporation with offices located at 10000 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (“Handl”). Customer and Handl are referred to herein each as a “Party” and collectively the “Parties.” WHEREAS, Customer desires to access the software-as-a-service offering as further described on Handl’s website located at: https://www.handlhealth.com/products/network-analytics (hereinafter, “Iris”), and Handl desires to provide Customer access to Iris, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in these Terms. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms, and conditions set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: ## 1. Definitions Capitalized terms used throughout these terms and conditions shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the relevant sections. “Access Credentials” means any user name, identification number, password, license or security key, security token, PIN, or other security code, method, technology, or device, used alone or in combination, to verify an individual’s identity and authorization to access and use Iris. “Action” means any claim, action, cause of action, demand, lawsuit, arbitration, inquiry, audit, notice of violation, proceeding, litigation, citation, summons, subpoena, or investigation of any nature, civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory, or other, whether at law, in equity, or otherwise. “Affiliate” of a Person means any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. The term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the direct or indirect power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise/ownership of more than 50% of the voting securities of a Person. “Authorized Users” means Customer’s employees, consultants, contractors, and agents (a) who are authorized by Customer to access and use Iris under the rights granted to Customer pursuant to these Terms; and (b) for whom access to Iris has been purchased hereunder. “Customer Data” means information, data, and other content, in any form or medium, that is collected, downloaded, or otherwise received, directly or indirectly, from Customer or an Authorized User by or through Iris. For the avoidance of doubt, Customer Data does not include Resultant Data or any other information reflecting the access or use of Iris by or on behalf of Customer or any Authorized User. “Documentation” means any manuals, instructions, or other documents or materials that Handl provides or makes available to Customer in any form or medium and which describe the functionality, components, features, or requirements of Iris or Handl Materials, including any aspect of the installation, configuration, integration, operation, use, support, or maintenance thereof. “Handl Materials” means Iris, the Specifications, Documentation, and Handl Systems and any and all other information, data, documents, materials, works, and other content, devices, methods, processes, hardware, software, and other technologies and inventions, including any deliverables, technical or functional descriptions, requirements, plans, or reports, that are provided or used by Handl or any Subcontractor in connection with Iris or otherwise comprise or relate to Iris or Handl Systems. For the avoidance of doubt, Handl Materials include Resultant Data and any information, data, or other content derived from Handl’s monitoring of Customer’s access to or use of Iris, but does not include Customer Data. “Handl Personnel” means all individuals involved in the performance of Iris as employees, agents, or independent contractors of Handl or any Subcontractor. “Handl Systems” means the information technology infrastructure used by or on behalf of Handl in performing Iris, including all computers, software, hardware, databases, electronic systems (including database management systems), and networks, whether operated directly by Handl or through the use of third-party services. “Harmful Code” means any software, hardware, or other technology, device, or means, including any virus, worm, malware, or other malicious computer code, the purpose or effect of which is to (a) permit unauthorized access to, or to destroy, disrupt, disable, distort, or otherwise harm or impede in any manner any (i) computer, software, firmware, hardware, system, or network; or (ii) any application or function of any of the foregoing or the security, integrity, confidentiality, or use of any data Processed thereby; or (b) prevent Customer or any Authorized User from accessing or using Iris or the Handl Systems as intended by these Terms. “Intellectual Property Rights” means any and all registered and unregistered rights granted, applied for, or otherwise now or hereafter in existence under or related to any patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, database protection, or other intellectual property rights laws, and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection, in any part of the world. “Law” means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, constitution, treaty, common law, judgment, decree, or other requirement of any federal, state, local, or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or any arbitrator, court, or tribunal of competent jurisdiction. “Losses” means any and all losses, damages, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and the costs of enforcing any right to indemnification hereunder and the cost of pursuing any insurance provider. “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability entity, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity. “Process” means to take any action or perform any operation or set of operations that Iris is capable of taking or performing on any data, information, or other content, including to collect, receive, input, upload, download, record, reproduce, store, organize, compile, combine, log, catalog, cross-reference, manage, maintain, copy, adapt, alter, translate, or make other derivative works or improvements, process, retrieve, output, consult, use, perform, display, disseminate, transmit, submit, post, transfer, disclose, or otherwise provide or make available, or block, erase, or destroy. “Processing” and “Processed” have correlative meanings. “Sales Order” means that certain sales order executed by the Parties that sets forth the key commercial terms and conditions relating to Customer’s access to Iris including, without limitation, the number of Authorized Users, Term, Fees, notice information and service level support (if applicable). “Resultant Data” means data and information (i) uploaded by Customer to Iris, or (ii) related to Customer’s use of Iris, that is solely used by Handl in an aggregate and anonymized manner, including, without limitation, to compile statistical and performance information related to the provision and operation of Iris and to be used as part of Iris’ database. “Specifications” means the specifications for Iris, as may be provided to Customer. “Third-Party Materials” means materials and information, in any form or medium, including any open-source or other software, documents, data, content, specifications, products, equipment, or components of or relating to Iris that are not proprietary to Handl. ## 2. Services 2.1. Access and Use. Subject to and conditioned on Customer’s and its Authorized Users’ compliance with these Terms, Handl hereby grants Customer a revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable right to access and use Iris during the Term, solely for use by Customer and its Authorized Users in accordance with these Terms. Such use is limited to Customer’s internal business purposes. If Customer purchases an enterprise account, as set forth on the applicable Sales Order, Handl shall provide Customer with Access Credentials within a reasonable time following Customer’s execution of the applicable Sales Order. The total number of Authorized Users will not exceed the number set forth in the applicable Sales Order, except as expressly agreed to in writing by Handl and subject to any appropriate adjustment of the Fees payable under the applicable Sales Order. 2.2. Documentation License and Handl Materials. Handl hereby grants to Customer a revocable, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-transferable license to use the Documentation during the Term solely for Customer’s internal business purposes in connection with its use of Iris. Except as otherwise expressly provided in these Terms, as between the Parties, Handl has and will retain sole control over the operation, provision, maintenance, and management of the Handl Materials. 2.3. Reservation of Rights. Nothing in these Terms grants any right, title, or interest in or to (including any license under) any Intellectual Property Rights in or relating to, Iris, the Handl Materials, or Third-Party Materials, whether expressly, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise. All right, title, and interest in and to Iris, the Handl Materials, and the Third-Party Materials are and will remain with Handl and the respective rights holders in the Third-Party Materials. 2.4. Changes. Handl reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to make any changes to Iris and the Handl Materials, including any changes that it deems necessary or useful to: (a) maintain or enhance: (i) the quality or delivery of Handl’s services to its customers; (ii) the competitive strength of or market for Handl’s services; or (iii) Iris’ cost efficiency or performance; or (b) to comply with applicable Law. 2.5. Suspension or Termination of Iris. Handl may, directly or indirectly, and by any lawful means, suspend, terminate, or otherwise deny Customer’s, any Authorized User’s, or any other Person’s access to or use of all or any part of Iris or the Handl Materials, without incurring any resulting obligation or liability, if: (a) Handl receives a judicial or other governmental demand or order, subpoena, or law enforcement request that expressly or by reasonable implication requires Handl to do so; or (b) Handl believes, in its sole discretion, that: (i) Customer or any Authorized User has failed to comply with any term of these Terms, or accessed or used Iris beyond the scope of the rights granted or for a purpose not authorized under these Terms or in any manner that does not comply with any instruction or requirement of the Specifications; (ii) Customer or any Authorized User is, has been, or is likely to be involved in any fraudulent, misleading, or unlawful activities; or (iii) these Terms expire or are terminated. This Section does not limit any of Handl’s other rights or remedies, whether at law, in equity, or under these Terms. ## 3. Use Restrictions Customer shall not, and shall not permit any other Person or Authorized User to, access or use Iris, the Documentation or the Handl Materials except as expressly permitted by these Terms and, in the case of Third-Party Materials, the applicable third-party license agreement. For purposes of clarity and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Customer shall not, except as these Terms expressly permits (a) copy, modify, or create derivative works or improvements of Iris, the Documentation or the Handl Materials; (b) rent, lease, lend, sell, sublicense, assign, distribute, publish, transfer, or otherwise make available Iris, the Documentation or the Handl Materials to any Person, including on or in connection with the internet or any time-sharing, service bureau, software as a service, cloud, or other technology or service; (c) reverse engineer, disassemble, decompile, decode, adapt, or otherwise attempt to derive or gain access to the source code of Iris or the Handl Materials, in whole or in part; (c) bypass or breach any security device or protection used by Iris or the Handl Materials or access or use Iris or Handl Materials other than by an Authorized User through the use of their own then valid Access Credentials; (d) input, upload, transmit, or otherwise provide to or through Iris or the Handl Systems, any information or materials that are unlawful or injurious, or contain, transmit, or activate any Harmful Code; (e) damage, destroy, disrupt, disable, impair, interfere with, or otherwise impede or harm in any manner Iris, the Handl Systems, or Handl’s provision of services to any third party, in whole or in part; (f) remove, delete, alter, or obscure any trademarks, Specifications, Documentation, warranties, or disclaimers, or any copyright, trademark, patent, or other intellectual property or proprietary rights notices from Iris or the Handl Materials, including any copy thereof; (g) access or use Iris or the Handl Materials in any manner or for any purpose that infringes, misappropriates, or otherwise violates any Intellectual Property Right or other right of any third party (including by any unauthorized access to, misappropriation, use, alteration, destruction, or disclosure of the data of any other Handl customer), or that violates any applicable Law; (h) access or use Iris, the Documentation or the Handl Materials for purposes of competitive analysis of Iris or the Handl Materials, the development, provision, or use of a competing software service or product or any other purpose that is to Handl’s detriment or commercial disadvantage; (i) access or use Iris or the Handl Materials in, or in association with, the design, construction, maintenance, or operation of any hazardous environments, systems, or applications, any safety response systems or other safety-critical applications, or any other use or application in which the use or failure of Iris could lead to personal injury or severe physical or property damage; or (j) otherwise access or use Iris or the Handl Materials beyond the scope of the authorization granted under these Terms. ## 4. Customer Obligations Customer will comply with all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations, including but not limited to all applicable data privacy and protection laws (such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and any other applicable regional data protection laws. Customer agrees to provide all necessary notices and obtain all requisite consents as required by any applicable data privacy and protection laws and to assist Handl with its own compliance with such laws. Customer will promptly notify Handl in the event of a failure to comply with any aspects of these requirements. Customer shall at all times during the Term provide all cooperation and assistance as Handl may reasonably request to enable Handl to exercise its rights and perform its obligations under and in connection with these Terms. Handl is not responsible or liable for any delay or failure of performance caused in whole or in part by Customer’s delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of its obligations under these Terms (each, a “Customer Failure”). If Customer becomes aware of any actual or threatened activity prohibited by Section 3, Customer shall, and shall cause its Authorized Users to, immediately: (a) take all reasonable and lawful measures within their respective control that are necessary to stop the activity or threatened activity and to mitigate its effects (including, where applicable, by discontinuing and preventing any unauthorized access to Iris and the Handl Materials and permanently erasing from their systems and destroying any data to which any of them have gained unauthorized access); and (b) notify Handl of any such actual or threatened activity. To access Iris or some of the resources it offers, Customer may be asked to provide certain registration details or other information. It is a condition of Customer’s use of Iris that all the information you provide in connection with Customer’s account is correct, current, and complete. Customer agrees that all information Customer provides to register for Iris, is governed by Handl’s Privacy Policy and Customer’s consent to all actions we take with respect to Customer’s information consistent with Handl’s Privacy Policy. If Customer chooses, or is provided with, a username, password, or any other piece of information as part of Handl’s security procedures, Customer must treat such information as confidential, and Customer must not disclose it to any other person or entity. Customer also acknowledges that Customer’s account is personal to Customer and agrees not to provide any other person with access to Iris or portions of it using Customer’s username, password, or other security information. Customer agrees to notify Handl immediately of any unauthorized access to or use of Customer’s username or password or any other breach of security. Customer also agrees to ensure that Customer exits from its account at the end of each session. Customer will use particular caution when accessing its count from a public or shared computer so that others are not able to view or record Customer’s password or other personal information. Handl has the right to disable any username, password, or other identifier, whether chosen by Customer or provided by Handl, at any time in Handl’s sole discretion for any or no reason, including if, in Handl’s opinion, Customer has violated any provision of these Terms. ## 5. Security and Data Use 5.1. Information Security. Handl will employ security measures in accordance with Handl’s data privacy and security policy located in Exhibit B. 5.2. Data Breach Procedures. Handl maintains a data breach plan in accordance with the criteria set forth in its data privacy and security policy and shall implement the procedures required under such data breach plan on the occurrence of a data breach (as defined in such plan). 5.3. Customer Control and Responsibility. Customer has and will retain sole responsibility for: (a) all Customer Data, including its content and use; (b) all information, instructions, and materials provided by or on behalf of Customer or any Authorized User in connection with Iris; (c) Customer’s information technology infrastructure, including computers, software, databases, electronic systems (including database management systems), and networks, whether operated directly by Customer or through the use of third-party services (“Customer Systems”); (d) the security and use of Customer’s and its Authorized Users’ Access Credentials; and (e) all access to and use of Iris and the Handl Materials directly or indirectly by or through the Customer Systems or its Authorized Users’ Access Credentials, with or without Customer’s knowledge or consent, including all results obtained from, and all conclusions, decisions, and actions based on, such access or use. 5.4. Access and Security. Customer shall employ all physical, administrative, and technical controls, screening, and security procedures and other safeguards necessary to: (a) securely administer the distribution and use of all Access Credentials and protect against any unauthorized access to or use of Iris; and (b) control the content and use of Customer Data, including the uploading or other provision of Customer Data for Processing by Iris. 5.5. HIPAA Data Use Agreement. Customer shall not disclose to Handl any protected health information (“PHI”) as defined by 45 C.F.R. 160.103 unless such PHI is in the form of a limited data set as defined under 45 C.F.R. 164.514(e)(2) (“Limited Data Set”) for the purpose of Customer’s health care operations in connection with the applicable Sales Order (the “Purpose”). Handl may use and disclose the Limited Data Set only to carry out the Purpose, as permitted by this Agreement, or as otherwise required by law. Handl shall not use or further disclose the Limited Data Set in a manner that would violate the requirements of Subpart E of 45 C.F.R. Part 164, if done by Customer. Handl agrees to make the Limited Data Set available only to its employees and authorized agents or subcontractors on a need-to-know basis. Further, Handl will (a) use appropriate safeguards to prevent use or disclosure of the Limited Data Set other than as provided for by this Agreement; (b) report to Customer any use or disclosure of the Limited Data Set not provided for by this Agreement of which Handl becomes aware; (c) ensure that any agents to whom Handl provides the Limited Data Set agree to the same restrictions and conditions that apply to Handl with respect to the Limited Data Set; and (d) not identify the information or contact the individuals who are the subject of the Limited Data Set. Customer agrees that Handl may de-identify the Limited Data Set in accordance with 45 C.F.R. 164.514(b). To the extent that Customer inadvertently discloses PHI to Handl that is not limited to the Limited Data Set, Handl agrees that it will promptly notify Customer upon discovery of the error and return or destroy such PHI in accordance with Customer’s reasonable instructions. To the extent Handl requires access to PHI that cannot be limited to limited data set in furtherance of an applicable Sales Order, the Parties acknowledge and agree that, prior to providing or receiving such access, they will enter into any additional agreements as may be required by law to protect the confidentiality and security of such PHI, including a business associate agreement, as applicable. The Parties agree to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations concerning the privacy and confidentiality of PHI. ## 6. Fees and Payment 6.1. Fees, Fee Increases and Taxes. Customer shall pay Handl the fees as set forth in the applicable Sales Order (“Fees”) in accordance with this Section. Handl may increase Fees by providing at least sixty (60) days’ written notice to Customer. All Fees and other amounts payable by Customer under these Terms are exclusive of taxes and similar assessments. Without limiting the foregoing, Customer is responsible for all sales, use, and excise taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties, and charges of any kind imposed by any federal, state, or local governmental or regulatory authority on any amounts payable by Customer hereunder, other than any taxes imposed on Handl’s income. 6.2. Payment and Late Payment. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Sales Order, Customer shall pay all Fees and all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Handl in connection with providing Iris (“Reimbursable Expenses”) on the first of every month, due within five (5) business days thereof. Customer shall make all payments hereunder in US dollars by automated clearing house or credit card; provided, that, if Customer pays by credit card Customer is responsible for any merchant or transaction fees associated with use thereof. Customer shall make payments to the address or account specified on the Sales Order or such other address or account as Handl may specify in writing from time to time. If Customer fails to make any payment when due then, in addition to all other remedies that may be available Handl may charge interest on the past due amount at the rate of 1.5% per month calculated daily and compounded monthly or, if lower, the highest rate permitted under applicable Law. Customer shall reimburse Handl for all costs incurred by Handl in collecting any late payments or interest, including attorneys’ fees, court costs, and collection agency fees; and if such failure continues for ten (10) days following written notice thereof, Handl may suspend Customer’s access to Iris until all past due amounts and interest thereon have been paid, without incurring any obligation or liability to Customer or any other Person by reason of such suspension. 6.3. No Deductions or Setoffs. All amounts payable to Handl under these Terms shall be paid by Customer to Handl in full without any setoff, recoupment, counterclaim, deduction, debit, or withholding for any reason any deduction or withholding of tax as may be required by applicable Law. ## 7. Confidentiality 7.1. Confidential Information. In connection with these Terms each Party (as the “Disclosing Party”) may disclose or make available certain confidential or proprietary information, or other information that a reasonable person under the circumstances would understand is confidential, whether or not marked confidential (collectively, “Confidential Information”) to the other Party (as the “Receiving Party”). Handl Materials and the financial terms and existence of these Terms are the Confidential Information of Handl. Confidential Information does not include information that the Receiving Party can demonstrate by written or other documentary records: (a) was rightfully known to the Receiving Party without restriction on use or disclosure prior to such information’s being disclosed or made available to the Receiving Party in connection with these Terms; (b) was or becomes generally known by the public other than by the Receiving Party’s or any of its representatives’ noncompliance with these Terms; (c) was or is received by the Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from a third party that was not or is not, at the time of such receipt, under any obligation to maintain its confidentiality; or (d) was or is independently developed by the Receiving Party without reference to or use of any Confidential Information. 7.2. Protection of Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall (i) not access or use Confidential Information other than as necessary to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under and in accordance with these Terms; (ii) not disclose or permit access to Confidential Information other than to its representatives or other personnel who need to know such Confidential Information and who are bound by confidentiality restrictions at least as stringent as those set forth in this Section; (iii) safeguard the Confidential Information from unauthorized use, access, or disclosure using at least the degree of care it uses to protect its most sensitive information and in no event less than a reasonable degree of care; (iv) promptly notify the Disclosing Party of any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information and take all reasonable steps to prevent further unauthorized use or disclosure; (v) ensure its representatives’ and other personnel’s compliance with, and be responsible and liable for any of its representatives’ and other personnel’s non-compliance with, the terms of this Section; and (vi) return, or at the request of Disclosing Party, destroy all Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information in its possession. Receiving Party’s obligations under this Section shall continue during the Term and for five years thereafter; provided, that, with respect to any Confidential Information that constitutes a trade secret under any applicable Law will continue until such time, if ever, as such Confidential Information ceases to qualify for trade secret protection under one or more such applicable Laws other than as a result of any act or omission of the Receiving Party or any of its representatives. 7.3. Compelled Disclosures. If the Receiving Party or any of its representatives is compelled by applicable Law to disclose any Confidential Information then, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Receiving Party shall promptly, and prior to such disclosure, (a) notify the Disclosing Party in writing of such requirement so that the Disclosing Party can seek a protective order or other remedy or waive its rights under this Section; and (b) provide reasonable assistance to the Disclosing Party, at the Disclosing Party’s sole cost and expense, in opposing such disclosure or seeking a protective order or other limitations on disclosure. ## 8. Intellectual Property Rights 8.1. Handl Materials. All right, title, and interest in and to the Handl Materials, including all Intellectual Property Rights therein, are and will remain with Handl and, with respect to Third-Party Materials, the applicable third-party provider owns all right, title, and interest, including all Intellectual Property Rights, in and to the Third-Party Materials. Customer has no right, license, or authorization with respect to any of the Handl Materials except as expressly set forth in Section 2.2 or the applicable third-party license, in each case subject to Section 3. All other rights in and to the Handl Materials are expressly reserved by Handl. In furtherance of the foregoing, Customer hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to Handl an assignment of all right, title, and interest in and to the Resultant Data, including all Intellectual Property Rights relating thereto. 8.2. Customer Data. As between Customer and Handl, Customer is and will remain the sole and exclusive owner of all right, title, and interest in and to all Customer Data, including all Intellectual Property Rights relating thereto, subject to the rights and permissions granted herein. Customer hereby irrevocably grants all such rights and permissions in or relating to Customer Data as are necessary or useful to Handl, its Subcontractors, and the Handl Personnel to (i) enforce these Terms, (ii) perform its obligations and (iii) exercise its rights. ## 9. Representations and Warranties 9.1. Customer Representations, Warranties, and Covenants. Customer represents, warrants, and covenants to Handl that Customer owns or otherwise has and will have the necessary rights and consents in and relating to the Customer Data so that, as received by Handl and Processed in accordance with these Terms, they do not and will not infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate any Intellectual Property Rights, or any privacy or other rights of any third party or violate any applicable Law. 9.2. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. IRIS AND THE HANDL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS.” HANDL SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND ALL WARRANTIES ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALING, USAGE, OR TRADE PRACTICE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, HANDL MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND THAT IRIS OR THE HANDL MATERIALS, OR ANY PRODUCTS OR RESULTS OF THE USE THEREOF, WILL MEET CUSTOMER’S OR ANY OTHER PERSON’S REQUIREMENTS, OPERATE WITHOUT INTERRUPTION, ACHIEVE ANY INTENDED RESULT, BE COMPATIBLE OR WORK WITH ANY SOFTWARE, SYSTEM, OR OTHER SERVICES, OR BE SECURE, ACCURATE, COMPLETE, FREE OF HARMFUL CODE, OR ERROR FREE. ALL THIRD-PARTY MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF OR CONCERNING ANY THIRD-PARTY MATERIALS IS STRICTLY BETWEEN CUSTOMER AND THE THIRD-PARTY OWNER OR DISTRIBUTOR OF THE THIRD-PARTY MATERIALS. ## 10. Indemnification 10.1. Handl Indemnification. Handl shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Customer and its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns (each, a “Customer Indemnitee”) from and against any and all Losses incurred by a Customer Indemnitee resulting from any Action by a third party that Customer’s or an Authorized User’s use of Iris (excluding Customer Data and Third-Party Materials) in accordance with these Terms (including the Specifications) infringes or misappropriates such third party’s US Intellectual Property Rights. The foregoing obligation does not apply to the extent that the alleged infringement arises from: (a) Third-Party Materials or Customer Data; (b) access to or use of the Handl Materials in combination with any hardware, system, software, network, or other materials or service not provided by Handl or specified for Customer’s use in the Documentation, unless otherwise expressly permitted by Handl in writing; (c) modification of the Handl Materials other than: (i) by or on behalf of Handl; or (ii) with Handl’s written approval in accordance with Handl’s written specification; (d) failure to timely implement any modifications, upgrades, replacements, or enhancements made available to Customer by or on behalf of Handl; or (e) act, omission, or other matter described in Section 10.2, whether or not the same results in any Action against or Losses by any Handl Indemnitee. THIS SECTION 10.1 SETS FORTH CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDIES AND HANDL’S SOLE LIABILITY AND OBLIGATION FOR ANY ACTUAL, THREATENED, OR ALLEGED CLAIMS THAT IRIS AND THE HANDL MATERIALS OR ANY SUBJECT MATTER OF THESE TERMS INFRINGES, MISAPPROPRIATES, OR OTHERWISE VIOLATES ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY. 10.2. Customer Indemnification. Customer shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Handl and its Subcontractors and Affiliates, and each of its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns (each, a “Handl Indemnitee”) from and against any and all Losses incurred by such Handl Indemnitee resulting from any Action by a third party to the extent that such Losses arise out of or result from: (a) Customer Data, including any Processing of Customer Data by or on behalf of Handl in accordance with these Terms; (b) any other materials or information (including any documents, data, specifications, software, content, or technology) provided by or on behalf of Customer or any Authorized User, including Handl’s compliance with any specifications or directions provided by or on behalf of Customer or any Authorized User; (c) Customer’s breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants, or obligations under these Terms; or (d) negligence or more culpable act or omission (including recklessness or willful misconduct) by Customer, any Authorized User, or any third party on behalf of Customer or any Authorized User, in connection with these Terms. ## 11. Limitations of Liability IN NO EVENT WILL HANDL OR ANY OF ITS LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, OR SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE TO CUSTOMER UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE TERMS OR ITS SUBJECT MATTER UNDER ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY, INCLUDING BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, AND OTHERWISE, FOR ANY: (a) LOSS OF PRODUCTION, USE, BUSINESS, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR DIMINUTION IN VALUE; (b) IMPAIRMENT, INABILITY TO USE OR LOSS, INTERRUPTION, OR DELAY OF IRIS; (c) LOSS, DAMAGE, CORRUPTION, OR RECOVERY OF CUSTOMER DATA, OR BREACH OF CUSTOMER DATA OR SYSTEM SECURITY; (d) COST OF REPLACEMENT GOODS OR SERVICES; (e) LOSS OF GOODWILL OR REPUTATION; OR (f) CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, ENHANCED, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH PERSONS WERE ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES OR DAMAGES OR SUCH LOSSES OR DAMAGES WERE OTHERWISE FORESEEABLE, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF HANDL AND ITS LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND SUPPLIERS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS, WHETHER ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY, EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAID TO HANDL UNDER THESE TERMS IN THE 12 MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM. THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS APPLY EVEN IF ANY REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. ## 12. Term and Termination 12.1. Term. The initial term of these Terms commences as of the execution of the Sales Order and, unless terminated earlier under these Terms, will continue in effect for the period set forth in the applicable Sales Order (the “Initial Term”). The Sales Order and these Terms will automatically renew for additional successive one year terms unless earlier terminated hereunder or either Party gives the other Party written notice of non-renewal at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term (each a “Renewal Term” and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”). 12.2. Termination. In addition to any other express termination right set forth elsewhere in these Terms: (a) Handl may terminate these Terms, effective on written notice to Customer, if Customer fails to pay any amount when due hereunder; and (b) either Party may terminate these Terms, effective on written notice to the other Party, if the other Party breaches these Terms, and such breach: (i) is incapable of cure; or (ii) being capable of cure, remains uncured 30 days after the non-breaching Party provides the breaching Party with written notice of such breach. 12.3. Effect of Termination or Expiration. Upon any expiration or termination of these Terms, except as expressly otherwise provided in these Terms: (a) all rights, licenses, consents, and authorizations granted by either Party to the other hereunder will immediately terminate; (b) Handl may disable all Customer and Authorized User access to the Handl Materials; (c) if Customer terminates these Terms for cause, Customer will be relieved of any obligation to pay any Fees attributable to the period after the effective date of such termination; and (d) if Handl terminates these Terms for cause, all Fees that would have become payable had these Terms remained in effect until expiration of the Term will become immediately due and payable, and Customer shall pay such Fees, together with all previously accrued but not yet paid Fees and Reimbursable Expenses, on receipt of Handl’s invoice therefor. ## 13. Miscellaneous 13.1. Surviving Terms. The provisions set forth in the following sections, and any other right or obligation of the Parties in these Terms that, by its nature, should survive termination or expiration of these Terms, will survive any expiration or termination of these Terms, including Section 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13. 13.2. Further Assurances. On a Party’s reasonable request, the other Party shall, at the requesting Party’s sole cost and expense, execute and deliver all such documents and instruments, and take all such further actions, as may be necessary to give full effect to these Terms. 13.3. Relationship of the Parties. The relationship between the Parties is that of independent contractors. Nothing contained in these Terms shall be construed as creating any agency, partnership, joint venture, or other form of joint enterprise, employment, or fiduciary relationship between the Parties, and neither Party shall have authority to contract for or bind the other Party in any manner whatsoever. 13.4. Public Announcements. Neither Party shall issue or release any announcement, statement, press release, or other publicity or marketing materials relating to these Terms or, unless expressly permitted under these Terms, otherwise use the other Party’s trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos, domain names, or other indicia of source, association, or sponsorship, in each case, without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided, however, that Handl may, without Customer’s consent, include Customer’s name and other indicia in its lists of Handl’s current or former customers of Handl in promotional and marketing materials. 13.5. Notices. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in these Terms, any notice, request, consent, claim, demand, waiver, or other communications under these Terms have legal effect only if in writing and addressed to a Party to the address set forth in the applicable Sales Order (or to such other address or such other person that such Party may designate from time to time in accordance with this Section). Notices sent in accordance with this Section will be deemed effectively given: (a) when received, if delivered by hand, with signed confirmation of receipt; (b) when received, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier, signature required; (c) when sent, if by facsimile or email, (in each case, with confirmation of transmission), if sent during the addressee’s normal business hours, and on the next business day, if sent after the addressee’s normal business hours; and (d) on the third day after the date mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. 13.6. Entire Agreement. These Terms, together with any other documents incorporated herein by reference, constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter of these Terms and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between the statements made in the body of these Terms and the applicable Sales Order, the Sales Order shall govern. For the avoidance of doubt, any additional or different provisions contained in or referred to in Customer’s quotation, order acceptance or acknowledgement, correspondence or any other communication are deemed rejected by Handl and will not modify the Sales Order or these Terms. 13.7. Assignment; Subcontractors. Customer shall not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights, or delegate or otherwise transfer any of its obligations or performance under these Terms, in each case whether voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law, or otherwise, without Handl’s prior written consent. Any purported assignment, delegation, or transfer in violation of this Section is null and void. These Terms are binding upon and inures to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Handl may from time to time in its discretion engage third parties to perform services in connection with these Terms (each, a “Subcontractor”). 13.8. Force Majeure. In no event will Handl be liable or responsible to Customer, or be deemed to have defaulted under or breached these Terms, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of these Terms, when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by any circumstances beyond Handl’s reasonable control (a “Force Majeure Event”), including (i) acts of God; (ii) flood, fire, earthquake, or explosion; (iii) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest; (iv) government order, law, or actions; (v) embargoes or blockades in effect on or after the date of these Terms; (vi) national or regional emergency; (vii) strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns, or other industrial disturbances; and (viii) shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities. Either Party may terminate these Terms if a Force Majeure Event continues substantially uninterrupted for a period of 90 days or more. In the event of any failure or delay caused by a Force Majeure Event, Handl shall give prompt written notice to Customer stating the period of time the occurrence is expected to continue and use commercially reasonable efforts to end the failure or delay and minimize the effects of such Force Majeure Event. 13.9. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. These Terms are for the sole benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit, or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of these Terms. 13.10. Modification; Waiver. Handl may modify these Terms at any time in its sole discretion. No waiver by any Party of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the Party so waiving. Except as otherwise set forth in these Terms, no failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any rights, remedy, power, or privilege arising from these Terms will operate or be construed as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege. 13.11. Severability. If any term or provision of these Terms is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of these Terms or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify these Terms so as to affect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. 13.12. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision. Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or related to these Terms or the licenses granted hereunder will be instituted exclusively in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of Delaware in each case located in Delaware, and each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action, or proceeding. Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any legal action arising out of or relating to these Terms or the transactions contemplated hereby. 13.13. Equitable Relief. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that a breach such Party of any of its obligations under Section 7 or, in the case of Customer, Section 3 or Section 4 would cause the other Party irreparable harm for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy and that, in the event of such breach or threatened breach, the other Party will be entitled to equitable relief, including a restraining order, an injunction, specific performance, and any other relief that may be available from any court, without any requirement to post a bond or other security, or to prove actual damages or that monetary damages are not an adequate remedy. Such remedies are not exclusive and are in addition to all other remedies that may be available at law, in equity, or otherwise. 13.14. Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any action, suit, or other legal or administrative proceeding is instituted or commenced by either Party against the other Party arising out of or related to these Terms, the prevailing Party is entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs from the non-prevailing Party. --- ### [/handlhealth-cixapp-terms-and-conditions](https://handlhealth.com/handlhealth-cixapp-terms-and-conditions) Legal # Cix Health Terms & Conditions Last updated: August 30, 2024 Important Notice YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE USING THE CIX HEALTH SERVICES. BY CREATING AN ACCOUNT AND USING THE SERVICES, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO BE BOUND BY AND ARE BECOMING A PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, DO NOT LOG ON OR USE THE CIX HEALTH APPLICATION. By continuing to use the Services, You agree as follows: - Any information that We collect through Your use of the Services is subject to the Cix Health Privacy Policy, which is part of these Terms of Use. - Your data may be shared with Third-Party Service Providers as necessary in accordance with applicable federal consumer protection laws and data protection, privacy and sector-specific regulations. - You are at least 18 years old or have been legally emancipated. - You understand and intend that this Agreement is a legally binding agreement and the equivalent of a signed, written contract. - If You create a profile for a third party for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, You represent and warrant that you have permission from such person to input and share their Personal Data within the App and with other third parties. - You will use the Services in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations and these Terms of Use, as they may be amended by Cix Health from time to time. - You understand, accept, and have received these Terms, and acknowledge and demonstrate that You can access these Terms at will HERE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH AND ACCEPT THESE TERMS, DO NOT LOG INTO THE APP AND IMMEDIATELY DELETE ALL FILES, IF ANY, ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCOMPANYING SERVICES AND MATERIALS FROM YOUR COMPUTER OR MOBILE DEVICE. Arbitration Notice EXCEPT IF YOU OPT-OUT AND EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF DISPUTES DESCRIBED IN THE ARBITRATION SECTION BELOW, YOU AGREE THAT DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND CIX HEALTH WILL BE RESOLVED BY BINDING, INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION. BY CONTINUING TO USE THE APPLICATION, AND UNLESS YOU OPT-OUT, YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION. YOU CAN OPT-OUT OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BY CONTACTING INFO@CIXHEALTH.COM WITHIN 30 DAYS OF ACCEPTING THESE TERMS. ## Terms of Use VERSION VALID AS OF JULY 2019. Thank You for choosing Cix Health to help You manage You and/or someone else's health! Please note, these Terms of Use (the "Terms") constitute a binding agreement between You ("You" or "Your") and Cix Health, LLC ("Cix Health", "We", "Us", "Our"). These Terms govern Your use of the Cix Health website, located at https://cixhealth.com/ (the "Website"), and/or the Cix Health application (the "Application" or "App") and the services available through the Website and App (collectively, the "Services"). By using or continuing to use the Services, You indicate that You have read, understand, and agree to these Terms and the Cix Health Privacy Policy. All capitalized terms not defined in these Terms are defined in the Privacy Policy. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS AGREEMENT OR DO NOT AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS, YOU MAY NOT USE THE SERVICES. ## Section 1 — What is Cix Health? The Cix Health Services allow You to track and manage Your and/or someone else's health by creating individual, personal health profiles where You can upload and store health data, forms, and prescriptions, coordinate with caregivers, family members, and treatment providers, and set reminders for appointments and medications (the "Cix Health Services"). You may access and use the Cix Health Services only in accordance with these Terms, and You agree to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including any other policies incorporated into these Terms, such as the Cix Health Privacy Policy. Cix Health partners with third-party service providers to enable and power the Cix Health Services. Third-Party Service Providers may have access to, process, or store certain data as necessary to perform their functions in compliance with applicable laws and agreements. By using the Cix app, You agree and consent to the sharing of your data which may include as necessary Your Protected Health Information ("PHI") that you provide in the app with authorized Third-Party Service Providers only as necessary to perform their functions in compliance with applicable federal consumer protection laws and privacy regulations. Cix partners with Third-Party Service Provider Handl Health, Inc. ("Handl") to offer a provider directory search and cost estimation capability for appointments and services or procedures which allows You to find the care you need and understand the estimated cost. We are NOT a medical record We do not share the information you share with us with your healthcare provider and your healthcare provider does not share information with us. The information you share with us should not be used to make medical decisions or shared with a healthcare provider for treatment purposes. We do NOT provide medical advice Cix Health provides the Services only to help You track and manage the information You share with us. THE SERVICES DO NOT CONTAIN OR CONSTITUTE, AND SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS, MEDICAL ADVICE OR OPINION. If You require medical advice or services, You should consult a medical professional. If at any time You are concerned about Your care or treatment, or You believe that You or someone else has a serious or life-threatening condition, call 9-1-1 immediately in areas where that service is available, or go to the nearest open clinic or emergency room. ## Section 2 — Who Is Eligible to Use the Services? By registering for an account and using the Services, You represent and warrant: - That You are at least 18 years old and are otherwise legally qualified to enter into and form contracts under applicable law. - Your registration data is true, accurate, current, and complete. - You will update Your registration data as needed to maintain its accuracy. - You are authorized to create an account (either for Yourself or another person). - By using the Services, You represent and warrant that You have legal authority to share Your health data and other Personal Information with Cix Health. In addition, if You create a profile for a third party for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, You represent and warrant that you have permission from such person to input and share their Personal Data within the App and with other third parties. Our use of the information You provide to Cix Health via the Services is subject to the Privacy Policy in effect at the time we use it. - You are not located in a country that is subject to a U.S. Government embargo or that is designated by the U.S. Government as a "terrorist supporting" country, and You are not listed on any U.S. Government list of prohibited or restricted parties. NOTE: THIS AGREEMENT IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. DO NOT USE THE SERVICES WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ## Section 3 — How Will Cix Health Tell Me If They Change These Terms? With the exception of the Arbitration Agreement included at the end of these Terms, Cix Health reserves the right to change or modify these Terms at any time without prior notice to You. If we materially change or modify these Terms, we will let You know by (1) posting a new version to the Services; and/or (2) posting a change notice on our Website and/or Application. If You continue to use the Services after we have let You know that we have made changes, You agree to be bound by the modified Terms. If You do not accept the changes, You should immediately stop using the Services and delete all files associated with the Services on Your computer and/or mobile device. ## Section 4 — Who Owns the Cix Health Services? Cix Health owns the Services and all materials You access through the App or Website. Subject to Your compliance with these Terms, Cix Health grants You a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, revocable, non-transferable license to use the Services through the Website or by downloading and installing the Application. THE SERVICES ARE FOR YOUR PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. You own Your Personal Data and any other content You post on or through the Services. For us to provide You with the Services, You grant to Cix Health a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sublicensable, worldwide license to use Your content for the purpose of providing the Services. You also agree to allow Cix Health to de-identify and anonymize Your content, including without limitation, Your personal health information in accordance with the Privacy Policy. ## Section 5 — What Am I Not Allowed to Do With the Services? While using the Website, App, or Services, You shall not: - Provide false, misleading or inaccurate information to Cix Health or any other user. - Impersonate, or otherwise misrepresent affiliation, connection or association with, any person or entity. - Use or attempt to use any engine, software, tool, agent, or other device or mechanism to harvest or otherwise collect information from the Website for any use. - Access content or data not intended for You, or log onto a server or account that You are not authorized to access. - Violate any applicable law or regulation. - Attempt to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of the Services or breach security or authentication measures without proper authorization. - Interfere or attempt to interfere with the use of the Website, the App or the Services by any other user, host or network. - Post or transmit any unsolicited advertising, promotional materials, "junk mail," "spam," or "chain letters." - Avoid, bypass, remove, deactivate, impair, or otherwise circumvent any technological measure implemented to protect the Services. - Attempt to modify, reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble or otherwise reduce to a human-perceivable form any of the source code used by Cix Health. - Encourage or enable any other individual to do any of the above. ## Section 6 — Who Protects My Login Information? You will choose a username and password when you register for the Application. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of Your password. You may not use the account, username, or password of any other user at any time. You agree to notify Cix Health immediately of any unauthorized use of Your account, username, and/or password. CIX HEALTH WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS THAT YOU INCUR AS A RESULT OF SOMEONE ELSE USING YOUR PASSWORD, EITHER WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE. ## Section 7 — How Does Cix Health Protect My Privacy? Protecting Your privacy is very important to Us. Please review the Cix Health Privacy Policy, which is hereby incorporated into these Terms by reference and is part of this Agreement. ## Section 10 — Computer Equipment and Internet Access You are responsible for obtaining, installing, maintaining and operating all software, hardware or other equipment (collectively, "Systems") necessary for You to access and use the Services. This includes, without limitation, obtaining internet services, using up to date web-browsers and the best commercially available encryption, antivirus, anti-spyware, and internet security software. THERE ARE ALWAYS CERTAIN SECURITY AND ACCESS AVAILABILITY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH USING OPEN NETWORKS SUCH AS THE INTERNET, AND YOU EXPRESSLY ASSUME SUCH RISKS. ## Section 11 — How Do I Opt-Out of Receiving Emails From Cix Health? In providing the Services, You may receive periodic email communications regarding the Services, new product offers and information regarding the Services, which are part of the Services and which You cannot opt out of receiving. You may also receive periodic promotions and other offers or materials Cix Health believes might be of interest to You. You can opt-out of receiving these promotional messages at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions contained in each newsletter. ## Section 12 — Links to Outside Third-Party Websites & Services The Services may contain links to third-party websites or services that we do not own or control ("Third-Party Websites"). Cix Health does not have control over, and we assume no responsibility for, the content and performance of Third-Party Websites. ACCORDINGLY, CIX HEALTH DOES NOT REPRESENT, WARRANT OR ENDORSE ANY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITE, OR THE ACCURACY, CURRENCY, CONTENT, FITNESS, LAWFULNESS OR QUALITY OF THE INFORMATION, MATERIAL, GOODS OR SERVICES AVAILABLE THROUGH THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES. ## Section 13 — Your Representations and Warranties You represent and warrant that Your use of the Services will be in accordance with these Terms and all applicable laws, regulations, rules, and Cix Health policies and procedures. Specifically, YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU ARE LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO SHARE PERSONAL DATA (WHETHER YOURS OR SOMEONE ELSE'S) WITH CIX HEALTH. ## Section 14 — Warranty Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability NO WARRANTIES THE WEBSITE, APP, AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. CIX HEALTH EXPLICITLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, QUIET ENJOYMENT OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND ANY WARRANTIES ARISING OUT OF COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY THAT THE SERVICES OR MATERIALS WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR BE AVAILABLE ON AN UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE BASIS. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR LOSS OR DAMAGE YOU AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE, APP, AND SERVICES IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. YOU WILL NOT HOLD CIX HEALTH OR ITS THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS, LICENSORS OR SUPPLIERS, AS APPLICABLE, RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT RESULTS FROM YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF THE SERVICES. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY NEITHER CIX HEALTH, NOR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING THE SERVICES OR MATERIALS WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR LOSS OF GOODWILL, SERVICE INTERRUPTION, COMPUTER DAMAGE OR SYSTEM FAILURE OR THE COST OF SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE WEBSITE, APP, OR SERVICES, YOU SHOULD DISCONTINUE USING THEM — THIS IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. CIX HEALTH'S LIABILITY IS LIMITED AND WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUDED TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BUT SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED $100.00. YOU MUST BRING ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM THE USAGE OF THE SERVICES OR MATERIALS WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR OF THE EVENT FROM WHICH THE CLAIM AROSE. ## Section 15 — Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Cix Health, its clients, and its suppliers and their respective affiliates, employees, officers, directors, agents, servants and representatives from any liability, loss, claim, suit, damage, and expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) arising out of or in any way connected with Your access to or use of the Website, App, or Services, Your violation of this Agreement, or any negligent or wrongful conduct by You or related to Your account. ## Section 16 — Governing Law These Terms are governed by the laws of the state of Delaware without regard to its conflict of laws principles. The courts of the State of Delaware have jurisdiction over any action arising under these Terms or Your use of the Services. ## Section 17 — How and When Can My Account Be Terminated? If You breach any of these Terms, we may suspend or disable Your account or terminate Your access to the Website, App, or Services without prior notice to You. If You wish to terminate Your account, please contact Cix Health at support@cixhealth.com to immediately discontinue Your use of the Services. ## Section 18 — How Do I Provide Feedback and Who Owns It? We welcome and encourage You to provide us with feedback, comments, and suggestions for improvements to the Website, App, or Services ("Feedback"). You may submit Feedback by emailing us at info@cixhealth.com. If You submit any Feedback to us, we will own all intellectual property rights in such Feedback and may use such Feedback for any lawful purpose. ## Section 19 — Notices All notices required or permitted to be given under these Terms must be in writing. Cix Health shall give any notice by email sent to the most recent email address You have provided. You shall give any notice to Cix Health by means of: (1) U.S. mail, postage prepaid, to Cix Health, LLC, 11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 360, Fairfax, Virginia 22030; or (2) email to info@cixhealth.com. ## Section 20 — General Contract Language If any provision of these Terms is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of these Terms remain in full force, provided that the essential terms and conditions remain valid, binding and enforceable. Nothing in these Terms creates an agency, partnership, or joint venture. Failure to enforce any provision will not constitute a waiver of that provision. ## Section 22 — Dispute Resolution PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY AS IT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS. Most user concerns can be resolved quickly and to Your satisfaction by emailing Cix Health support at support@cixhealth.com. In the unlikely event that our support team is unable to resolve a complaint You may have, You and Cix Health agree to resolve the dispute through binding arbitration in the Commonwealth of Virginia before a single arbitrator, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Any arbitration under these Terms will take place on an individual basis; class arbitrations and class actions are not permitted. Any arbitration will be strictly confidential. ## Section 23 — How Do I Contact Cix Health? Contact Cix Health Email: info@cixhealth.com Support: support@cixhealth.com Address: Cix Health, LLC, 11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 360, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 --- ### [Health Tech Careers | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/careers) Careers # Help us reduce the cost of health insurance Handl Health makes it possible for every employer to offer affordable, personalized healthcare designed around the unique needs of their people 0 Open roles Remote-first Work from anywhere in the US Series A $14M raised in 2025 Our culture ## What we believe in We're helping create employer-sponsored health insurance that delivers the right care, at the right time, at a price working families can afford. ### Traits we hire for ### Humane Healthcare is personal. AI can't replace the connection, warmth or community that scaled health businesses are built on. ### Honest Data speaks. No bias to justify business growth. We tell each other the truth and surface problems early. ### Driven We work in healthcare because we believe it can be better. The problems we solve affect real people. ### Skillful We're a small team doing what larger ones haven't. We would rather build than buy, rather ship than plan to perfection. ### Resilient Startups are hard. Healthcare is hard. Setbacks are data points, not failure. We adjust and keep moving. ### Accountable Every person at Handl owns a piece of the company. If you see it, you own it. [Image: Handl Health team collaborating in a working session] [Image: The Handl Health team together on a rooftop at dusk overlooking the coast] [Image: Handl Health team members at a team dinner] Benefits ## We take care of our team Company equity Generous health benefits 401(k) matching Flexible paid vacation and leave policies Remote team with in-person gatherings (Culver City, CA) Open positions ## Join the team We'd love to hear from you. Browse our open roles or reach out directly. See open rolesEmail us --- ### [Leadership and mission | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/about-us) About Us # Transforming employer-sponsored health plans Companies use Handl Health to design, analyze and optimize health plans through healthcare pricing data and AI-powered insights Contact us Who we are ## Parallel intelligence to build better health plans We give health plans, brokers and plan sponsors the data to understand what healthcare really costs; the infrastructure to design and deploy plans that improve outcomes and reduce waste; and the tools to prove it all works. Our missionHandl Health exists to help every employer offer affordable, personalized healthcare designed around the unique needs of their people. Our integrated health plan platform delivers the right care, at the right time, at a price working families can afford. AMAhmed Marmoush Co-founder & CEO RSRia Shah Co-founder & CPO Our team ## Meet the team Frustrated with working and living in a broken system, Ahmed and Ria founded Handl Health in 2022 after being awarded a grant from the National Institute of Health. [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] ### Ahmed Marmoush Co-founder & CEO Read full bio [Image: Ria Shah] ### Ria Shah Co-founder & Chief Product Officer Read full bio [Image: Scott Geye] ### Scott Geye Chief Technology Officer Read full bio [Image: Molly Loftus] ### Molly Loftus Chief Actuary Read full bio [Image: Justin Cross] ### Justin Cross SVP, Employer Solutions Read full bio [Image: Shapari Samimi] ### Shapari Samimi Senior Sales Director Read full bio [Image: Evan Anderson] ### Evan Anderson Senior Director, Business Development & Operations Read full bio [Image: Alison Raphael] ### Alison Raphael VP, Marketing Read full bio [Image: Handl Health team members together on a rooftop overlooking the coast] [Image: A Handl Health team member presenting a session on healthcare price transparency legislation] [Image: The Handl Health team together at a company offsite] We're hiring! ## Join us in fixing healthcare transparency See open roles Start today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Blog — Page 2 | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/blog/page/2) Blog # Stay up to date on all things Handl Health ## Latest posts [Image: Supporting the full promise of healthcare price transparency] Price Transparency ### Supporting the full promise of healthcare price transparency [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahAugust 5, 2026 [Image: Can AI reduce costs and improve patient care?] Leadership ### Can AI reduce costs and improve patient care? [Image: Scott Geye] Scott GeyeAugust 4, 2026 [Image: Healthcare market reform starts with education] Leadership ### Healthcare market reform starts with education [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari SamimiJuly 1, 2026Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign up [Image: How Handl delivers parallel intelligence for self-funded health plans] Company News ### How Handl delivers parallel intelligence for self-funded health plans [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari SamimiJuly 1, 2026 [Image: Healthcare cost intelligence tools are useless without strong customer support] Leadership ### Healthcare cost intelligence tools are useless without strong customer support HHHandl HealthJune 18, 2026 [Image: Will MRF law compliance lead to healthcare cost containment and lower employer spend?] Price Transparency ### Will MRF law compliance lead to healthcare cost containment and lower employer spend? HHHandl HealthJune 17, 2026 [Image: Healthcare price transparency needs usable data, not just compliance] Price Transparency ### Healthcare price transparency needs usable data, not just compliance [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushJune 16, 2026 [Image: Atlanta hospital price comparison shows wide medical fee disparity] Data ### Atlanta hospital price comparison shows wide medical fee disparity HHHandl HealthJune 10, 2026 [Image: Broker discussions prove demand growing for custom alternative health plan designs] Leadership ### Broker discussions prove demand growing for custom alternative health plan designs [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari SamimiJune 9, 2026 [Image: Can we responsibly use AI in health tech?] Leadership ### Can we responsibly use AI in health tech? [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushMay 15, 2026 [Image: MRF data quality varies widely in healthcare price transparency] Price Transparency ### MRF data quality varies widely in healthcare price transparency [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahMay 13, 2026 [Image: Why is self-funded healthcare plan network evaluation important?] Data ### Why is self-funded healthcare plan network evaluation important? HHHandl HealthMay 6, 2026Showing 13–24 of 49 posts Previous12345Next Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Blog — Page 3 | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/blog/page/3) Blog # Stay up to date on all things Handl Health ## Latest posts [Image: How does healthcare pricing data move the industry forward?] Company News ### How does healthcare pricing data move the industry forward? HHHandl HealthApril 28, 2026 [Image: Handl Health CEO is reimagining the future of health plans] Press ### Handl Health CEO is reimagining the future of health plans HHHandl HealthApril 22, 2026 [Image: Healthcare pricing MRFs are the foundation of predictive intelligence] Data ### Healthcare pricing MRFs are the foundation of predictive intelligence HHHandl HealthApril 16, 2026Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign up [Image: Handl Health CEO talks employer-funded healthcare, non-traditional plans and how to bend the insurance cost curve] Press ### Handl Health CEO talks employer-funded healthcare, non-traditional plans and how to bend the insurance cost curve HHHandl HealthApril 14, 2026 [Image: Why does Handl Health exist?] Leadership ### Why does Handl Health exist? HHHandl HealthApril 2, 2026 [Image: Handl Health provides carriers, TPAs with end-to-end platform to create alternative health plans] Company News ### Handl Health provides carriers, TPAs with end-to-end platform to create alternative health plans HHHandl HealthMarch 30, 2026 [Image: Handl Health completes SOC 2 security audit] Company News ### Handl Health completes SOC 2 security audit HHHandl HealthMarch 9, 2026 [Image: How can brokers prepare for healthcare plan renewal season?] Data ### How can brokers prepare for healthcare plan renewal season? [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari SamimiMarch 5, 2026 [Image: When are machine-readable Rx files coming?] Leadership ### When are machine-readable Rx files coming? [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahMarch 2, 2026 [Image: Handl Health secures $14M Series A to reform healthcare access and affordability in the United States] Company News ### Handl Health secures $14M Series A to reform healthcare access and affordability in the United States HHHandl HealthFebruary 23, 2026 [Image: Where’d that $800 medical insurance charge come from?] Leadership ### Where’d that $800 medical insurance charge come from? [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushFebruary 22, 2026 [Image: Every Broker Needs a Network Caddie] Network Monitoring ### Every Broker Needs a Network Caddie [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushFebruary 3, 2026Showing 25–36 of 49 posts Previous12345Next Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Blog — Page 4 | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/blog/page/4) Blog # Stay up to date on all things Handl Health ## Latest posts [Image: The Future of Healthcare Transparency: What Brokers & Employers Need to Know in 2026] Price Transparency ### The Future of Healthcare Transparency: What Brokers & Employers Need to Know in 2026 [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari SamimiJanuary 13, 2026 [Image: Handl CEO Tracks Journey from Pharmacy to Tech Startup for Leader’s Edge Podcast] Leadership ### Handl CEO Tracks Journey from Pharmacy to Tech Startup for Leader’s Edge Podcast [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari SamimiJuly 23, 2025 [Image: Opening the “Black Box” on Pharmacy Costs] Pharmacy Pricing ### Opening the “Black Box” on Pharmacy Costs [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari SamimiMay 2, 2025Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign up [Image: Michigan Just Sent a Clear Message on Healthcare Price Transparency] Price Transparency ### Michigan Just Sent a Clear Message on Healthcare Price Transparency [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari SamimiMarch 13, 2025 [Image: Trump’s Price Transparency Executive Order: What It Means & What You Can Do] Price Transparency ### Trump’s Price Transparency Executive Order: What It Means & What You Can Do [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushMarch 5, 2025 [Image: Turning an Executive Order into action: Is it radical to push for healthcare price transparency when employers pay 27% more than necessary?] Price Transparency ### Turning an Executive Order into action: Is it radical to push for healthcare price transparency when employers pay 27% more than necessary? [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushFebruary 26, 2025 [Image: Introducing Iris: Putting the Power into your Hands] Price Transparency ### Introducing Iris: Putting the Power into your Hands [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushJuly 22, 2024 [Image: Unlocking the Potential of Healthcare Price Transparency for Employers: How to Avoid Missing the Forest for the Trees] Case Study ### Unlocking the Potential of Healthcare Price Transparency for Employers: How to Avoid Missing the Forest for the Trees HHHandl HealthJune 11, 2024 [Image: Handl Health secures $2.5M in Seed Funding to drive innovation for the employer-sponsored benefits ecosystem] Company News ### Handl Health secures $2.5M in Seed Funding to drive innovation for the employer-sponsored benefits ecosystem [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushApril 24, 2024 [Image: It’s an Obligation. More Importantly, It’s an Opportunity.] Price Transparency ### It’s an Obligation. More Importantly, It’s an Opportunity. [Image: Francois de Brantes] Francois de BrantesNovember 14, 2022 [Image: Deadline Approaching: Transparency in Coverage Final Rule] Price Transparency ### Deadline Approaching: Transparency in Coverage Final Rule HHHandl HealthJune 29, 2022 [Image: Have You Heard of The Hospital Price Transparency Rule?] Price Transparency ### Have You Heard of The Hospital Price Transparency Rule? HHHandl HealthJune 23, 2022Showing 37–48 of 49 posts Previous12345Next Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Blog — Page 5 | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/blog/page/5) Blog # Stay up to date on all things Handl Health ## Latest posts [Image: Price Transparency: An Update on the Transparency in Coverage Legislation] Price Transparency ### Price Transparency: An Update on the Transparency in Coverage Legislation HHHandl HealthJune 20, 2022Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShowing 49–49 of 49 posts Previous12345 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/cms-finalizes-transparency-in-coverage-updates-what-changes) Blog›Price Transparency # CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria Shah October 5, 2026 [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] ## What CMS finalized On October 5, 2026, HHS (through CMS), the Department of Labor, and the Treasury finalized changes to the 2020 Transparency in Coverage rules. The aim is to publish pricing data people can actually use: smaller files, more context, and fewer gaps. Source: CMS fact sheet. The Departments named three problems with the 2020 rules: files too large to use, raw numbers with no context and misalignment with the Hospital Price Transparency rule that makes comparison hard. Every change below traces back to one of those. ## What changes in the files The biggest shift: one In-network Rate File per provider network instead of one per plan, with new files that explain the data. CMS expects roughly $174.5 million in annual net savings for plans and issuers starting in year two. Area2020 ruleFinal ruleIn-network Rate File levelOne per plan or policyOne per provider networkUnlikely provider-rate pairs (e.g., a podiatrist rate for heart surgery)IncludedExcluded, using the plan's or issuer's own taxonomy or claims rulesNew filesNoneTaxonomy File (the mapping used) and Utilization File (providers with at least one paid claim in the latest plan year ending six months before posting)Out-of-network Allowed Amount FileReported by plan; 20-claim thresholdAggregated by market type (large group, small group, individual, self-insured); threshold lowered to 11 claimsAdded contextLimitedProduct type (e.g., HMO, PPO) on both files; network name and ID on the In-network Rate FileFinding the filesNo standard pathA .txt file in the website root with file locations and a monitored contact email, plus a homepage footer link titled "Price Transparency" or "Transparency in Coverage"Update cadenceMonthlyQuarterly for In-network Rate and Out-of-network Allowed Amount FilesFile formatAny non-proprietary open formatOne format; the Departments intend to specify JSON in guidanceAccountabilityNoneAttestation of accuracy and completeness in the In-network, Out-of-network, Taxonomy and Utilization files, plus the name of the CEO, president or designated senior official in those files and the prescription drug file ## What it means for brokers and employers This is our read of the rule, not CMS's. Price transparency changes the questions your clients will ask and some of them will be uncomfortable. The better your footing on what the files now contain, the better your answers. The data gets easier to trust. Dropping implausible provider-rate pairs and publishing the taxonomy and utilization context should mean fewer rates that no one would ever be paid. Out-of-network visibility improves, at the market level. The lower 11-claim threshold and market-type aggregation (including self-insured) should put far more data in these files. Because it is aggregated by market type, expect a benchmark, not your own plan's allowed amounts. Refresh slows down. Quarterly posting reduces the burden on file users and publishers, as networks and rates do not shift much month to month. Accountability gets a name. With attestations and a named senior official in the files, plan sponsors have a reason to confirm who posts on their behalf and how that party will attest. Members get a phone option. Cost-sharing information must also be available by phone on request, which CMS says satisfies the No Surprises Act cost-sharing tool provision, including for grandfathered plans. ## Timeline and next steps Exact dates depend on the Federal Register publication date, which the CMS fact sheet does not give. The rule is on public inspection. Timing is counted from publication: - The rules take effect 60 days after publication. - In-network Rate and Out-of-network Allowed Amount File changes apply 5 months after publication. - Taxonomy, Utilization and text file requirements apply 11 months after publication. - The self-service tool and phone changes apply to plan years (policy years, in the individual market) beginning on or after January 1, 2027. Two things worth doing now: - Confirm who posts your files and who signs the attestation. - Check how you will answer cost-sharing requests by phone. The prescription drug file is still under review: the Departments have enforced it case by case since September 2023 and issued a request for information on it on June 2, 2025. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 [Image: What rugby taught me about year four of a startup] Company News ### What rugby taught me about year four of a startup [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushSeptember 21, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/the-network-myth-why-discounts-arent-savings-and-what-employers-can-do-now) Blog›Price Transparency # The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan Anderson September 30, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] I recently sat down with Stacey Richter on Relentless Health Value to talk about carrier networks: what they are, what they've become and what employers can do about it without blowing up their members' access to care. Here's the core of what I shared. Key takeaway: Network discounts do not necessarily mean lower healthcare costs. Employers can evaluate networks using negotiated rates and their own claims, contract directly where appropriate, tier benefits by site of care and pay for episodes rather than individual services. ## What is a health insurance network? At its simplest, a network is a set of contracts between a carrier and providers, plus a mechanism for making sure those contracts are honored for whoever is buying access to them. That sounds manageable. In practice, the contracts have become extraordinarily complex, and many depend on other contracts. That layering produces cross-plan offsetting, shared-savings arrangements nobody can fully explain and pricing that is very hard to verify. That's the network myth. Employers are told the network is the value. But if you can't subtract what you should have paid from what you did pay, you don't actually know what you're saving. Marketing tells a story. The data is the source of truth. ## Three problems hiding inside the status quo network Stacey called it a three-headed monster. I think that's fair. ### 1. The illusion of discounts Most network value is sold as a discount. But a discount off a chargemaster price is a discount off a number nobody can defend. A 2023 Health Affairs study found that cash prices were lower than median commercial negotiated rates in 47% of the price comparisons studied. If the negotiated price isn't better than what someone could pay walking in the door, it's worth asking what the network is actually delivering. Without the denominator, you're negotiating blind. ### 2. Payment integrity Even when you know what the contracted price should be, confirming that you paid it is another matter. Many claims still run through adjudication systems built on decades-old mainframe logic, layered with contract terms that have grown more complicated every year. Billing error rates are high. When accuracy isn't checked up front, the cost lands on whoever has the least leverage: patients, independent practices and employers. ### 3. Site-of-care variation The same service, sometimes from the same physician, can cost dramatically more depending on where it's delivered. Hospital-based care can run as much as 13 times the outpatient price. One example we discussed: $135 at one in-network provider versus $13,560 at another for the exact same infusion drug. Both were in network. That's not a pricing edge case. That's a market that isn't working. Listen to Evan Anderson on Relentless Health Value: Slaying the Three-Headed Monster of Health Plan Networks Read the full episode transcript ## Why do network pricing problems persist? Cut off one head and the body grows it back. The body is two things. The first is opacity. For decades, plan sponsors were contractually blocked from seeing their own claims and rates. Gag clauses weren't banned until the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The second is misaligned incentives. When intermediaries earn a percentage of spend, higher prices aren't a problem for them. As Stacey frequently says, “Where there's mystery, there's margin.” None of this means employers can simply walk away from networks. Members need coverage and access, and disruption has real consequences for real people. In the short term, most plans are going to keep a network. The opportunity is in what you do around the edges. ## How can employers reduce healthcare costs beyond network discounts? ### 1. Evaluate networks with real prices and your own claims If you're considering a network change, start with actual negotiated rates, not advertised discounts, and model them against your own claims file. How does each option perform for your members, your providers and your geography? Four years into hospital price transparency, the data is still messy and needs significant cleanup, but it's there. A switch can be justified. Just know that as transparency pushes prices toward the mean, network shopping alone won't bend the trend for long. ### 2. Contract directly where it makes sense Direct primary care and advanced primary care, especially when paired with value-based incentives, change what a primary care practice is rewarded for. Inside a traditional network, preventive work often competes with the economics of specialty care. There's nothing stopping an employer from contracting with a local primary care practice. Centers of excellence for MSK, GI and cancer are a proven model that many employers still aren't using. ### 3. Tier by site of care, not just by provider Provider tiering has been around a long time. What's harder, and more valuable, is tiering that reflects where care happens. Given the cost differences above, this is where real savings sit. It requires member engagement and a reliable data pipeline that shows what care actually costs at each site. ### 4. Pay for episodes, not line items This is the part I'm most excited about. Instead of paying claim by claim, you can define episodes of care, potentially 150 or more, and attach a single price and a single member copay to each. Variable copay designs can steer members toward providers that deliver higher quality, lower cost or both, and you can tier on episodes without depending on a single network. Quality is hard to measure for one procedure. It becomes measurable across an episode. And every plan sponsor asking for a bundle price moves providers toward offering one. It's a two-sided market, and demand matters. These approaches work best together. Each one also weakens the three problems above: when you know the price, the quality you're paying for and what you were billed, you can compare them. ## What this means for brokers and consultants The advisor's role is shifting from shopping for the biggest network discount to orchestrating a plan. That means knowing what care actually costs, understanding each employer's priorities and connecting them to solutions that deliver. That's where Handl focuses. Data for its own sake doesn't change a plan. The data has to connect what it says you should do with how you'll actually do it, from design through monitoring. We work with brokers, benefits consultants, self-funded employers and TPAs to turn pricing intelligence into plan designs a TPA or ASO can implement. If you want to put some of these ideas in place but aren't sure you have the data infrastructure to support them, get in touch. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 [Image: What rugby taught me about year four of a startup] Company News ### What rugby taught me about year four of a startup [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushSeptember 21, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/the-data-isnt-a-black-box-turning-price-transparency-into-plan-strategy) Blog›Price Transparency # The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria Shah September 24, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price transparency regulation has been law for years now. What's changed is who it's actually for. That was the throughline on SIIA's panel, "Navigating the New Era of Health Plan Strategy: Regulation, Data Transparency & Actionable Innovation," moderated by Tracy McGinnis, Chair of SIIA's Price Transparency Committee and founder of DataVoce Consulting. The panel covered the full arc of where this data comes from, what it takes to make it usable. Lately, my focus is on what employers should actually be doing with it. The data isn't a black box, even if it still feels like one. It’s not just about expanding regulations, but rather a shift in who's expected to act. More employers are facing fiduciary duty scrutiny for how they've managed vendor contracts, PBM arrangements and directory accuracy. The center of gravity has shifted to the employer. It's not just disclosure to members, it's employers having the power, and the expectation, to act on the data before it reaches the member at all. This data isn't meant to be a black box, even though it might still feel like one today. Employers can and should work with their benefits consultants to know exactly what they're legally entitled to, keep an eye on it and use it to manage healthcare spend the way they'd manage any other major line item in the business. ## Raw data isn't insight, personalization is So what does "good" data actually look like once an employer gets access to it? High-quality actionable data really looks like intelligence at both a plan and member level. It's taking the current MRF pricing data, analyzed and normalized, and blending it with claims data showing how your population actually uses care. That blend is what turns MRF data from a reference point into something personalized. A key example: a remote tech employer based in a major metro and a manufacturing group in the Midwest are working from completely different utilization patterns. This means completely different strategies, both in plan design and in how they engage members. Underneath that personalization are three places employers are typically bleeding spend: high-cost providers and hospitals, high-cost claimants and drugs. Reviewing these details shouldn’t be a once-a-year exercise. Employers should monitor their plans throughout the year, because mid-year shifts can still be caught and acted on before they show up at renewal. ## Ask the question, insist on access, act on it Turning these insights into actions is a three-step process for every employer: - Ask the question. Do you know what an MRF is? Do you know what you're legally entitled to as a plan sponsor? Your carrier or TPA can't restrict your access to your own claims data and call it confidential. That hasn't been true since 2021. - Be willing to make a change. Employers have historically been kept at arm's length from this data. That's simply not true anymore. Employers are accepting higher rates because they aren’t pushing for plan changes. - Act on it. Keep working with your broker, but be the one asking for what you need, not a passive recipient of whatever reporting shows up. Analytics only becomes operational improvement when someone asks the question, insists on the access and builds it into the next plan design cycle. ## Collaboration over confrontation Employers, brokers and carriers should be working together: transparency has to be foundational to any partner relationship, including with consultants. That starts with asking for real data, not the same reporting you've always gotten. Watch for contracts that quietly limit your own access to your plan or claimant data. And rather than waiting for renewal to find out how a plan performed, set up a proactive, ongoing monitoring rhythm where claims and high-cost claimants are reviewed month over month, not once a year. ## Where AI helps Separate the AI hype from what's genuinely useful. The real value is in answering the "so what" by using AI to surface insights and supercharge the consultant and the employer, not replace either one. Analysis that used to take hours or weeks can now happen in minutes. One use case I’m excited about is agentic plan monitoring: instead of pulling a report at renewal, continuously watching a plan's claims month over month and flagging the moment something needs a human. This might be a group trending over or under budget, a new high-cost claimant emerging or a member approaching a deductible or out-of-pocket threshold where a nudge could still change the outcome. The technology you choose matters less than the discipline it enables. AI is what makes 'always watching your data' something an employer can actually do and not just a line on a slide that says they should. ## One move to make before your next renewal The single most important step an employer should take in the next 12 months is to work with your broker to run one plan diagnostic and design simulation before your next renewal. Model a real change such as a different network or a deductible shift so the next decision is made on evidence instead of a guess. It's a small ask with a large implication: the data employers have spent years fighting to access is only as valuable as the decisions it actually informs. SIIA's panel discussions are recorded and made available on SIIA.org under the Price Transparency Resource Center. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: What rugby taught me about year four of a startup] Company News ### What rugby taught me about year four of a startup [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed MarmoushSeptember 21, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [What rugby taught me about year four of a startup | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/what-rugby-taught-me-about-year-four-of-a-startup) Blog›Company News # What rugby taught me about year four of a startup [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush September 21, 2026 [Image: What rugby taught me about year four of a startup] Someone recently asked me what year four of a startup feels like compared to year one. I'd been trying to find the right way to describe it. After watching the All Blacks take on the Springboks, it hit me: it's exactly like rugby. ## The ball doesn't stop moving In year one, everything felt like it stopped and started. You'd close a deal, take a breath and plan the next move. By year four, the ball just doesn't stop moving. There's no huddle. You're playing the strategy you set out at the start and reacting in real time to whatever's in front of you. Tired or not, the clock keeps running whether you used the last five minutes well or wasted them. [Image: The Springboks and All Blacks on the pitch in front of a packed stadium] ## Knowing your role What's actually held our team together this year is everyone knowing which role they're playing on a given day, without me having to say it out loud. Some days you're in the scrum, heads down, grinding through something unglamorous. Some days you're out wide, ready the second an opening shows up. Some days your whole job is defense, making sure nothing gets through while the rest of us are committed forward. The teams that struggle are the ones where everybody wants to be the one running with the ball. [Image: Three spectators posing together in the stands, with the rugby match behind them] ## Separating the noise from the game And there is a lot of noise. Funding headlines, competitor announcements, opinions on what we should build next. None of it is the game. Four years in, the actual skill isn't working harder. It's telling the difference between the noise and the ball, and knowing which one deserves your attention right now. Adapted from Ahmed Marmoush's LinkedIn post, originally shared on September 17, 2026. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [The question I could never answer as a broker | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/the-question-i-could-never-answer-as-a-broker) Blog›Price Transparency # The question I could never answer as a broker [Image: Justin Cross] Justin Cross September 10, 2026 [Image: The question I could never answer as a broker] By Justin Cross, SVP of Employer Solutions, Handl Health For most of my career on the broker side of this business, I could tell an employer almost everything about their health plan except the one thing that actually determines the year's cost: which provider their employee is going to pick. Many have argued in the past that it is none of their business. But as plan fiduciaries, when members are selecting a $3,000 MRI when a $300 MRI is widely available, shouldn’t we take a pause? Ask an HR leader or a CFO which MRI, which orthopedic surgeon, which hospital their people will choose and the honest answer is always the same. Nobody knows. Not until the claims come in 60 to 90 days later. Not until renewal, if you're fully insured. That gap is the reason renewal season feels the way it does for so many of us. We recently hosted a webinar on machine-readable files, the data sets created by healthcare transparency legislation, and it's changing that answer. Here's what we shared and what I think it means for the HR leaders, CFOs, and brokers heading into another renewal wondering if there's a better way to do this. Quick answer Watch the full webinar: See the full discussion on machine-readable files, healthcare pricing data and plan design. Watch on YouTube. ## The slow build toward real pricing data It's easy to forget how recent this all is. Bipartisan legislation opened the door in 2020. Hospital price transparency rules went live in 2021. By 2022, we gained access to genuinely massive data sets, the machine-readable files, or MRFs, that carriers and hospitals are now required to publish for nearly every negotiated rate on nearly every covered service. In 2023, enforcement started to have real teeth, with penalties for noncompliance. And now, in 2026, we're finally at the point where this data can produce real pricing intelligence. More than just a compliance checkbox, this pricing data is now something employers and brokers can actually use. It took longer than anyone would have liked. But we're there. ## Machine-readable doesn't mean usable Handl's co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Ria, walked through this in detail during the webinar, and it's worth repeating because it's the part most people underestimate. Publishing a file is not the same as making it usable. These files are enormous, the early schemas weren't standardized, and a huge share of what's in them — Ria's number was 20 to 30% of what Handl ingests — gets flagged as an outlier before it ever becomes useful. Some of that is what the team calls "ghost rates": numbers technically sitting in a file that don't reflect anything close to a real negotiated rate. A $50 colonoscopy rate isn't a data point. It's a data entry error. Getting from raw file to something a broker or HR leader can trust takes real rigor, including cross-referencing provider directories, layering in claims data, benchmarking against Medicare at the procedure and carrier level, and assigning confidence tiers to every rate. That's not downplaying the importance of the legislation. It's just the honest state of the data, and it's why "the data is clean out of the box" is a false claim. ## What employers can finally see Back to that question I opened with. In a static plan design, your employees are trusting whatever their doctor's office hands them, and in a static copay or deductible structure, they have no reason to ask about cost. Meanwhile, we've seen contracted rates for the same procedure, in the same market, under the same carrier, range from $15,000 to $24,000 for something like a knee joint replacement. That $9,000 price difference can make a huge impact on total plan costs for a self-funded employer. With clean MRF data, an employer or broker can now compare their actual claims mix across networks before renewal, not after. They can also compare claims within their selected network and model what would happen if their employees selected higher value providers. In one example we walked through, a fully insured group of about 300 lives in Michigan, roughly $2 million in annual claims, found over 7% in potential savings just by looking at how that claims mix would perform under a more optimal plan design. That's real savings knowable in advance, which is the whole point. ## From static copays to dynamic plan design This is where I think the industry is actually headed, and it's bigger than any one diagnostic tool. Once you can see which providers are meaningfully above market cost and which are performing well on both cost and quality, the old “static copay no matter where you go” stops making sense. The alternative is a dynamic, or variable, copay: providers in the "green" tier (below market, strong quality scores) carry a lower copay, "yellow" providers sit in the middle, and "red" providers, meaningfully above market rate, carry a higher one. I've seen plans try the blunt version of this before: a letter telling people a hospital is now out of network. It saves some money and makes a lot of people angry, which usually isn't the point of offering a health plan in the first place. Dynamic copay design gets at the same goal, steering members toward better value without taking choice away from the employee. They can see the cost before they go, and in a lot of cases, pay less than they do today. The plan, in turn, sees its total cost of care reduced by spending less with high cost “red” tier providers and steering more towards the higher value, lower cost “green” tier. That's the total cost of care actually coming down, which is a different conversation than the one our industry has been having at renewal for the last twenty years. ## Where this goes next If you're an HR leader or CFO who wants to know your own numbers before your next renewal, we offer a complimentary diagnostic using non-PHI data. Just provide a zip code for your headquarters and that’s enough for us to show you how the networks in your region compare. If you're a broker, the same offer applies for a client you're bringing into a renewal conversation. None of this replaces the relationship between a broker and their client. It gives that relationship a stronger foundation. Handl is not a broker, a health plan, or a TPA. We're a group of people who believe employers and their employees deserve to know the actual cost of what they're buying, the same way you'd want to know the cost of anything else before you ordered it. If you are an HR leader or CFO, ask yourself the question I opened with: do you actually know if your plan is spending money on a $3,000 MRI when a $300 MRI is also widely available? If the honest answer is "not until the claims come in," that's worth a conversation. Get in touch with us to learn more. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Ahmed Marmoush joins "Claims Denied" to discuss the death of cost shifting | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/ahmed-marmoush-joins-hospitalogy-to-discuss-the-death-of-cost-shifting) Blog›Media # Ahmed Marmoush joins "Claims Denied" to discuss the death of cost shifting HHHandl Health September 7, 2026 [Image: Ahmed Marmoush joins "Claims Denied" to discuss the death of cost shifting] Quick answer Handl Health co-founder and CEO Ahmed Marmoush joined Blake Madden on the Hospitalogy podcast, "Claims Denied", to discuss the future of employer-sponsored insurance, why traditional cost shifting has reached its limits and how better data can enable more effective health plan design. Ahmed Marmoush, co-founder and CEO of Handl Health, recently joined Blake Madden on the Hospitalogy podcast for an episode titled “Handl Health and the Death of Cost Shifting.” The conversation traces Ahmed’s path from working as a clinical pharmacist in New Zealand to founding Handl after receiving an unexpected $800 bill for a routine physical in Los Angeles. Ahmed and Blake also discuss: - Why cost shifting is no longer a sustainable strategy for employer-sponsored health plans - How variable copay plans can guide members toward higher-value care - How Handl’s value index brings cost, quality and appropriateness together - Why Handl is building an enablement layer between brokers and carriers rather than another health plan ## Listen to the episode Listen to “Handl Health and the Death of Cost Shifting” on Spotify. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [New guide: How confident are you in your healthcare pricing data? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/how-confident-are-you-in-your-healthcare-pricing-data) Blog›Price Transparency # New guide: How confident are you in your healthcare pricing data? HHHandl Health September 1, 2026 [Image: New guide: How confident are you in your healthcare pricing data?] Quick answer Handl Health's new guide examines why a published healthcare rate is not automatically a usable one—and how confidence scoring helps benefits consultants, employers and TPAs separate decision-ready data from misleading outliers. Price transparency created unprecedented access to negotiated healthcare rates. But compliance and usability are not the same thing. Machine-readable files can be incomplete, inconsistent or missing the context needed for responsible analysis. The scale alone is significant: a single MRF can reach 50 gigabytes, turning a national rate pull into a multi-terabyte undertaking. Once those files are collected, the harder question remains: which rates can actually be trusted? ## A closer look at data confidence The guide explores how Handl compares published rates against independent benchmarks such as Medicare fee schedules, commercial claims and peer MRF data. Rates that fall outside expected patterns can then be flagged before they distort network evaluations or cost projections. A few highlights: - Handl typically flags 20% to 30% of MRF rates because they do not meet thresholds for usable data. - Among national carriers, Handl typically rejects 21% to 27% of the data it receives. - Strong, Moderate and Low confidence tiers help determine whether a rate is ready for analysis, needs additional context or should be excluded from direct use. - Derived data can help fill genuine gaps without treating incomplete published rates as ground truth. The full report explains how confidence scoring, cross-validation and derived data can turn price transparency files into a more reliable foundation for plan analysis. Download the report ## How confident are you in your healthcare pricing data? Get the full 16-page guide to healthcare pricing data quality, confidence scoring and MRF analysis. Download the guideStay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Transparency in Coverage Data: Know Your Precise Numbers and Take Control of This Year's Renewal | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/transparency-in-coverage-data-know-your-precise-numbers-and-take-control-of-this-years-renewal) Blog›Webinars # Transparency in Coverage Data: Know Your Precise Numbers and Take Control of This Year's Renewal HHHandl Health August 24, 2026 [Image: Transparency in Coverage Data: Know Your Precise Numbers and Take Control of This Year's Renewal] Quick answer Join Handl Health for an educational webinar on September 9, 2026, to learn how Transparency in Coverage data can clarify your plan's precise numbers and help you take control of this year's renewal. New federal legislation has made billions of rows of carrier-contracted rate data publicly available for the first time. Most mid-sized employers still don't know what this means for their health plan or how to use it to drive 10%+ savings on their second-largest budget line. In this educational session, we will walk you through: - 1. Exactly what these data files are and what they can tell you about your plan - 2. How knowing this data can help with your current plan renewal costs, even if your renewal is happening soon - 3. Where employer-sponsored health plans are going based on current double-digit rate increases ## This is data, not brokerage advice Handl Health is not a broker. We offer a data analytics platform and diagnostic reports to help employers and their brokers evaluate health plan renewals and stay on track with plan budgets. ## Join the conversation Join Ria Shah, Handl's CPO and co-founder, and Justin Cross, Handl's SVP of Employer Solutions, for a practical discussion about using carrier rate data to make better renewal decisions. Date: September 9, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register for the webinar Can't join live? Register to receive the recorded conversation. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Ria Shah joins BUILDERS to discuss finding the right buyer | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/ria-shah-joins-builders-to-discuss-finding-the-right-buyer) Blog›Media # Ria Shah joins BUILDERS to discuss finding the right buyer HHHandl Health August 24, 2026 [Image: Ria Shah joins BUILDERS to discuss finding the right buyer] Quick answer Handl Health co-founder and Chief Product Officer Ria Shah joined the BUILDERS podcast to discuss how Handl turned newly available healthcare price transparency data into a plan design platform for brokers and benefits consultants—and how the company found the buyer already accountable for solving the problem. Ria Shah, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Handl Health, recently joined Front Lines Media’s *BUILDERS* podcast for an episode titled “Finding the buyer who was already on the hook.” In the conversation, Ria shares how Handl moved from a free consumer cost estimator to a platform that helps brokers and benefits consultants design, evaluate and personalize health plans for self-insured employers. She also discusses the market education required to make machine-readable file data useful, the value brokers find in carrier comparisons and claim-level cost projections, and why white-glove support remains important as Handl productizes more of its analytics workflow. ## Listen to the episode - Listen on The Front Lines - Listen on Spotify Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [The next step for consumer price transparency | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/the-next-step-for-consumer-price-transparency) Blog›Price Transparency # The next step for consumer price transparency [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush August 21, 2026 [Image: The next step for consumer price transparency] Last week, the CMS celebrated the anniversary of its Health Tech Ecosystem initiative by rolling out a handful of pledges, promises covering clinical trial matching, scheduling, pharmacy interoperability and other topics. The one we’re following most closely at Handl Health is the new consumer/medical price transparency pledge. Within six months, pledge signees commit to going live with consumer-facing conversational AI cost estimates, real-time cost-share information, Good Faith Estimates (GFEs) and Advanced Explanations of Benefits (AEOBs) functionality. We welcome this development. While we’ve been focused on sharing these tools with benefits consultants and brokers on the employer-sponsored side, consumers have been waiting for breakthroughs of their own. GFEs and AEOBs were written into the No Surprises Act back in 2020. The CMS is now putting pressure on health tech companies to translate inscrutable MRFs into something patients can actually use. Consumers should be able to ask any AI tool, in plain language, "How much will this cost me?" and get a real, personalized number before they get care. While the pledge itself is voluntary, and CMS can’t enforce it, the promise shows the consumer market is trending in the right direction. What does this all mean in the employer-sponsored universe? Employers aren't the ones signing this pledge, but they are the ones who will feel the pressure indirectly, through their vendor contracts. But they should be very wary of a benefits consultant or a TPA that takes the pledge and shows you a simple AI-connected cost transparency tool; while these tools can be useful in the right context, they have pretty low utilization. How can employers really make an impact? It’s all about using available data to create a benefit design that uses guaranteed upfront pricing. At Handl, we started in the consumer price transparency space, but have long since moved into variable copay plans to offer that transparency and peace of mind. We're excited to see AEOBs progress so that transparency is given irrespective of plan members choose. Employers should start asking their benefits consultants and brokers how they are connecting price transparency data to benefit design. Comment below if you’d like to schedule some time to see how Handl does it. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Putting the teacher hat back on | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/putting-the-teacher-hat-back-on) Blog›Leadership # Putting the teacher hat back on [Image: Justin Cross] Justin Cross August 11, 2026 [Image: Putting the teacher hat back on] Public school teachers branch through my family tree as far back as I can see: my dad, both his parents, their parents, my siblings. Many people have told me over the years they're surprised I didn't end up in a classroom. Maybe I did, just in a different one. For almost 20 years at Kelly Benefits, the days I felt best about my work were the ones where I helped someone learn or grow. In the early years, they were the days I helped an employee actually understand their benefits options. As a consultant, they were the days when I helped an employer make sense of moving from fully insured to self-funded or unpack the value of captive reinsurance or better negotiate an Rx contract. As a leader, the best days were helping a colleague grow in their career or learn a skill that would help them better assist our clients and their employees. That spirit of teaching, translating and making the complex simple, is what drew me to my next chapter: I've joined Handl Health as Senior Vice President of Employer Solutions to help employers and their brokers better understand the potential and power of the billions of rows of new data we have access to. Many are calling this the “next generation” of healthcare analytics, which others are saying is the foundation for the “next generation” of plan design. All that sounds aspirational, but I too believe it is true. However, for brokers and employers to realize these benefits, they need better tools to unlock the machine readable file data and they need an education on how to meaningfully apply the data to their benefits strategy. Working with the brilliant engineers and visionaries at Handl Health, utilizing their incredible technology, I am thrilled to be putting the teacher hat back on, to help brokers, employers and their employees embrace this next generation of employee benefits! PS. With all this talk of teaching, I can’t forget to give thanks to the teachers within our industry that I've had along the way, John Kelly, Sandy Walters, Jamie Danner, Jason Danner, Larry Devitt, Dan Carpenter, Nathan White, Joey Dizenhouse, FSA, MAAA, Dan Ringer to name a few. I am also grateful beyond words to the Kelly family and the broader Kelly Benefits family (a family that I have come to consider my own family). Some of my colleagues there I've known since my early 20s. I'm thankful to say I'm still working alongside them in our industry, just from a different seat at the table. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Supporting the full promise of healthcare price transparency | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/supporting-the-full-promise-of-healthcare-price-transparency) Blog›Price Transparency # Supporting the full promise of healthcare price transparency [Image: Ria Shah] Ria Shah August 5, 2026 [Image: Supporting the full promise of healthcare price transparency] Today I'm sitting down with Patient Rights Advocate and peers from across health tech, provider organizations and HHS for a roundtable on machine-readable files, the pricing data mandated under the Transparency in Coverage rule. We’re here to support the CMS to deliver on the full promise of the Transparency in Coverage rule, Hospital Price Transparency and prescription drug machine-readable files. Just a few years ago, much of this data simply wasn't available. Today, we have the foundation for a more transparent healthcare system. [Image: Roundtable participants from across health tech, provider organizations and HHS] While I can’t overstate the rule’s impact on showing employers and members the true cost of care, there's more work to be done in making sure it’s able to be used to the highest fidelity. At Handl Health, we keep pushing for three things: ✅ More consistent schemas and definitions so contractual and claims-level nuances are represented clearly, rather than requiring every organization to develop its own interpretation. ✅ Better network identification across payers, providers and employers so we can better integrate published MRFs. ✅ An accurate national provider directory that makes it easier to connect a provider’s network status and locations of work to a specific carrier product. The industry has made real progress toward a future of transparent healthcare costs. Our focus is now continuing that momentum on behalf of employers and members because they will be impacted the most by these improvements. They bear much of the cost of healthcare and should have straightforward, unrestricted access to the data needed to make informed decisions. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Can AI reduce costs and improve patient care? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/can-ai-reduce-ai-reduce-costs-and-improve-patient-care) Blog›Leadership # Can AI reduce costs and improve patient care? [Image: Scott Geye] Scott Geye August 4, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Can AI reduce costs and improve patient care?] Quick answer Yes—AI can reduce healthcare costs and improve patient care by layering on top of price transparency files and claims data to analyze large, complex datasets, identify patterns, and enable timely action at the right cost and setting. The key is using AI to augment human decision-making, not replace the human connection patients rely on. ## Key takeaways - AI layers on top of healthcare price transparency files and claims data to quickly analyze large, complex datasets and surface actionable patterns - Using AI/ML to directly model spend creates a black box; AI should instead make complex actuarial analysis accessible to everyone - Price transparency analysis was only the first wave—detailed modeling, smarter plan design, and variable copay plans are where AI shines next - Human connection remains foundational to healthcare: it gives patients trust in the systems and the outcomes Every company across every industry should be thinking about where AI should sit in their operations. But healthcare is an industry that's so deeply personal for people that you can't just "AI everything." ## How can AI reduce costs in self-funded healthcare? Just as consumers are integrating AI into their daily healthcare lives and doctors layer AI atop patient data to provide better outcomes, the self-funded industry can use AI to reduce costs and improve patient care. AI tools layer on top of healthcare price transparency files and other data to quickly analyze large, complex datasets and identify patterns, enabling timely action at the appropriate cost and setting. In general, if you directly use AI/ML to model spend, the system becomes a black box, and there isn't a good way to understand the "why" of a forecast. AI helps us understand the data by making complex actuarial analysis available to everyone. ## Where should health tech companies focus AI next? Healthcare technology companies should focus on building AI that can truly reshape the industry. Price transparency analysis was just the first wave. Brokers now need detailed modeling, more intelligent plan design and activation of new variable copay plans that don't exist in the market today. That's where AI can truly shine. ## Why does the human element still matter? It's important, though, to not remove humanity from the equation. Human connection is a foundational need for healthcare; that connection gives patients trust in the systems and the outcomes. ## Frequently asked questions Can AI actually lower employer healthcare costs? Yes. AI tools layer on top of healthcare price transparency files and other data to quickly analyze large, complex datasets and identify patterns, enabling timely action at the appropriate cost and care setting for self-funded plans. Why shouldn't AI directly model healthcare spend? When AI/ML directly models spend, the system becomes a black box with no good way to understand the "why" behind a forecast. AI is better used to make complex actuarial analysis transparent and available to everyone. What data does AI use to reduce healthcare costs? AI works on top of healthcare price transparency files (MRFs), claims data, and other datasets—analyzing them at a scale and speed that manual actuarial analysis can't match. What is the next wave of AI in health benefits? Price transparency analysis was the first wave. The next wave is detailed spend modeling, more intelligent plan design, and activation of new variable copay plans that don't exist in the market today. Will AI replace human judgment in healthcare? No. Human connection is a foundational need in healthcare—it gives patients trust in systems and outcomes. AI should augment human decision-making, not replace it. At Handl Health, we're always examining how we can use AI to work faster and smarter for our clients without losing that trust. That's the point I made in a recent article for the Self-Insurance Institute of America's magazine, telling the reporter that "integrating AI has to be done thoughtfully with an eye toward preserving human connection. Person-to-person interaction is what makes patients have trust in the healthcare system." Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Healthcare market reform starts with education | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/healthcare-market-reform-starts-with-education) Blog›Leadership # Healthcare market reform starts with education [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari Samimi July 1, 2026 [Image: Healthcare market reform starts with education] Quick answer Healthcare market reform starts with education. Before employers pursue direct contracting or other major changes, they need to understand what is at stake, what options are available and how the right data can help them become smarter consumers of the healthcare system. “I don't think every group is ready to do that.” That’s what Matt Miron, GBA of USI Insurance Services said after hearing Mark Cuban speak on *Self-Funded* with Spencer Smith, CSFS® about how to remove waste and streamline the U.S. healthcare market. Matt co-signed Cuban’s big ideas to change the market, but he argued forward-looking, sea-change shifts—the proliferation of direct contracting and making Healthcare CFO a common C-suite role—need to start with education. ## Employers need to understand what is at stake Employers need to realize what is at stake and how to fix it: “Let's be a smarter consumer of the system instead of writing a blank check because that's really what's been going on.” Most of my time at Handl Health is spent talking to and educating benefits consultants. Clients’ needs are all moving in the same direction: They don’t trust the pricing data, and they don’t trust the discounts the carriers keep providing. They’re looking for something new—something to shift the status quo—but many of them either don’t know what’s possible or are wary of changing a system that “works” for them. The problem? The system really doesn’t work for anyone. To this point, Cuban offered some jaw-dropping numbers. There’s a lot of health plan money to be saved, that’s for sure. ## Learn about the options before making a drastic change Before heading down the long and complicated journey of direct contracting—or anything more drastic in a quest to save as much money as possible—it makes sense to learn about all the options. There’s so much more visibility, and healthcare savings, employers can tap into if the benefits consultants they work with benefit from the right data-fueled insights. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Handl Health adds Justin Cross as SVP of employer solutions | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/handl-health-adds-justin-cross-as-svp-of-employer-solutions) Blog›Company News # Handl Health adds Justin Cross as SVP of employer solutions HHHandl Health August 11, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Handl Health adds Justin Cross as SVP of employer solutions] Quick answer Handl Health appointed Justin Cross as Senior Vice President of Employer Solutions in August 2026. Cross brings nearly 20 years of benefits industry experience and will lead independent, actuarial-grade analysis to help employers and their broker partners negotiate smarter plan renewals, optimize healthcare benefit design, and document fiduciary due diligence using carrier price transparency data. ## Key takeaways - Justin Cross brings nearly 20 years of benefits consulting, account management, underwriting and analytics experience across mid-market and large employers - Employers lose more than $2,000 per employee annually to poor network design, outdated plan structures and opaque pricing - Handl's platform is built on carrier machine-readable files (MRFs), delivering actuarial-grade network diagnostics - Cross's role focuses on fiduciary due diligence documentation — a growing compliance priority for plan sponsors - Nearly 75% of U.S. employers are self-funded, yet most lack the technology to evaluate plan performance ## Why is Handl adding an employer solutions leader now? LOS ANGELES, August 11, 2026 — CFOs and HR leaders face double-digit healthcare price increases, and self-funded employers increasingly need independent, data-driven guidance to optimize their benefits programs. Handl Health created the SVP of Employer Solutions role to deliver that guidance directly to employers and their broker partners. ## Who is Justin Cross? Cross has nearly 20 years of benefits industry experience, building and leading consulting, account management, underwriting and analytics teams serving mid-market and large employers. "We have more access to healthcare pricing data than I've ever seen during my entire career. If interpreted correctly, this information demystifies the true cost of healthcare. I believe this data is the foundation for the next generation of employee benefits and will lead to better cost-effective plans for employers and more predictable pricing for employees." — Justin Cross ## How does Handl Health help employers reduce healthcare costs? Built on the foundation of price transparency machine-readable files, Handl's AI-enabled parallel intelligence platform ingests, normalizes and extracts critical healthcare intelligence. This enables employers to identify in-network cost savings, tier providers based on cost, steer patients toward high-value care options, and continually monitor plan performance — meeting fiduciary obligations along the way. With Handl, employers and their broker partners gain access to: - Renewal negotiation support: Actuarial-grade network diagnostics using current data - Plan design actuarial support: Identification of waste in existing plan design - Quarterly plan analytics: Continuous claims monitoring and plan review "We're seeing a once-in-a-lifetime shift in how employers purchase healthcare. That's why we're helping employers take control of their healthcare spend by connecting data insight to action in partnership with their broker. I'm pleased to welcome Justin to lead this effort." — Ahmed Marmoush, Handl Health co-founder and CEO ## Frequently asked questions What does a Senior Vice President of Employer Solutions do at Handl Health? The SVP of Employer Solutions leads independent, third-party analysis to help employers and benefits consultants negotiate smarter renewals, optimize plan design, and document fiduciary due diligence using healthcare pricing transparency data. Why are employers looking for new healthcare cost solutions now? Employers face double-digit healthcare price increases. Most self-funded plans lose more than $2,000 per employee annually to poor network design, outdated plan structures and opaque pricing — and most lack the technology to identify where the waste is happening. How does Handl Health use machine-readable files (MRFs)? Handl's platform ingests, normalizes and extracts intelligence from carrier machine-readable files, enabling employers to identify in-network cost savings, tier providers by cost, and steer members toward high-value care options. What is fiduciary due diligence in healthcare benefits? Fiduciary due diligence means employers document that they have acted prudently in selecting and monitoring their health plan — reviewing costs, quality, and network performance with data-backed analysis to meet their fiduciary obligations. Does Handl Health work directly with employers or through brokers? Handl works in partnership with benefits consultants and brokers. The platform sits behind the broker's brand and relationship, providing the intelligence brokers need to advise employers with conviction and create measurable plan improvements. What types of employers benefit most from Handl's platform? Self-funded and level-funded employers — typically 100 to 5,000 employees — benefit most. These employers bear actual healthcare risk and have real dollars to optimize through smarter network evaluation and plan design decisions. What is the difference between self-funded and fully insured health plans? In a self-funded plan, the employer directly pays employee health claims and bears the financial risk, rather than paying a fixed premium to an insurer. Self-funded plans offer more control over plan design and cost management, which is why network evaluation and Handl's analytics platform are particularly valuable for them. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [How Handl delivers parallel intelligence for self-funded health plans | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/how-handl-delivers-parallel-intelligence-for-self-funded-health-plans) Blog›Company News # How Handl delivers parallel intelligence for self-funded health plans [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari Samimi July 1, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: How Handl delivers parallel intelligence for self-funded health plans] Quick answer Handl Health is a parallel intelligence platform that unifies negotiated rates, plan and member data, claims and quality into a single data lake for self-funded health plans. Employers and their brokers use Handl to evaluate networks, design cost-effective benefits, and continuously monitor plan performance — powered by carrier machine-readable files and AI-enabled analytics. ## Key takeaways - Handl combines negotiated rates, plan data, claims and quality into one integrated data lake - The platform serves three broker profiles: self-funded clients (100–5,000 employees), data-driven brokers seeking deep analysis, and consulting-model brokers who want intelligence behind their brand - Nearly 75% of U.S. employers are self-funded, yet most lack the technology to properly evaluate their plans - Employers lose more than $2,000 per employee annually on poor network design and opaque pricing - AI removes high-friction manual tasks, enabling brokers to operate at a level of granularity previously impossible ## What is parallel intelligence for self-funded health plans? Handl Health is a parallel intelligence platform for self-funded health plans. It all starts with a transparent and integrated data lake, combining disparate and hard-to-parse healthcare information like negotiated rates, plan and member data, claims and quality. Handl uses all that data to give employers an integrated plan and member intelligence view — analyzing and developing high-value, low-cost health plans to reduce the medical insurance cost burden that's crushing employers. ## Who benefits most from Handl? Three types of customers thrive with Handl: - Brokers with self-funded or level-funded clients, typically 100 to 5,000 employees, where the employer actually bears the risk and has real dollars to move. - Brokers frustrated with giving clients an arbitrary discount instead of showing up with deep analysis based on their actual data. - Brokers looking to remain in a client consultant role. Handl sits behind you, your brand, your relationship front and center. Handl simply provides the intelligence to advise with conviction. ▶VideoPlay video ## How is Handl Health using AI to transform benefits? There's a lot of hype — but also a lot of fear and scaremongering — about how AI is using personal information. As we continue to integrate AI into healthcare operations, we need to constantly monitor that guardrails are in place, with strict control over how data is used. The promise of AI doing onerous tasks for us is too great to ignore. With AI, we become experts who can make better decisions, overseeing the technology to enable us to operate at a scope and level that we haven't been able to before. ### Handl's first AI Hackathon At Handl Health, we recently turned inward on a quest to discover where we can better use AI to streamline how we work. In our first AI Hackathon, groups from across the company took 45 minutes to establish usable AI prototypes for organizational workflows. Once implemented, these hacks will increase productivity across completely different functions: improved internal communication for product roadmapping, faster mapping of customer insights to product debugging, and more effective sales prospecting tools. So how does Handl Health now view AI in our operations? AI removes high-friction, manual tasks, empowering us to operate at a much higher scope and ultimately create more value for customers. We also see AI as a resource that enables every team to execute faster by ensuring that data, tools and processes accelerate work. ## How does Handl serve brokers, health plans and working families? With AI as a collaborator, health tech companies can truly change the healthcare narrative — combating rising costs and improving quality. We serve the people who carry the responsibility of making healthcare affordable and accessible for working people and their families. We give health plans, brokers and plan sponsors the data to understand what healthcare really costs; the infrastructure to design and deploy plans that improve outcomes and reduce waste; and the tools to prove it all works. ## Frequently asked questions What is parallel intelligence in healthcare? Parallel intelligence means combining multiple data streams — negotiated rates, claims, plan design, quality metrics — simultaneously to give a complete, real-time view of plan performance. Unlike siloed tools, a parallel intelligence platform reveals the full picture so employers and brokers can act on data rather than guesses. What types of data does Handl Health ingest? Handl ingests carrier machine-readable files (MRFs) for negotiated rates, plan and member data, claims history, and quality metrics. These are combined in a unified data lake that powers network evaluation, plan design and performance monitoring. Which employers are best suited for a self-funded health plan? Self-funded plans are typically best for employers with 100 or more employees who want to control healthcare costs directly. Handl primarily serves self-funded and level-funded groups of 100 to 5,000 employees, where employers bear real risk and have meaningful dollars to optimize. How does Handl Health work with brokers? Handl operates as a behind-the-scenes platform that empowers brokers without displacing their client relationship. Brokers stay front and center with their brand and relationship; Handl provides the actuarial intelligence they need to advise with conviction and create measurable plan improvements. What is an alternative health plan? An alternative health plan is a non-traditional employer health plan that goes beyond standard network discounts. Examples include reference-based pricing, cash-pay models, tiered provider networks and HRA-funded designs. Handl provides the analytics and activation infrastructure to design, deploy and monitor these plans. How is AI used in health insurance plan management? AI is used to automate high-friction analytical tasks. At Handl, AI enables brokers to deliver granular analysis at a scope that was previously impossible. Can Handl Health monitor an existing health plan's performance? Yes. Handl continuously monitors plan performance by repricing claims as they come through, verifying whether the plan is paying according to network contracts, and confirming that plan design is driving the intended cost containment. This ongoing analytics capability is a core part of the platform. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Healthcare cost intelligence tools are useless without strong customer support | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/healthcare-cost-intelligence-tools-are-useless-without-strong-customer-support) Blog›Leadership # Healthcare cost intelligence tools are useless without strong customer support HHHandl Health June 18, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Healthcare cost intelligence tools are useless without strong customer support] Quick answer Healthcare cost intelligence tools only deliver value when paired with strong customer support. Handl Health combines price transparency data, claims inputs, and Medicare benchmarks with a dedicated customer success lead who manages onboarding, training, and ongoing optimization—measuring success by whether customers achieve results they couldn't have gotten alone. ## Key takeaways - The data foundation spans price transparency files, real-world claims, and Medicare data—but real results depend on human support - Every Handl client gets a dedicated customer success lead responsible for change management, onboarding, training, and adoption - Support continues after onboarding, turning transparency insights into repeatable workflows for benefit strategy, provider evaluation, and population health decisions - Success is measured by one standard: did the customer get a result they couldn't have achieved without Handl Our goal at Handl Health is to improve the quality of U.S. health insurance by promoting low-cost, high value care options while improving overall accessibility. We’re doing that by showing stakeholders in the employer-sponsored insurance arena what care really costs; providing the healthcare data analytics infrastructure to design and deploy plans that improve outcomes and reduce waste; and giving them the employee benefits management tools to prove it all works. The foundation is healthcare data: price transparency information from carriers and providers; real-world claims inputs; and Medicare data. While it may start there, a big part of the process is customer success. ## Why isn't health plan benchmarking software enough on its own? With the proliferation of everything from health plan benchmarking tools to alternative health plan design software, it’s easy to forget that the healthcare industry is very personal and very human. We all work in a data-driven environment, developing technology solutions to push the industry forward, but we can’t forget the humanity, the vulnerability, of going to the doctor. What does that mean in practice? In health tech, there should never be a “Here’s access to our platform; you're on your own” mindset. The Handl customer success team is dedicated to helping each customer, no matter how tech savvy, get the most out of its price transparency, plan design and execution tools. That all happens with real human interaction and support. It's simple: Handl measures success by whether our customers got a result they couldn’t have gotten without us. And that means taking the journey along with them as Handl expands what customers can achieve with price transparency and other healthcare data: - Employer-sponsored health plan analytics evaluation to find optimization opportunities. - Health plan design improvements that will boost care outcomes and lower costs. - Plan activation across a broad ecosystem of integrated partners, custom-built for each employer and their member population. - Monitoring plans throughout the year to continue to optimize and deliver against fiduciary expectations. ## How does hands-on customer success lower employer healthcare spend? At Handl, clients get access to a day-to-day customer success lead who is responsible for change management, onboarding, training and adoption. After this initial period, the customer success lead provides ongoing support to ensure client data analytics and strategic teams can operationalize Handl’s transparency insights into repeatable workflows for benefit strategy, provider evaluation and population health decision-making. The customer success team is the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for the brokers, carriers and TPAs that Handl serves. The team works closely with the other areas of Handl to deliver a seamless, high-touch experience across every account. The first job of any customer success team member? Developing a deep understanding of each customers’ goals. Next, the team helps each customer explore how Handl can help them achieve those goals. Sarah Marmoush leads the Handl customer success team. At Handl, she taps into her extensive healthcare delivery experience in New Zealand’s publicly funded system, where outcomes, equity and responsible resource allocation are central to care and decision-making. There, she served as a senior pharmacist, supporting complex patient populations across pediatrics and mental health while contributing directly to improved clinical outcomes and safer medication use. Sarah has expertise in equity-driven service delivery, including work supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and ethnic minorities through culturally competent and technology-enabled care models. At Handl, in addition to working directly with customers, she strengthens operational rigor through quality improvement, including audit processes, root cause analysis and SOP/policy development to reduce harm and improve outcomes. The Handl customer success team is on the front lines every day, listening to how customers use Handl price transparency analysis products. They’re also paying close attention to the needs of healthcare brokers and other customers, exploring how they’re navigating the shifting industry. The goal of this close attention is immediate, direct feedback to help them get the most from Handl healthcare price transparency analysis tools and to push Handl toward developing the solutions needed for the future. ## Frequently asked questions Why do healthcare cost intelligence tools fail without customer support? Because healthcare is deeply personal and operationally complex. A "here's platform access, you're on your own" mindset leaves teams unable to translate price transparency insights into plan design decisions. Hands-on support turns data into repeatable workflows. What data powers Handl Health's cost intelligence platform? Three core sources: price transparency information from carriers and providers, real-world claims inputs, and Medicare data—unified so stakeholders can see what care really costs. What does a Handl customer success lead actually do? During onboarding they handle change management, training, and adoption. Afterward they help client analytics and strategy teams operationalize transparency insights into repeatable workflows for benefit strategy, provider evaluation, and population health decision-making. How does Handl Health measure customer success? By whether customers got a result they couldn't have gotten without Handl—from finding plan optimization opportunities to activating and monitoring new plan designs throughout the year. Who leads customer success at Handl Health? Sarah Marmoush, a former senior pharmacist in New Zealand's publicly funded health system with expertise in equity-driven service delivery, quality improvement, and technology-enabled care models. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Will MRF law compliance lead to healthcare cost containment and lower employer spend? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/will-mrf-law-compliance-lead-to-healthcare-cost-containment-and-lower-employer-spend) Blog›Price Transparency # Will MRF law compliance lead to healthcare cost containment and lower employer spend? HHHandl Health June 17, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Will MRF law compliance lead to healthcare cost containment and lower employer spend?] Quick answer MRF law compliance alone will not lower employer healthcare spend. A published file isn't automatically usable: Handl Health flags 20–30% of the price transparency rates it ingests as outliers and rejected 11 of 47 network requests in early 2026 for weak data. Real cost containment requires data quality standards, not just compliance. ## Key takeaways - HHS sent non-compliance letters to more than 500 hospitals and warned it is "finally getting serious about price transparency" - Handl Health flags 20–30% of all ingested price transparency rates as outliers; even among the largest carriers, 20–25% of data is rejected - In the first half of 2026, 11 of 47 network requests failed Handl's data quality requirements - Compliance and usability are not the same thing—the strongest analysis combines MRFs with claims experience, Medicare benchmarks, and utilization patterns The second week of June was a busy one for healthcare price transparency. News came out that the current administration has been sending letters to more than 500 hospitals that are not complying with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service's Hospital Price Transparency law. Then, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee discussed healthcare cost containment. Finally, in a social media message, the Department of Health and Human Services sent out a warning to companies that haven’t been complying with rules regarding healthcare price transparency data: “HHS is finally getting serious about price transparency.” This push to make sure providers are making their pricing data available is a welcome development. It’s great news that the administration is starting to get more serious about compliance with the CMS requirements for healthcare price transparency, but we must remember that while compliance is one thing, obtaining data that can create real pricing change in the healthcare industry is something else entirely. ## Why isn't MRF compliance enough on its own? When healthcare price transparency regulations first rolled out in 2021 and 2022, the industry became hyper-focused on compliance metrics: Who published MRFs? How many files existed? Which carriers and providers were participating? That made sense at the time; the assumption was that more published data would lead to a clearer understanding of healthcare pricing. The industry could finally run detailed analysis that compared hospital negotiated rates in large cities or evaluated insurance network rates by procedure. Then we actually started working with the data. What became obvious very quickly is that compliance and usability are not the same thing. A file existing doesn’t automatically make it useful. Some MRFs contain highly reliable negotiated rate data with strong provider and plan coverage, which is useful for health plan analytics. Others are sparse, inconsistent, structurally difficult to interpret, or are missing enough context that the output becomes misleading if used at face value. Today, the more important conversation isn’t whether a file was published. It’s whether the data is reliable enough to support real decision-making. MRFs are not a monolith. Every healthcare pricing MRF varies in terms of data quality and fidelity based on the organization that’s providing the data, the vendor being used to generate the file, and a host of other factors. That’s why the strongest healthcare pricing analysis tools don't rely on MRFs alone. They combine transparency data with additional context like claims experience, Medicare reimbursement benchmarks, utilization patterns, and normalization logic to build a more accurate view of healthcare pricing. ## How much MRF price transparency data is actually usable? Data quality checkHandl Health findingRates flagged as outliers at ingestion20–30% of all price transparency ratesData rejected from the largest carriers20–25%Network requests failing data requirements (H1 2026)11 of 47At Handl Health, we routinely come across data that is compliant on its face but can’t be used in any analysis. We typically flag between 20% and 30% of all the price transparency rates we ingest as outliers. Even across some of the largest insurance carriers, Handl typically rejects around 20-25% of the data it receives. Take a look at the first half of 2026: We fielded 47 requests to add networks into our data set, and 11 did not meet our data requirements. That’s because data was missing, unstable or it just wasn’t strong enough to give us confidence that the rates were accurate. The only way to achieve lower-cost, higher-value healthcare for Americans is by focusing on generating robust healthcare industry pricing data. That means focusing on MRF regulation compliance and, more importantly, introducing data quality standards that make every MRF complete and usable for price comparisons. With Handl Health, develop a true employee benefits strategy, from self-funded health plan analytics to non-traditional plan design, and start reducing employer healthcare spend. ## Frequently asked questions Will MRF compliance lower employer healthcare spend? Not by itself. Compliance means a file was published; cost containment requires that the data be complete, consistent, and reliable enough to support real decision-making. Many compliant files contain sparse, inconsistent, or misleading data. How much price transparency data is unusable? Handl Health typically flags between 20% and 30% of all ingested price transparency rates as outliers, and rejects around 20–25% of data even from the largest insurance carriers. Why do MRFs vary so much in quality? Every MRF varies based on the organization providing the data, the vendor generating the file, and other factors. Files differ in provider coverage, plan coverage, structure, and context—so they are not a monolith. What is HHS doing about hospital price transparency non-compliance? The administration has sent letters to more than 500 hospitals not complying with the CMS Hospital Price Transparency law, and HHS has publicly warned it is "finally getting serious about price transparency." How do the best pricing analysis tools handle imperfect MRF data? They combine transparency data with claims experience, Medicare reimbursement benchmarks, utilization patterns, and normalization logic to build a more accurate view of healthcare pricing than MRFs alone can provide. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Healthcare price transparency needs usable data, not just compliance | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/healthcare-price-transparency-needs-usable-data-not-just-compliance) Blog›Price Transparency # Healthcare price transparency needs usable data, not just compliance [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush June 16, 2026 [Image: Healthcare price transparency needs usable data, not just compliance] Quick answer Healthcare price transparency compliance is necessary, but publication alone cannot create pricing change. Lower-cost, higher-value care also requires complete, stable and usable machine-readable file data backed by clear quality standards. The Department of Health and Human Services has a message for companies that haven’t been complying with rules regarding healthcare price transparency data: “HHS is finally getting serious about price transparency.” That came in an HHS video posted on social media last week. Separately, the administration sent more than 500 hospitals letters noting they could soon be facing fines due to noncompliance. This push to make sure providers are making their pricing data available is a welcome development. ## Compliance is welcome, but it is not usability It’s great news that the administration is starting to get more serious about compliance with the CMS requirements for healthcare price transparency. But we must remember that while compliance is one thing, obtaining data that can create real pricing change in the healthcare industry is something else entirely. As Ria Shah has pointed out before, compliance does not equal usability. Handl Health routinely comes across data that is compliant on its face but can’t be used in any analysis. ## What Handl sees in the data We typically flag between 20% and 30% of all the price transparency rates we ingest as outliers. Even across some of the largest insurance carriers, Handl typically rejects around 20% to 25% of the data it receives. Take a look at the first half of 2026: We fielded 47 requests to add networks into our data set, and 11 did not meet our data requirements. That’s because data was missing, unstable or it just wasn’t strong enough to give us confidence that the rates were accurate. ## Data quality standards are the next step The only way to achieve lower-cost, higher-value healthcare for Americans is by focusing on generating robust healthcare industry pricing data. That means focusing on MRF regulation compliance and, more importantly, introducing data quality standards that make every MRF complete and usable for price comparisons. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Atlanta hospital price comparison shows wide medical fee disparity | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/atlanta-hospital-price-comparison-shows-wide-ranges) Blog›Data # Atlanta hospital price comparison shows wide medical fee disparity HHHandl Health June 10, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Atlanta hospital price comparison shows wide medical fee disparity] Quick answer Hospital prices in Atlanta vary widely even within the same carrier network. A diagnostic colonoscopy (CPT 45378) ranges from $2,704 to $5,272 across 10 area hospitals, and a total knee replacement (CPT 27447) runs from $13,777 to $22,447—proof that brokers must run detailed network analyses before designing health plans. ## Key takeaways - Colonoscopy rates across 10 Atlanta-area hospitals range from $2,704 (Aetna at Piedmont Fayette) to $5,272 (UnitedHealthcare at Wellstar Cobb) - Total knee replacement rates span $13,777 to $22,447—a nearly $9,000 spread within the same metro - UnitedHealthcare returned the most consistent colonoscopy rates: 4 hospitals at $3,792 and 4 more at $3,425 - Rates vary widely even within a single carrier, making detailed network analysis essential for plan design Everyone knows healthcare costs are rising, but it's useful to drill down into the hospital price data to see the true variability in hospital fees. We recently looked at prices for 10 hospitals in and around Atlanta, measuring negotiated rates from Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross for a diagnostic colonoscopy (CPT 45378). ## How much does a colonoscopy cost at Atlanta hospitals? CarrierLowest rateHighest rateAetna$2,704 (Piedmont Fayette)$4,353 (Emory St. Joseph's / Northside Gwinnett)UnitedHealthcare$2,880 (Grady Health Systems)$5,272 (Wellstar Cobb Medical Center)Blue Cross Blue Shield$3,136 (Grady)$3,933 (Northside)Inside the city, Aetna rates ranged from $2,891 at Northside Hospital and Grady Health Systems to $4,353 at Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital and $4,126 at Emory University Hospital Midtown. Outside Atlanta proper, Aetna negotiated rates ranged from $2,704 at Piedmont Fayette to $4,353 at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. On the whole, Aetna rates are lower than UnitedHealthcare, which ranged from $2,880 at Grady in the city to $5,272 for the procedure at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center in Austell. UnitedHealthcare returned the most consistent rates: Of the 10 hospitals surveyed, 4 came out to $3,792, with 4 more at $3,425. Six of those hospitals returned rates from Blue Cross Blue Shield ranging from $3,136 (Grady) to $3,933 (Northside). ## How much does a knee replacement cost in Atlanta? CarrierLowest rateHighest rateAetna$13,777 (Piedmont-affiliated, outside the city)$22,447 (Emory Saint Joseph's)UnitedHealthcare$19,918 (Northside / Emory University Hospital Midtown)$21,741 (Piedmont hospitals outside Atlanta)Blue Cross Blue Shield$13,912 (Grady Health Systems)—We can see the same general trends by examining the rates at a few key hospitals for a total knee replacement (CPT 27447). At Northside Atlanta, Aetna returns a rate of $17,805, whereas the Aetna rate for Emory University Hospital Midtown is $20,951 (Emory Saint Joseph’s rate is even higher: $22,447). Negotiated rates for the procedure outside the city are much lower: between $13,777 and $15,523 at Piedmont-affiliated hospitals in Stockbridge, Newnan and Snelville. UnitedHealthcare rates range from $19,918 at Northside and Emory University Hospital Midtown to $21,741 at Piedmont hospitals outside Atlanta. The lowest Blue Cross price is $13,912 at Grady Health Systems. ## What does this mean for brokers? Negotiated rates at hospitals vary widely even when using the same insurance carrier. For brokers, this means it’s more important than ever to run detailed network analyses and create health plans that effectively steer patients toward high-value providers. ## Frequently asked questions How much does a diagnostic colonoscopy cost in Atlanta? Across 10 Atlanta-area hospitals, negotiated rates for a diagnostic colonoscopy (CPT 45378) range from $2,704 (Aetna at Piedmont Fayette) to $5,272 (UnitedHealthcare at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center). How much does a total knee replacement cost in Atlanta? Negotiated rates for a total knee replacement (CPT 27447) range from $13,777 at Piedmont-affiliated hospitals outside the city to $22,447 at Emory Saint Joseph's—with Blue Cross's lowest rate at $13,912 at Grady. Do prices vary within the same insurance carrier? Yes, dramatically. Aetna colonoscopy rates alone span $2,704 to $4,353 across Atlanta-area hospitals—a 61% difference for the identical procedure under the same carrier. Which carrier had the most consistent rates in Atlanta? UnitedHealthcare. Of the 10 hospitals surveyed for colonoscopy rates, 4 came out to $3,792 and 4 more at $3,425. Why does hospital price variation matter for health plan design? Because steering members toward high-value facilities can save thousands per procedure without sacrificing quality. Detailed network analysis lets brokers build plans that reward members for choosing lower-cost, high-quality providers. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Broker discussions prove demand growing for custom alternative health plan designs | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/broker-discussions-prove-demand-growing-for-custom-alternative-health-plan-designs) Blog›Leadership # Broker discussions prove demand growing for custom alternative health plan designs [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari Samimi June 9, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Broker discussions prove demand growing for custom alternative health plan designs] Quick answer Broker demand for custom alternative health plans is growing fast. At the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers' Employee Benefits Leadership Forum, alternative plans hit the mainstage for the first time. Three structures dominate the conversation: tiered networks with variable copays, tiered networks with HRA incentives, and traditional networks with Centers of Excellence. ## Key takeaways - For the first time, mainstage presenters at a major brokerage conference discussed self-funded alternative health plans - Every employer group has unique workforce demographics, utilization patterns, and budget constraints—the status quo plan isn't cutting it - Three definitions of "alternative health plan" dominate: variable copay tiering, HRA-driven steerage, and Centers of Excellence - Handl Health helps carriers and TPAs develop and activate these plans in months, not years At a conference late last month, I witnessed a trend we’ve been preparing for: For the first time, presenters on the mainstage were discussing the importance of self-funded alternative health plans. It feels like we’ve been telling the industry for years about the importance of dynamic copay health plans. But before the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers' Employee Benefits Leadership Forum, I’d rarely heard conference speakers acknowledge what we knew was true: to bend the healthcare cost curve in any substantive way, the industry needs to begin scaling alternative health plans. And fast. It all makes sense because the custom health plan is something that more and more insurance brokers want to provide their clients. Every employer group has unique workforce demographics, utilization patterns and budget constraints. For many plan members, the status quo health plan just doesn't seem to be cutting it. Insurance brokers heading into renewal season are demanding creativity. Historically, as each insurance renewal approached, insurance brokers searched for innovative self-funded benefit strategies to create measurable value. This health plan creativity meant engaging in direct contracting with centers of excellence or perhaps using a variety of providers – direct primary care, telemedicine and the like. But none of these truly reduced the ballooning healthcare costs employers faced. Alternative health plans go beyond these systems, enabling custom-built health plans. The non-traditional plan discussions continued in our conversations throughout the day, where benefits professionals would bring up alternative health plans as something they were thinking about before we even had a chance to. What I noticed is that, while it was by far the most common conversation, everyone seemed to define “alternative health plans” slightly differently. ## What is an alternative health plan? During the conference, I heard three broad definitions of “alternative health plan.” These plan structures are all based on steering patients toward low-cost, high-value care, but achieve that goal in various ways. Alternative plan structureHow it steers membersTiered network with variable copay$0 copay at Tier 1 providers; higher copays (e.g. $50) at lower tiersTiered network with HRAEmployer-funded HRA dollars usable at preferred providersTraditional network + Center of ExcellenceDirect contracts with high-value providers for select high-cost proceduresTiered network with variable copay: By tiering providers into categories (cost, quality, efficiency, negotiated rates, etc.), self-funded employers steer members to desired providers while allowing for some choice. How does this work in practice? A visit to a Tier 1 provider wouldn’t require a copay, but if a member wants to see a Tier 2 provider, it would cost $50, for example. Tiered network with HRA to drive steerage through financial incentives: This is a similar approach to the first category of alternative health plans, but here the employer funds an HRA account to be used on preferred providers. Traditional network structure with Center of Excellence: Think of this as “normal healthcare” with a few special arrangements for high-value providers. Employers directly contract with these providers (Centers of Excellence) for a few high-cost procedures. ## How can carriers and TPAs meet provider-tiered plan demand? As employers push their brokers for alternatives to traditional self-funded health plans, insurance carriers and third-party administrators (TPAs) need to design more flexible benefit offerings. Handl Health enables carriers and TPAs to accelerate the development and launch of variable copay health plans focused on encounter- and episode-based care. By leveraging healthcare price transparency data and provider performance analytics, organizations can create provider-tiered benefit designs that align member incentives with value-based care objectives. This approach allows large and small carriers to move beyond traditional network structures and offer innovative health plan products that support both affordability and member satisfaction. At Handl, we’ve been helping carriers design the non-traditional health plans that brokers are asking for and employers are demanding. And we’re showing them how to develop and activate these new plans in months, not years. Together, we’re moving patients toward new plan designs and other custom configurations that prioritize low-price, high-value care. ## Frequently asked questions What is an alternative health plan (AHP)? An alternative health plan is a self-funded plan structure designed to steer members toward low-cost, high-value care—most commonly through tiered networks with variable copays, HRA-funded steerage incentives, or traditional networks augmented with Centers of Excellence. How does a tiered network with variable copay work? Providers are tiered by cost, quality, efficiency, and negotiated rates. A visit to a Tier 1 provider might require no copay, while seeing a Tier 2 provider could cost $50—preserving member choice while steering toward value. Why is broker demand for alternative health plans growing? Every employer group has unique workforce demographics, utilization patterns, and budget constraints, and traditional plans haven't contained ballooning costs. Employers heading into renewal season are demanding creativity from their brokers. What is a Center of Excellence arrangement? An employer directly contracts with select high-value providers (Centers of Excellence) for a few high-cost procedures, layered on top of an otherwise traditional network structure. How quickly can carriers and TPAs launch an alternative health plan? With Handl Health's platform—leveraging price transparency data and provider performance analytics—carriers and TPAs can design and activate variable copay plans in months, not years. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Can we responsibly use AI in health tech? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/can-we-responsibly-use-ai-in-health-tech) Blog›Leadership # Can we responsibly use AI in health tech? [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush May 15, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Can we responsibly use AI in health tech?] Quick answer Yes—AI can be used responsibly in health tech when guardrails, strict data controls, and constant monitoring are in place. AI should remove high-friction manual tasks and augment human expertise, never replace the connection, warmth, and community that healthcare requires. Used this way, AI lets teams spend more time helping real people navigate a complex system. ## Key takeaways - Responsible healthcare AI requires constant monitoring of guardrails and strict control of how data is used - AI can't replace the human connection behind healthcare data: patients choosing providers, plan sponsors designing benefits - Handl Health's internal AI Hackathon produced usable workflow prototypes in 45 minutes across product, debugging, and sales functions - For brokers and consultants, AI enables claims prediction and plan personalization at a granularity that wasn't possible before I’ve always believed that healthcare is a human right. Everyone deserves access to affordable, high-value and personalized healthcare. In the U.S., that may have been a dream even as little as four years ago, but government regulations around healthcare price transparency mean a movement toward equitable U.S. health insurance has really taken root. Price transparency data – and how you use that carrier and provider cost information to create high-value healthcare options – is the beating heart of that movement. ## Why does responsible AI matter so much in healthcare? These days, you can’t talk about data, or tech, without addressing artificial intelligence and LLMs. Every organization in the world is focused on integrating AI into their business processes as quickly as possible, but in the healthcare setting, we need to really think about strategy and how we can work alongside AI to deliver better outcomes. The healthcare industry is very personal and very human. We work in a data-driven environment, developing technology solutions to push the industry forward, but we can’t forget the humanity, the vulnerability, of going to the doctor. AI can’t replace the connection, warmth and community that are all trademarks of successfully scaled healthcare businesses. This line of thinking goes beyond making sure AI is secure. We also need to make sure AI doesn’t make us lose sight of what healthcare data truly represents. I’m talking about the real people on the other end of the data: patients choosing providers, plan sponsors managing costs and designing benefits. There's a lot of hype, but there is also a lot of fear and scaremongering, about how AI is using our personal information. As we continue to integrate AI into healthcare operations, we need to constantly monitor that guardrails are in place, to make sure we always have a strict control of how the data is used. The promise of AI doing onerous tasks for us is too great to ignore. With AI, we become experts who can make better decisions, who are overseeing the technology to enable us to operate at a scope and a level that we haven't been able to before. Handl Health's AI Hackathon ## How is Handl Health using AI internally? At Handl Health, we're spending a lot of time on customer-focused AI solutions. But we recently turned inward on a quest to discover where we can better use AI to streamline how we work. In our first AI Hackathon, groups from across the company took 45 minutes to establish usable AI prototypes for organizational workflows. To start, we asked our engineers to divide themselves among the hackathon teams to help connect the dots between internal tools and data, also serving as a helpful guide for less AI-native peers. When the timer buzzed, we heard extremely engaging proposals from all the teams. Once implemented, these hacks will increase productivity across completely different functions: improved internal communication for product roadmapping, faster mapping of customer insights to product debugging, and more effective sales prospecting tools. Best ROI of 45 minutes I've seen in a long time. So how does Handl Health now view AI in our operations? AI removes high-friction, manual tasks, empowering us to operate at a much higher scope and ultimately create more value for customers. We also see AI as a resource that enables every team to execute faster by ensuring that data, tools and processes accelerate work. It’s an idea-iteration machine. It’s coding support. It’s a document analyzer. What that means is that we can spend more time actually helping people navigate a very complex healthcare system. ## How does AI help brokers and health plans? Broadly, AI helps the entire ecosystem bring more humanity into healthcare, enabling healthcare stakeholders to spend less time generating reports and more time truly focusing on impacting patient outcomes. Looking specifically at benefits brokers and consultants, they also can use AI to predict what is going to happen with their client’s claims experience, making decisions off that data at a layer of granularity that was simply not possible in the past. AI also gives us an incredible ability to personalize, and simplify, what we do. We can work with brokers to design health plans around the demographic needs of employer groups. It all helps us transform healthcare by shaping the pathways that offer the best coverage for the lowest price. With AI as a collaborator, health tech companies can truly change healthcare narrative, combating rising costs and lowering quality. It’s why we serve the people who carry the responsibility of making healthcare affordable and accessible for working people and their families. We give health plans, brokers and plan sponsors the data to understand what healthcare really costs; the infrastructure to design and deploy plans that improve outcomes and reduce waste; and the tools to prove it all works. ## Frequently asked questions Can AI be used responsibly in health tech? Yes—when organizations constantly monitor that guardrails are in place, maintain strict control of how data is used, and treat AI as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement for human judgment and connection. What are the biggest risks of AI in healthcare? Losing sight of what healthcare data represents—real patients choosing providers and plan sponsors designing benefits—and misusing personal information. Both require ongoing guardrails and monitoring, not one-time compliance checks. How does Handl Health use AI internally? As an idea-iteration machine, coding support, and document analyzer. An internal AI Hackathon produced workflow prototypes in 45 minutes spanning product roadmapping communication, customer-insight-to-debugging mapping, and sales prospecting. How can brokers and consultants use AI? To predict client claims experience and make decisions at a level of granularity not previously possible, and to design health plans personalized to the demographic needs of each employer group. Will AI replace humans in healthcare navigation? No. AI removes high-friction manual tasks so people can spend more time actually helping patients navigate a complex system—the connection, warmth, and community of healthcare remain human. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [MRF data quality varies widely in healthcare price transparency | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/mrf-data-quality-varies-widely-in-healthcare-price-transparency) Blog›Price Transparency # MRF data quality varies widely in healthcare price transparency [Image: Ria Shah] Ria Shah May 13, 2026 [Image: MRF data quality varies widely in healthcare price transparency] Quick answer Machine-readable files are not a monolith. Publication and compliance do not guarantee that healthcare pricing data is complete, reliable or usable for decisions. Strong analyses combine transparency data with claims experience, Medicare benchmarks, utilization patterns and normalization logic. When healthcare price transparency regulations first rolled out, the industry became hyper-focused on compliance metrics: - Who published MRFs? - How many files existed? - Which carriers and providers were participating? At the time, that made sense, because the assumption was that more published data would lead to a clearer understanding of healthcare pricing. Then we actually started working with the data. ## Compliance and usability are not the same thing What became obvious very quickly is that compliance and usability are not the same thing. A file existing doesn’t automatically make it useful. Some MRFs contain highly reliable negotiated rate data with strong provider and plan coverage. Others are sparse, inconsistent, structurally difficult to interpret, or are missing enough context that the output becomes misleading if used at face value. Today, the more important conversation isn’t whether a file was published. It’s whether the data is reliable enough to support real decision-making. ## MRFs are not a monolith If you’re just getting into price transparency data, remember: MRFs are not a monolith. Every MRF varies in terms of data quality and fidelity based on the organization that’s providing the data, the vendor being used to generate the file and a host of other factors. As a general rule, larger national carriers and health systems tend to produce more stable and complete transparency data. But when you move down the line, the data gets a little murky. ## Strong pricing analyses need additional context That’s why the strongest pricing analyses don’t rely on MRFs alone. They combine transparency data with additional context like: - Claims experience - Medicare reimbursement benchmarks - Utilization patterns - Normalization logic Together, those inputs build a more accurate view of healthcare pricing. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Why is self-funded healthcare plan network evaluation important? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/why-is-self-funded-healthcare-plan-network-evaluation-important) Blog›Data # Why is self-funded healthcare plan network evaluation important? HHHandl Health May 6, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Why is self-funded healthcare plan network evaluation important?] Quick answer Network evaluation is critical for self-funded health plans because carrier negotiated rates vary widely—and are rising at most major hospitals. Handl Health's analysis of 62 major providers (Oct 2025–Mar 2026) shows median rate increases from 0.8% (UnitedHealthcare) to 7.4% (Aetna), with individual hospital spikes as high as 79%. Without systematic network evaluation, employers cannot identify where to contain costs. ## Key takeaways - Carrier median rate increases (Oct 2025–Mar 2026): Aetna +7.4%, BCBS +2.9%, UnitedHealthcare +0.8% - Aetna raised rates at 50 of 62 major providers surveyed; its single largest increase was +79% at Cedars-Sinai Marina Spine Center - BCBS dropped rates at 13 hospitals; the largest single decrease was −36.2% at Memorial Hospital For Cancer And Allied Diseases (New York) - UnitedHealthcare dropped rates at 18 hospitals, with the biggest single decline at −7.2% - A Total Knee Arthroplasty ranges from $12,667 to $23,000 across major NJ/NY facilities — a $10,000+ spread for the same procedure - Employers lose more than $2,000 per employee annually on poor network design and opaque pricing ## Why do carrier negotiated rates matter for self-funded employers? Carrier negotiated rates are increasing across the board and have been for a while; that's no secret. But at a handful of major hospitals around the country, average carrier rates are actually falling. Understanding both trends — where rates rise and where they fall — is how self-funded employers and their broker partners find real savings opportunities. ## Which carriers are raising rates the most? CarrierMedian Rate IncreaseAvg Rate IncreaseLargest Single IncreaseAetna+7.4%—+79% (Cedars-Sinai Marina Spine Center)BCBS—+2.9%−36.2% (Memorial Hospital For Cancer, NY)UnitedHealthcare+0.8%+1.8%−7.2% (18 hospitals)Cigna——>+20% (3 hospitals)Even with some hospital-level rate decreases, overall rates continue to balloon. Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare all returned increases at the vast majority of the 62 hospitals surveyed. ## Where are carrier rates actually falling? Specialized treatment centers are seeing the biggest rate decreases. At the Memorial Hospital For Cancer And Allied Diseases in New York, Blue Cross Blue Shield rates dropped by 36.2% in the six months between October 2025 and March 2026. The Adventhealth Lab system in Florida and the City of Hope Cancer Center in Atlanta returned BCBS decreases of 24.2% and 17.3%, respectively. BCBS rates fell at 13 of the 62 major providers surveyed. UnitedHealthcare rates dropped at 18 hospitals — the biggest change was −7.2% over the 6-month period. Aetna's largest single decrease came in at 12.9%; Cigna's biggest decrease was 6.2%. [Image: Bar chart of the largest single rate decline by carrier: BCBS −36.2%, Aetna −12.9%, UHC −7.2%, Cigna −6.2%] ## How much does the same procedure cost at different hospitals? Procedure cost variation is one of the most powerful levers in plan design. For a Total Knee Arthroplasty across five major NJ/NY facilities — Hackensack University Medical Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center and Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center — the average negotiated cost ranges from $12,667 to nearly $23,000. That's a spread of more than $10,000 for the same procedure at facilities within the same region. ## Why isn't data transparency enough on its own? Appropriately weighing data regarding negotiated health insurance rates empowers brokers to make optimal insurance pricing decisions for their employer clients. But mere data transparency isn't enough; you need an expert guide to help you through the information, separating the data that truly makes an impact from all the white noise. Site-of-care differentials are frequently discussed as a driver of healthcare spend, but the data show that it's not as cut and dried as weighing the cost of an ambulatory care setting versus a hospital. Brokers need help to dig deeper than surface-level data to truly create an actionable plan design. Handl Health helps brokers create healthcare plans that promote lower fees for the same level of care, empowering them to become advocates for a more sustainable healthcare future. ## Frequently asked questions What is network evaluation for self-funded health plans? Network evaluation is the process of analyzing carrier negotiated rates across your member population's most-used hospitals and providers. It identifies which carriers offer the most competitive pricing for your specific employee demographics and geography — enabling smarter renewal negotiations and plan design decisions. How often do carrier negotiated rates change? Carrier negotiated rates are updated regularly, often on a six-month or annual cycle. Handl Health's analysis of major carriers between October 2025 and March 2026 found significant shifts — with individual hospital rate changes ranging from a 79% increase to a 36.2% decrease over just six months. Which major carriers are increasing rates the most? Based on Handl Health's analysis of 62 major providers (Oct 2025–Mar 2026), Aetna had the highest median rate increase at 7.4%, followed by BCBS with an average increase of 2.9% and UnitedHealthcare with a median of 0.8%. Are any carrier rates actually decreasing? Yes. BCBS dropped rates at 13 of 62 major providers surveyed, with the largest single decrease of 36.2% at Memorial Hospital For Cancer And Allied Diseases in New York. UnitedHealthcare dropped rates at 18 hospitals. Specialized treatment centers tend to see the most significant decreases. How much can the same procedure cost at different hospitals? Costs can vary dramatically. For a Total Knee Arthroplasty at major NJ/NY facilities, the average negotiated cost ranges from $12,667 to nearly $23,000 — a spread of more than $10,000 for the same procedure within the same region. What is a self-funded health plan? A self-funded (or self-insured) health plan is one where the employer directly pays employee health claims rather than paying a fixed premium to an insurer. The employer bears the financial risk and has greater control over plan design. Self-funded plans cover approximately 75% of U.S. employer-sponsored health insurance. How can a self-funded employer reduce costs through network design? Employers can reduce costs by tiering their provider network based on cost and quality data, steering members toward high-value facilities, and negotiating better terms using MRF-based actuarial analysis. Handl Health provides the data and analytics infrastructure to implement and continuously monitor these strategies. What are machine-readable files (MRFs) and why do they matter? Machine-readable files are federally mandated data files that carriers and hospitals must publish, disclosing their negotiated rates for every covered service. They are the foundational data source for network evaluation and plan benchmarking — enabling plan sponsors to compare costs across carriers and facilities at scale. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [How does healthcare pricing data move the industry forward? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/how-does-healthcare-pricing-data-move-the-industry-forward) Blog›Company News # How does healthcare pricing data move the industry forward? HHHandl Health April 28, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: How does healthcare pricing data move the industry forward?] Quick answer Healthcare pricing data moves the industry forward when it's enriched, not used raw. MRFs alone have frustrating gaps—they must be combined with claims data to validate pricing, model utilization, and predict plan effectiveness. Handl Health's lead data analyst Sean Trainor argues MRFs are a foundation to build on, not the goal itself. ## Key takeaways - Domain knowledge is crucial: without it, analysts build tools that don't address the real business problem - MRFs are just data files with frustrating gaps—claims data is needed to validate pricing and model plans around utilization - Claims data currently runs on a six-month lag, while price transparency data is released monthly—real-time claims would transform accuracy - The industry needs to shift from CPT codes to episodes of care, bundling codes to represent full care pathways In healthcare, being technically sound isn't good enough: Domain knowledge is crucial. Sean Trainor, Handl Health’s lead data analyst, learned that lesson early on in his career. “Without domain knowledge you don't really know what problem you are trying to solve,” he explained recently. “When I was new to the industry, I ended up building things that didn’t really address the problem or business need, simply because I didn’t understand why these things were being built in the first place.” His deep experience in healthcare analytics has also led him to another universal truth about machine-readable healthcare pricing data: “Price transparency is great, but MRFs are just data files,” he said. “And a lot of the files have frustrating gaps.” In his day to day at Handl, Trainor is focused on how he can enrich that healthcare pricing data, putting that information into action to drive down healthcare costs by steering patients toward high-value providers. Learn more about how Sean is all about the data: ## How do you enrich MRFs when they aren't complete? While price transparency MRFs have been transformational for the industry, and the level of detail in the required data has been steadily getting better, pricing data alone can’t drive down the cost of health care. Claims data is a crucial piece of the puzzle that helps validate pricing, correctly model plans around utilization rates, and predict future plan effectiveness. But the claims information we have now is on a six-month lag time. Price transparency data is released monthly, but because of the lag in claims data, we don't have a good way to validate the accuracy of those prices until months later. It’s true that Electronic Health Record (EHR) data is a suitable stand-in for claims information, as that data tends to be more real time, but the information provided within those data sets isn’t as meaningful. To truly help push forward industry transformation, we need real-time claims data. This will take a united effort across multiple parties throughout the industry, and speeding up the submission and processing of claims will be no easy task, but this would go a huge way toward increasing the accuracy of healthcare pricing and correctly tying costs to quality. ## Why aren't MRFs as groundbreaking as they once seemed? I think the industry doesn’t correctly use price transparency data. That might be because the data taken on its face is informative, but you can’t really do much with it. It's certainly helpful in understanding the costs charged by certain doctors for given procedures, but that lacks a lot of context. Price transparency data alone does not answer: - Does the provider actually do the service they have a rate for? - Does the doctor provide high-quality service? - How much market share does a health system have in a given area? If it's too large, it's helpful to know why prices are high, but I really want to know if anything can be done about those high costs. Price transparency data has gotten better over the last four years, but it’s still not perfect. It’s hard to find rates sometimes, and a lot of the data is incomplete and inconsistent. To move the industry forward, we really need to shift our thinking: MRFs are a foundation to build upon, not the goal. ## How is AI used in healthcare pricing analysis? AI will not change the healthcare ecosystem overnight, and we’re far off from it making a seismic impact in the industry. Why? Healthcare needs a human touch. AI should be used as an augmentation tool, not a replacement for the very human decisions that need to be made for effective plan management. That said, we have been employing LLMs to speed up processes and enable us to react quicker to market shifts and customer demands. ## How will healthcare data analysis change next? I always consider where the data is leading the industry. We need to move toward assessing patients not by CPT codes but by episodes of care. In my job, I’m focused on figuring out how to move toward bundling codes so they are more representative of the full care pathway, paving the way for industry-wide growth of alternative healthcare plans. ## Frequently asked questions What are healthcare pricing MRFs? Machine-readable files are federally mandated data files in which carriers and hospitals publish negotiated rates. They created a new way to analyze health insurance—but they are just data files, often with gaps that require enrichment. Why can't MRFs alone drive down healthcare costs? Pricing data lacks context. It doesn't tell you whether a provider actually performs a service, whether the care is high quality, or whether anything can be done about high prices in markets dominated by one health system. How does claims data improve pricing analysis? Claims data validates pricing accuracy, enables correct plan modeling around utilization rates, and predicts future plan effectiveness. Its main limitation today is a six-month lag behind monthly price transparency releases. What role does AI play in healthcare pricing data? AI and LLMs speed up processes and help teams react faster to market shifts—but healthcare needs a human touch, so AI works best as an augmentation tool, not a replacement for plan management decisions. What are episodes of care and why do they matter? Episodes of care bundle individual CPT codes into representations of the full care pathway. Moving from code-level to episode-level analysis paves the way for industry-wide growth of alternative health plans. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Handl Health CEO is reimagining the future of health plans | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/handl-health-ceo-is-reimagining-health-plans-from-the-ground-up) Blog›Press # Handl Health CEO is reimagining the future of health plans HHHandl Health April 22, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Handl Health CEO is reimagining the future of health plans] Quick answer Handl Health CEO Ahmed Marmoush wants Handl to be the universal platform every broker, health plan, and TPA uses to design non-traditional medical plans at scale. His North Star: a connected data ecosystem so rich that health plans can be personalized down to the individual person, their conditions, and their care preferences. ## Key takeaways - Marmoush's goal: make Handl the universal platform for designing non-traditional medical plans at scale - He believes alternative health plans should become the status quo, "because everybody cares about value" - A connected data ecosystem could eventually personalize health plans to the individual—conditions, risks, and care preferences - His approach was shaped in New Zealand and rural Australia: build the foundation first, then innovate on top of it At the end of his podcast conversation with Crumdale Specialty’s Matt Naylor, the CEO of Handl lays out his North Star. Ahmed Marmoush had already told him that he’s in the industry because he feels extremely passionate about healthcare. But toward the end of the chat, he plainly stated the reason behind co-founding Handl: “I want Handl to be the universal platform that is used by every broker, every health plan/TPA to design non-traditional medical plans at scale,” he said. “We believe alternative health plans should become the status quo, because everybody cares about value." Then he took it a step further: “I think there is a world whereby we will create such a connected data ecosystem that we can actually personalize health plans down to the individual person,” he said. “My plan design might actually be different than yours, because my ecosystem that supports me understands the medical conditions I have, the medical conditions I may be prone to, my preferences around how to engage with care.” ## Where did Handl Health's vision come from? It all started for Marmoush in New Zealand, where he worked as a pharmacist and then as a healthcare consultant. One of his early consulting jobs took him to a small town in Australia, Rockhampton. He learned that to bring about healthcare change in a remote area, he had to first build a strong foundation. “It gave me exposure to the challenges of working in a remote and rural setting, and how important it is to invest in the appropriate healthcare infrastructure,” he said. He carries this learning with him even today, always striving to first build an appropriate foundation upon which to build structural healthcare innovation. After all, healthcare is his life’s work. “I've always been somebody who is driven by purpose,” he said. “I believe that if you wake up every day and can deliver 150% of yourself to something you feel extremely passionate about – that is, to me, Nirvana.” Watch the podcast below to hear how Ahmed came to Handl from the pharmacy world, why a government grant helped kickstart the company, and how he views the American healthcare system. ## Frequently asked questions What is Handl Health CEO Ahmed Marmoush's goal for the company? He wants Handl to be the universal platform used by every broker, health plan, and TPA to design non-traditional medical plans at scale—making alternative health plans the status quo. What does personalized health plan design mean? Marmoush envisions a connected data ecosystem where a plan design can differ person by person—informed by each member's medical conditions, the conditions they may be prone to, and their preferences for engaging with care. How did Marmoush's background shape Handl Health? He worked as a pharmacist and healthcare consultant in New Zealand and rural Australia, where he learned that structural healthcare change requires investing in the right infrastructure foundation first. Why should alternative health plans become the status quo? Because everybody cares about value. Traditional one-size-fits-all plans don't reflect the wide variation in cost and quality across providers, while alternative designs steer members toward high-value care. Where can I hear the full conversation? In Marmoush's podcast conversation with Crumdale Specialty's Matt Naylor, embedded in this article, covering his journey from pharmacy to founding Handl Health. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Healthcare pricing MRFs are the foundation of predictive intelligence | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/healthcare-pricing-mrfs-are-the-foundation-of-predictive-intelligence) Blog›Data # Healthcare pricing MRFs are the foundation of predictive intelligence HHHandl Health April 16, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Healthcare pricing MRFs are the foundation of predictive intelligence] Quick answer Healthcare pricing MRFs are the foundation of predictive intelligence, but they only create lasting change when enriched with claims, pharmacy, and demographic data. Negotiated rates show what a network costs structurally; claims and demographics show what a specific group will actually use. Together they let employers act before costs are incurred, not after. ## Key takeaways - Proactive healthcare strategy means understanding a group's composition before cost is incurred, not identifying high-cost claimants after the fact - Cost drivers are not uniform: a manufacturer's exposure might be MSK and site-of-care, while a tech company faces specialty pharmacy and mental health - Employers are strong at retrospective analysis but weak in the predictive space—most don't use rate benchmarking before they're locked in - AI helps clean data and recognize patterns but should remain an augmentation tool; care steerage still requires deeply human touch points To bend the healthcare cost curve, brokers and employers need to embrace predictive intelligence and proactive decision-making. In this setting, being proactive means tapping into all the healthcare data available to understand a group's composition before cost is incurred. Public pricing data, claims, pharmacy and demographic signals are all important to create a highly specific view of each group. It's not just about identifying a high-cost claimant after the fact; it's all about understanding what a member is likely to need and ensuring the plan design and network actually support that. From there, you can create a true healthcare strategy. At a recent Crumdale Specialty seminar, Ria Shah, Handl Health co-founder and chief product officer, explained that while healthcare pricing MRFs are a foundational piece of the infrastructure, it’s really about how you enrich and execute on that information that will truly create lasting change. You can't just look at one data set to figure out how to lower plan costs. ## How does claims data enable proactive decision-making? Take utilization as an example. Cost drivers are not uniform. A manufacturing group's biggest exposure might be MSK and site-of-care. A tech company might see specialty pharmacy and mental health as their biggest drivers. Negotiated rates tell you what a network costs structurally, but claims and demographic data are needed to tell you what this group is likely to use. Put those together and you can build a plan that actually fits, she explained. The healthcare industry needs “to be more intentional and reviewing data on a more frequent cadence to be able to drive insights and act on them,” Ria told the audience. Employers are the strongest at retrospective analysis; after all, everyone has at least some claims reporting. The improvement needs to happen in the predictive space. Most employers aren't using rate benchmarking data to project what a network will cost before they're locked in. That gap is closing fast. The data exists now to do real personalization at the group level, but most employers just haven't been shown what's possible. ## When is healthcare AI actually beneficial? And in the rush to bring AI into every aspect of the industry, it’s important to not fall for the hype. AI has been extremely helpful in cleaning data and recognizing information patterns, she said, but it should be used as an augmentation tool, not a replacement for every aspect of health plan management. “There are some deeply human touch points that are required,” she said, mentioning care steerage. “You’re going to want to talk to a human for certain parts of the experience.” Shah said she hears a common refrain from employers and consultants all the time: “We know that there are some areas we want to dig into, we want to make these changes, but we don’t know where to begin and how to see it all the way through so it produces the results that we want.” Understanding how the plan is performing currently, along with the top handful of high-cost providers, is the first step, she said. It’s also important to clearly state the objectives for any new plan design. Then it’s about designing, deploying and continuously optimizing the plan. ## Frequently asked questions What is predictive intelligence in healthcare benefits? Using public pricing data, claims, pharmacy, and demographic signals to understand a group's likely needs before costs are incurred—so plan design and network selection actually support what members will use. Why aren't MRFs enough to lower plan costs? Negotiated rates tell you what a network costs structurally, but not what a specific group is likely to use. You need claims and demographic data layered on top to build a plan that actually fits. How do cost drivers differ between employer groups? A manufacturing group's biggest exposure might be musculoskeletal care and site-of-care choices, while a tech company might see specialty pharmacy and mental health as its biggest drivers. Where do most employers fall short today? The predictive space. Employers are strongest at retrospective claims reporting, but most aren't using rate benchmarking data to project what a network will cost before they're locked in. Should AI manage health plans end to end? No. AI excels at cleaning data and recognizing patterns, but deeply human touch points—like care steerage conversations—still require a person, per Handl Health co-founder Ria Shah. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Handl Health CEO talks employer-funded healthcare, non-traditional plans and how to bend the insurance cost curve | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/handl-health-ceo-talks-employer-funded-healthcare) Blog›Press # Handl Health CEO talks employer-funded healthcare, non-traditional plans and how to bend the insurance cost curve HHHandl Health April 14, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Handl Health CEO talks employer-funded healthcare, non-traditional plans and how to bend the insurance cost curve] Quick answer Employer healthcare costs now run around $17,000 annually per employee, with more than $2,000 per employee wasted on poor network design, outdated plan structures, and opaque pricing. Handl Health CEO Ahmed Marmoush explains why nearly 75% of self-funded employers need better technology—and how non-traditional plans bend the cost curve. ## Key takeaways - Employer healthcare costs are around $17,000 annually per employee, before employee premiums, copays, and pharmacy costs - More than $2,000 per employee is wasted on poor network design, outdated plan structures, and opaque pricing - Nearly 75% of employers are self-funded, but many lack the technology to evaluate plan performance - There are only two ways to solve the cost problem: change the unit price or change utilization - Handl connects analytics to activation: plan design, member navigation, and ongoing claims repricing and monitoring Ahmed Marmoush is the CEO of Handl Health, a technology platform transforming how health plans are evaluated, designed and managed. By unifying healthcare pricing, utilization, benefit and quality data into a single analytical and operational layer, Handl empowers employers, brokers and payers to build flexible, cost-effective health benefits that perform. ## Why did you found the healthtech startup Handl Health? I grew up in New Zealand in a family of pharmacists. A pharmacist by training, I never really wanted to be a pill counter. I was much more interested in the business of healthcare. After starting my career in acute general hospitals in New Zealand, I moved into a quality improvement role. From there, I went to business school and moved into healthcare consulting for the next decade. It was during that time I worked alongside the former director general of the New Zealand Health System. He was accountable and responsible for not only funding New Zealand's healthcare system but also designing the exact healthcare insurance plan and the delivery model. That involved everything from how to contract on outcomes to creating innovative primary care models, recognizing the shift from episodic care to much more continuing care. Working with him is when I became interested in the role that administrators play in offering access to health care, and how you provide universal access at a price point that is digestible. I came to the U.S. in 2019 with Ernst and Young to do something very similar, but realized very quickly that the lack of data transparency made it virtually impossible to truly understand healthcare value in America. One of the foundational pillars of how you think through determining value is understanding the provider’s cost structure, the contracting nature of that as well as the outcomes they create. I am committed to this as my lifelong work. After healthcare pricing transparency legislation passed, I moved on from EY with my colleague Ria Shah, and we created Handl Health to understand the value of healthcare price transparency to the American enterprise and consumer. ## Why is now the right time for transforming the American healthcare system? Healthcare costs are growing at an alarming pace. Last year, we saw double-digit premium increases; this year, we’re expecting something very similar. When you look across the board of all the contracts that are held out there with providers, you can see this huge variation in cost without necessarily a correlation to quality. At Handl, we’re bending that cost curve by optimizing for a few things: We're looking to optimize for what employers pay in terms of unit cost, and then we look to optimize for how employees utilize healthcare services. Right now, employer healthcare costs are around $17,000 annually per employee. Add employee premiums to that total. That’s a lot of money spent on healthcare. These employers routinely ask me what they are really getting for that large figure – and that’s not even considering the additional copays and pharmacy costs that employees also pay. That’s exactly why you’re starting to really see demand for a structural change in how our health insurance is offered, certainly on the employer-funded side. Nearly 75 percent of employers are self funded, but many lack the technology needed to evaluate the performance of their plans. Also consider that more than $2,000 is wasted, per employee, on poor network design, outdated plan structures and opaque pricing. We have also seen a shift away from the traditional insurance model. Providers are really starting to get creative around different types of designs: that could include reference-based pricing, a cash-pay model, using an HRA, etc. There's really only two ways to solve the cost problem, though: You change the unit price, or you change the utilization problem. ## Is there demand for non-traditional health insurance plans? One of the biggest pain points we heard from our broker partners was, “Hey, what you are providing to us is fantastic, and I can go out there and wow a prospect or a client on all the things that we could do, but I am hamstrung in my ability to actually do that. The other side of the ecosystem is not only archaic in terms of its technology, but also doesn't necessarily have the know-how to activate and manage these types of plans.” This demand led us to extend our platform with a focus on the activation of customized employer health plans. For these alternative health plans, we provide the exact same type of analytics suite to the TPAs and carriers, but we connect that to a member experience. So we have a member navigation tool, which is used by care advocates that can also integrate very nicely into existing member portals. Finally, one of the most obvious things that one would argue you should do, but didn't actually appear to exist when we started Handl, was the ability to actually reconcile and monitor your plan. That means repricing claims as they come through: Are you paying according to the network’s contracts? Is your plan design driving the type of cost containment that you intended? ## How will AI impact the health insurance industry? Historically, the insurance broker ecosystem has been very much a service-based industry. And when you actually start to look at and unpack the workflows that exist and how brokerages operate, there's so much opportunity for the use of AI to fundamentally reshape the operating model. AI is already making a huge impact on the industry. LLMs launching consumer health portals are applying pressure on health plans that are not equipped to deal with the technology. That’s why AI-enabled consumer care navigation is a native element of our platform. Internally, we also see AI as a resource that enables every team to execute faster by ensuring that data, tools and processes accelerate work. It’s an idea-iteration machine. It’s coding support. It’s a document analyzer. One thing it is not? A replacement for the smart, innovative team at the heart of Handl Health. ## Frequently asked questions How much do employers spend on healthcare per employee? Around $17,000 annually per employee—before adding employee premiums, copays, and pharmacy costs. Employers routinely ask what they're actually getting for that figure. How much employer healthcare spend is wasted? More than $2,000 per employee is wasted on poor network design, outdated plan structures, and opaque pricing, according to Handl Health. What share of employers are self-funded? Nearly 75% of employers are self-funded, but many lack the technology needed to evaluate the performance of their plans. What are the only two ways to solve the healthcare cost problem? Change the unit price (what's paid for each service via negotiated rates and network design) or change utilization (how much and where care is consumed). What does Handl Health provide beyond analytics? Plan activation for customized employer health plans: an analytics suite for TPAs and carriers, a member navigation tool used by care advocates, and plan reconciliation that reprices claims to verify cost containment is working. Why did Ahmed Marmoush found Handl Health? After a career in New Zealand's health system and healthcare consulting, he arrived in the U.S. in 2019 and found the lack of data transparency made it virtually impossible to understand healthcare value—price transparency legislation made Handl possible. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Why does Handl Health exist? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/why-does-handl-health-exist) Blog›Leadership # Why does Handl Health exist? HHHandl Health April 2, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Why does Handl Health exist?] Quick answer Handl Health exists to make employer-sponsored healthcare affordable and personalized. Employers pay $233 billion annually for healthcare, yet most rely on rigid, off-the-shelf plans. Handl gives brokers, TPAs, and carriers the data and execution layer to design, deploy, and monitor better plans—cutting implementation from 12–18 months to as little as four. ## Key takeaways - Employers pay $233 billion annually for healthcare, yet most rely on rigid, off-the-shelf plans that ignore workforce demographics - Even at full transparency compliance, the data needed to evaluate networks and design plans remains fragmented and disconnected - Handl reduces plan implementation from the traditional 12–18 months to as little as four months - The platform covers all 50 states, modeling multiple scenarios and continuously monitoring live plan performance - Data alone is useless without an execution layer—design, activation, care steerage, and monitoring in one platform The healthcare industry has become increasingly expensive. It’s difficult to navigate and can be hard to access. Patients are frustrated. Pricing transparency regulations were supposed to help relieve this frustration. Hospital and carrier machine readable files are a positive step, but shifting the U.S. healthcare status quo takes so much more. Even at full medical price transparency compliance, which is far from a reality, the data needed to evaluate networks, understand true costs and design better health plans remains fragmented and disconnected. You need technology to put it all together. Handl Health is solving this disconnect and revolutionizing employer-sponsored insurance. We’re bringing end-to-end benefits design and monitoring capabilities to the health insurance ecosystem of brokers, third-party administrators and carriers. Our focus on these companies is by design: They carry the responsibility of making healthcare affordable and accessible for working people and their families. Historically, building healthcare plans has been an onerous task. These companies have designed plans despite fragmented or outdated data, manual processes and plans that treat every population the same. And they’ve done it with a complete lack of healthcare price transparency. ## What does it take to go beyond healthcare price transparency? The Handl platform makes it possible for every employer to offer affordable, personalized healthcare designed around the unique needs of their people. We’re helping build healthcare that delivers the right care at the right time and at a price working families can afford. Why focus on employer-funded health plans? One number: $233 billion. That’s what employers pay, each year, for healthcare. Yet most of them rely on rigid, off-the-shelf plans that don’t account for the unique demographics, cost drivers or care needs of their workforce. This creates tons of waste. Employees end up paying more for lower-quality care. That’s why we give carriers, brokers and third party administrators not only robust data to understand what healthcare really costs but the ability to do something about it. Data is useless without the infrastructure, an execution layer, to create something new. Customers use our platform to design and deploy plans that improve outcomes and reduce waste, then constantly monitor plans to prove these new plans are reducing costs and improving patient care. ## How fast can better health plans get to market? Designing new plans once took months or even years of actuarial analysis, manual workflows and tech-stack overhauls. The Handl platform significantly reduces time to market, enabling plans to be implemented in as little as four months compared to the traditional 12 to 18 months. With robust data covering all 50 states, the Handl Health platform can model multiple scenarios, customize assumptions and continuously monitor performance once plans are live, ensuring decisions are informed by real-world data rather than static reports. Handl is devoted to technological innovation with a purpose. As companies across every industry rush to implement AI into their processes, Handl has been using AI tools since its founding. The company has expanded past its initial sole focus as an AI platform that aggregates and analyzes publicly available healthcare pricing data. AI at Handl is now about reshaping the consumer experience, making it easier for patients to find and compare healthcare providers while saving time and money. Understanding what care actually costs and how it varies is at the core of what we do. This pricing intelligence informs how carriers, TPAs and brokers design healthcare plans on the Handl platform. From there, the other layers of the platform – design and activation, quality-of-care measurement, care steerage, vendor integration and continuous plan performance monitoring – bring everyone closer to healthcare that’s not only affordable but genuinely better. Access to the care you need at an affordable price should be a universal right. Workers and their families deserve personalized healthcare that drives down costs while improving care. That’s why Handl Health exists: helping optimize employer plans to provide the highest quality care at the most efficient cost. Handl’s holistic infrastructure platform empowers users to design, deploy and monitor alternative health plans. Schedule a demo to see how we can help you design better plans and flatten the healthcare cost curve. ## Frequently asked questions Why does Handl Health exist? To make affordable, personalized healthcare possible for every employer by giving brokers, TPAs, and carriers the data and execution infrastructure to design, deploy, and monitor better health plans. How much do employers spend on healthcare each year? Employers pay $233 billion annually for healthcare—yet most rely on rigid, off-the-shelf plans that don't account for their workforce's demographics, cost drivers, or care needs. Who does Handl Health serve? Brokers, third-party administrators, and carriers—the organizations that carry the responsibility of making healthcare affordable and accessible for working people and their families. How quickly can a new health plan launch on the Handl platform? In as little as four months, compared to the traditional 12 to 18 months of actuarial analysis, manual workflows, and tech-stack overhauls. Why isn't price transparency data enough on its own? Because data is useless without an execution layer. Even at full compliance, the data needed to evaluate networks and design plans remains fragmented—Handl adds design, activation, care steerage, vendor integration, and continuous monitoring on top. How does Handl Health use AI? Handl has used AI since its founding—first to aggregate and analyze public healthcare pricing data, and now to reshape the consumer experience, helping patients find and compare providers while saving time and money. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Handl Health provides carriers, TPAs with end-to-end platform to create alternative health plans | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/platform-to-create-alternative-health-plans) Blog›Company News # Handl Health provides carriers, TPAs with end-to-end platform to create alternative health plans HHHandl Health March 30, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Handl Health provides carriers, TPAs with end-to-end platform to create alternative health plans] Quick answer Handl Health has expanded its platform so carriers and TPAs can build variable-copay alternative health plans end to end—connecting carrier networks, provider performance, and episode bundles into a single analytic and pricing layer. Over 150,000 members are already covered, with plans launching in as little as four months and 22% average savings on shoppable care. ## Key takeaways - Nearly 65% of large employers either offer (35%) or are considering (29%) a non-traditional medical plan, per Mercer's 2026 survey - More than 150,000 members across the U.S. are covered by Handl-powered alternative health plans - AHPs on the platform launch in as little as four months, with a 6% projected reduction in medical trend - Shoppable care savings average 22% on Handl-designed alternative health plans Alternative health plan metricResultMembers covered by Handl-powered AHPs150,000+Time to implementAs little as 4 monthsProjected reduction in medical trend6%Average savings on shoppable care22%Large employers offering or considering AHPs (Mercer 2026)~65%Handl Health provides carriers, TPAs with end-to-end platform to create alternative health plans LOS ANGELES March 31, 2026 – Handl Health, a technology platform powering the design of employer-sponsored health insurance, has expanded its platform capabilities to meet growing demand from its broker customers for variable-copay alternative health plans (AHPs). Traditional medical plans are experiencing double-digit percentage cost increases; AHPs provide predictable healthcare pricing and incentivize higher quality, lower cost care. Large enterprises are already favoring AHPs. Nearly 65% of large employers either offer (35%) or are considering a non-traditional medical plan (29%), according to Mercer’s 2026 survey on health and benefit strategies. Carriers and third-party administrators lacking sufficient infrastructure can now use Handl as an end-to-end solution to create alternatives to traditional insurance plans. The company’s expanded capabilities enable administrators to quickly build variable-copay plans by connecting carrier networks, provider and site-of-care performance, and episode bundles into a single analytic and pricing layer. “Handl has become central to how we evaluate and build alternative health plans as a third-party administrator,” said Sidhartha Sinha, CEO of Avant Health. “The platform allows us to evaluate costs, design network-equivalent strategies and use that data in real time to guide members to higher-value care, helping us deliver better options and measurable savings for our clients.” ## What does Handl's alternative health plan platform support? Handl’s holistic approach to AHPs supports: - Data-driven provider tiering based on cost and quality of care - Connected, AI-enabled navigation using EHR data to proactively steer members - Episode-based plan designs for a simplified member-financial experience - Embedded intelligence and predictive analytics for monitoring and plan customization More than 150,000 members across the United States are currently covered by Handl-powered alternative health plans. AHPs designed on the platform can be implemented in as little as four months, achieving a 6% projected reduction in medical trend with a 22% average saving on shoppable care. “The health insurance status quo is rapidly changing. Employers are demanding a meaningful shift in the cost curve without diminishing member access or affordability. This can only be realized through a structural shift in how insurance plans are designed,” said Ahmed Marmoush, CEO of Handl Health. “Carriers and TPAs need solutions that enable them to create innovative, consumer-centric, value-driven health plans. At Handl, we’re on the leading edge of the current generational shift in healthcare, giving organizations large and small the platform to drive down costs while improving care.” About Handl Health Handl Health is a technology platform transforming how health plans are evaluated, designed and managed. By unifying healthcare pricing, utilization, benefit and quality data into a single analytical and operational layer, Handl empowers employers, brokers and payers to build flexible, cost-effective health benefits that perform. Handl’s technology delivers the analytics, member experience and pricing engine needed to power the next generation of alternative health plans. ## Frequently asked questions What did Handl Health announce? An expansion of its platform so carriers and TPAs can use Handl as an end-to-end solution to create variable-copay alternative health plans—connecting carrier networks, provider performance, and episode bundles into one analytic and pricing layer. What is a variable-copay alternative health plan? A plan design that tiers providers by cost and quality, then varies member copays to incentivize higher-quality, lower-cost care—delivering predictable pricing versus traditional plans facing double-digit increases. How many members are covered by Handl-powered alternative health plans? More than 150,000 members across the United States, with a 6% projected reduction in medical trend and 22% average savings on shoppable care. How common are alternative health plans among large employers? Nearly 65% of large employers either offer (35%) or are considering (29%) a non-traditional medical plan, according to Mercer's 2026 survey on health and benefit strategies. How long does it take to implement an AHP on the Handl platform? As little as four months, compared with the 12–18 months traditionally required for new plan designs. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Handl Health completes SOC 2 security audit | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/handl-health-completes-soc-2-security-audit) Blog›Company News # Handl Health completes SOC 2 security audit HHHandl Health March 9, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Handl Health completes SOC 2 security audit] Quick answer Handl Health has successfully completed its SOC 2 Type II examination, conducted by A-LIGN. The certification affirms that Handl's infrastructure, software, people, data, policies, and operations meet the AICPA's rigorous security standards—and that protecting customer data is treated as an ongoing undertaking, not a one-time effort. ## Key takeaways - Handl Health completed its SOC 2 Type II examination, audited by A-LIGN, the industry's top SOC 2 issuer - SOC 2 Type II reviews infrastructure, software, people, data, policies, procedures, and operations—not just technology - CTO Scott Geye: data security is a bedrock principle and an ongoing undertaking, not a one-time effort - The AICPA-established standard is recognized globally, giving customers confidence that required safeguards are in place LOS ANGELES March 9 — Handl Health, a technology platform powering the design of employer-sponsored health insurance that reduces costs while improving patient care, has successfully completed its SOC 2 Type II examination. A-LIGN conducted the audit. “At Handl, data security is a bedrock principle, and that’s why it’s so important for us to be recognized as SOC 2 compliant. This award shows that we have strict and evolving security protocols in place for customer data,” said Scott Geye, Handl’s chief technology officer. “SOC 2 compliance also recognizes that data security is not a one-time effort but an ongoing undertaking with the goal of protecting data now and in the future.” ## What does SOC 2 Type II certification mean? Established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the SOC 2 Type II examination is designed for organizations of any size, regardless of industry and scope, to ensure the personal assets of their potential and existing customers are protected. SOC 2 reports are recognized globally and affirm that a company’s infrastructure, software, people, data, policies, procedures and operations have been formally reviewed. “Congratulations to Handl Health for completing their SOC 2 audit, a widely recognized signal of trust and security," said Steve Simmons, COO of A-LIGN. "It's great to work with organizations like Handl Health, who understand the value of expertise in driving an efficient audit and the importance of a high-quality final report." This certification demonstrates Handl Health’s continued commitment to compliance and ensures customers have confidence that required safeguards are in place to protect company data. About Handl Health Handl Health is a technology platform transforming how health plans are evaluated, designed and managed. By unifying healthcare pricing, utilization, benefit and quality data into a single analytical and operational layer, Handl empowers employers, brokers and payers to build flexible, cost-effective health benefits that perform. Handl’s technology delivers the infrastructure, analytics and insights needed to power the next generation of alternative health plans. ABOUT A-LIGN A-LIGN is the leading provider of high-quality, efficient cybersecurity compliance programs. Combining experienced auditors and audit management technology, A-LIGN provides the widest breadth and depth of services including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP, and PCI. A-LIGN is the number one issuer of SOC 2 and a leading HITRUST and FedRAMP assessor. To learn more, visit a-lign.com. ## Frequently asked questions What is a SOC 2 Type II examination? An audit standard established by the AICPA that formally reviews an organization's infrastructure, software, people, data, policies, procedures, and operations to verify customer data is protected—over a sustained period, not just at a point in time. Who audited Handl Health's SOC 2 compliance? A-LIGN, the number one issuer of SOC 2 reports and a leading HITRUST and FedRAMP assessor. Why does SOC 2 compliance matter for healthcare data platforms? Health plan analytics platforms handle sensitive pricing, claims, and member data. SOC 2 Type II gives brokers, carriers, and TPAs independent assurance that required safeguards are in place and continuously maintained. Is SOC 2 a one-time certification? No. As Handl CTO Scott Geye notes, SOC 2 compliance recognizes that data security is an ongoing undertaking with evolving protocols—Type II specifically examines controls operating over time. Are SOC 2 reports recognized outside the U.S.? Yes. SOC 2 reports are recognized globally and apply to organizations of any size, regardless of industry and scope. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [How can brokers prepare for healthcare plan renewal season? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/how-can-brokers-prepare-for-healthcare-plan-renewal-season) Blog›Data # How can brokers prepare for healthcare plan renewal season? [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari Samimi March 5, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: How can brokers prepare for healthcare plan renewal season?] Quick answer Brokers can prepare for renewal season by mastering three trends: data mastery (real network and carrier performance comparisons), impeccable execution (turning strategy into implemented plans), and continual evaluation (in-year insights on spend and utilization). Price transparency data shows why it matters—identical procedures vary by thousands of dollars across facilities. ## Key takeaways - Data mastery is table stakes: employers expect real performance comparisons between networks and carriers, not just a few renewal options - In-year evaluation is replacing renewal-time analysis—clients want spend, utilization, and outcome insights before year-end surprises - Diagnostic colonoscopy rates at major NY/NJ facilities run $1,588 to $2,128 - Total knee arthroplasty averages $12,667 to nearly $23,000 across major NJ/NY hospitals—a $10,000+ spread In the spring, healthcare plan renewal season seems so far off in the distance. But a little bit of advance preparation goes a long way in getting ready for employee benefits renewal, the most important, and stressful, time of the year for healthcare insurance brokers. Brokers, it's time to take a look at what's trending for this year's renewal season ## What trends define the 2027 insurance renewal season? Data Mastery: The best brokers are leaning into analytics to differentiate themselves. Instead of just showing employers a few renewal options, they’re prepared with real performance comparisons between networks and carriers. This shift is reshaping how employers evaluate their advisors. Yes, in some cases, this type of data has even become table stakes, so be prepared to really offer meaningful information backed by forward-looking insight. Impeccable Execution: Strategy is great, but not if you struggle on the operational side. From managing direct contracts to implementing transparency tools and driving member engagement – it's all crucial to designing healthcare plans that have a true impact for consumers. It’s no longer about only having the best ideas; you have to actually turn those ideas into reality. Continual Evaluation: Waiting until renewal to judge the effectiveness of healthcare plans? That’s a strategy from the past. As the cost of healthcare continues to grow, employers are laser-focused on in-season analysis. They need to know if a plan is still meeting the needs of their employees, and if it’s not, how to fix it. Brokers are being pushed to provide in-year insights on spend, utilization and outcomes. This helps their clients identify and act on cost drivers before they become end-of-year surprises. ## What does the pricing transparency data show? ProcedureFacilities surveyedNegotiated rate rangeDiagnostic colonoscopy5 NY/NJ endoscopy centers + NYU Langone$1,588 – $2,128Total knee arthroplasty5 major NJ/NY hospitals$12,667 – ~$23,000With the help of a third party, brokers can effectively use healthcare pricing transparency data to design cost-effective employee health plans. By analyzing publicly available medical pricing information, brokers will be able to track trends, spot efficiencies and provide clients with better designed insurance plans. Parsing the data effectively will help health insurance brokers understand that negotiated insurance rates vary widely. To illustrate this, Handl Health recently looked at the average rates negotiated by Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Aetna at major facilities for two different procedures. For a Diagnostic Colonoscopy, Handl examined negotiated rates from these hospitals and ASCs: Endoscopy Center of Bergen County (NJ), Endoscopy Center of New York, Kips Bay Endoscopy Center, Manhattan Endoscopy Center, and NYU Langone Health. At those facilities, prices for the procedure run between $1,588 and $2,128. Casting a wider regional net, Handl priced out a Total Knee Arthroplasty at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hospital for Special Surgery (NY), Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center (NJ), and Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. Again, the healthcare pricing reflects a very wide range. The average cost for the procedure at these facilities is anywhere from $12,667 to nearly $23,000. Appropriately weighing data regarding negotiated health insurance rates empowers brokers to make optimal insurance pricing decisions for their employer clients. But mere data transparency isn’t enough; you need an expert guide to help you through the information, separating the data that truly makes an impact from all the white noise. Site-of-care differentials are frequently discussed as a driver of healthcare spend, but the data show that its not as cut and dried as weighing the cost of an ACS versus a hospital. Brokers need help to dig deeper than the surface-level data to truly create an actionable plan design that enables employers to deliver the most-effective healthcare plans for their employees. This protects not only clients from unnecessary costs but also helps reduce the overall burden of healthcare costs in this country. Handl Health can help brokers create healthcare plans that promote cheaper fees for the same level of care, empowering them to become advocates for a more sustainable healthcare future. ## Frequently asked questions When should brokers start preparing for renewal season? In the spring. Advance preparation—running network analyses, gathering in-year performance data, and reviewing cost drivers—goes a long way before the busiest, most stressful time of the broker year. What do employers expect from brokers at renewal now? Real performance comparisons between networks and carriers backed by forward-looking insight—not just a few renewal options. Data mastery has become table stakes. Why does continual evaluation matter more than annual review? Employers are laser-focused on in-season analysis. In-year insights on spend, utilization, and outcomes let clients identify and act on cost drivers before they become end-of-year surprises. How much do negotiated rates vary for the same procedure? Widely. A diagnostic colonoscopy runs $1,588–$2,128 across major NY/NJ facilities, and a total knee arthroplasty averages $12,667 to nearly $23,000—a spread of more than $10,000. Is site-of-care the main driver of price differences? Not always. The data shows it isn't as simple as ASC versus hospital—brokers need to dig deeper than surface-level data to build actionable plan designs. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [When are machine-readable Rx files coming? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/machine-readable-rx-files-coming-soon) Blog›Leadership # When are machine-readable Rx files coming? [Image: Ria Shah] Ria Shah March 2, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: When are machine-readable Rx files coming?] Quick answer Machine-readable Rx files are proposed federal requirements under the Transparency in Coverage Rule that would force PBMs to disclose prescription drug pricing. They matter because drugs make up at least 25% of employer healthcare spend—the fastest growing cost with the least visibility. Once enacted, they'll finally make true PBM benchmarking possible. ## Key takeaways - Prescription drugs make up at least 25% of total employer healthcare spend—the fastest growing cost with the least visibility - Proposed Rx Drug MRFs under the Transparency in Coverage Rule would require PBM pricing disclosure - Visibility into rebate structures reveals net drug prices—the missing ingredient for real PBM benchmarking - Leverage shifts fast: when a plan sees its top drug's net rate is 28% above market, the conversation changes quickly The significance of transparent drug pricing can not be overstated. At the Self Insurance Institute of America’s Healthcare Pricing Transparency Forum, I recently told the audience how we can break out of the prescription drug pricing black box. We talked through proposed federal regulations, such as the Rx Drug MRFs, under the Transparency in Coverage Rule and Compensation Disclosures. These rules would require increased transparency from the pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that serve employer-sponsored health plans. Searchable, machine readable prescription drug files are a big step in the quest to create shoppable health insurance and true healthcare pricing transparency. Because right now, employers are flying blind on a cost that makes up at least 25% of their total healthcare spend. And it’s the fastest growing cost that has the least visibility. ## What will machine-readable Rx files change? Once enacted, the regulations will allow us to understand all component parts of fees to the plan sponsor. This clears up the opacity in the Rx rebate structures, helping us figure out net drug prices. Without visibility to these pricing structures, true PBM benchmarking is virtually impossible. That's what brokers, benefits consultants and employers have been missing at the negotiating table. Think about it: When a plan can see the net rate of their top drug is 28% above market, the conversation changes quickly. Handl Health has been doing this with medical pricing for years. And while the industry has yet to achieve full transparency compliance, even imperfect pricing data changes the dynamic. It’s a huge step in the right direction because employers can use the data to ask real questions to drive down costs; consultants can provide true, impactful pricing benchmarks. When prescription drug data becomes accessible at the same level, it removes a major blocker for the industry and finally gives plan sponsors the leverage they need to drive down costs. By unifying healthcare pricing, utilization, benefit and quality data into a single analytical and operational layer, Handl Health empowers employers, brokers and payers to build flexible, cost-effective health benefits that perform. Our holistic infrastructure platform also empowers users to design, deploy and monitor alternative health plans. Schedule a demo to see how we can help you put federally mandated price transparency data into action. ## Frequently asked questions What are machine-readable Rx files? Proposed federal requirements—Rx Drug MRFs under the Transparency in Coverage Rule and Compensation Disclosures—that would require pharmacy benefit managers serving employer-sponsored plans to publish searchable prescription drug pricing data. Why is prescription drug pricing called a black box? Because Rx rebate structures are opaque, making net drug prices nearly impossible to determine. Employers are flying blind on a cost that makes up at least 25% of total healthcare spend. How would Rx transparency help employers negotiate? Visibility into all component parts of fees enables true PBM benchmarking. When a plan can see the net rate of its top drug is 28% above market, the negotiating conversation changes quickly. How big a share of healthcare spend is pharmacy? At least 25% of total employer healthcare spend—and it's the fastest growing cost category with the least visibility. What can employers learn from medical price transparency? Even imperfect pricing data changes the dynamic. Handl Health has shown with medical MRFs that employers can use the data to ask real cost questions and consultants can deliver impactful pricing benchmarks. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Handl Health secures $14M Series A to reform healthcare access and affordability in the United States | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/handl-health-secures-14m-series-a) Blog›Company News # Handl Health secures $14M Series A to reform healthcare access and affordability in the United States HHHandl Health February 23, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Handl Health secures $14M Series A to reform healthcare access and affordability in the United States] Quick answer Handl Health secured $14.2 million in Series A funding led by Arthur Ventures to accelerate structural change in American healthcare. Over two years, Handl identified a reported $113 million in savings across nearly $1 billion in healthcare spend, and its alternative health plans have reduced consumer costs by 22% on shoppable procedures. ## Key takeaways - $14.2M Series A led by Arthur Ventures, with follow-on from Syndra Capital Partners, Mucker Capital, Riverfront Ventures, and others - Handl identified a reported $113 million in savings across nearly $1 billion in healthcare spend over two years - Handl-powered alternative health plans reduced consumer costs by 22% on shoppable procedures - Around 60% of Americans under retirement age are covered by employer-sponsored plans—the market Handl targets Funding milestoneDetailSeries A raised$14.2 millionLead investorArthur VenturesSavings identified for employer partners$113M across ~$1B in spendConsumer cost reduction on shoppable procedures22%LOS ANGELES February 24, 2026 - Handl Health, a technology platform powering the design of employer-sponsored health insurance that reduces costs while improving patient care, has secured $14.2 million in Series A funding to accelerate structural change in American healthcare. Arthur Ventures led the funding round, which included follow-on investment from Syndra Capital Partners and another strategic investor from the ecosystem. Initial Handl investors Mucker Capital, Riverfront Ventures, Digital Health Venture Partners and Boutique Venture Partners increased their involvement. Around 60% of U.S. citizens under retirement age are covered by employer-sponsored plans. The cost of these plans, for both consumers and employees, is climbing at an unprecedented rate. Accessibility has also declined. Handl Health aims to address both trends, transforming U.S. healthcare by supporting the insurance brokers, carriers and third-party administrators that are the main point of decision making for employer-sponsored health plans. Over the past two years, Handl has partnered with employers to reevaluate their network strategy and benefits design, identifying a reported $113 million in savings across nearly $1 billion in healthcare spend. The company also powers alternative health plans that have reportedly reduced consumer costs by 22% on shoppable procedures. "We're seeing a once-in-a-lifetime shift in how employers purchase healthcare," said Ahmed Marmoush, co-founder and CEO of Handl Health. "The building blocks for better health plans already exist across the ecosystem. What's been missing is the platform that connects insight to action, a place where users can design a plan to optimize care pathways, deploy them through an intuitive member experience and then continuously refine that plan based on real-world performance. That's exactly what we've built." ## What will the Series A funding power? The Series A funding will advance Handl's platform expansion and help the company provide deeper plan analytics. This will lead to improved benefit design with predictable pricing and a higher quality of care for consumers. “AI and price transparency data are redefining how health plans are designed and managed,” said Nick Goblisch, vice president at Arthur Ventures. “We’re thrilled to partner with Handl Health as its platform leads the next generation of network analytics and alternative health plan design.” With the Handl platform, insurance brokers, carriers and third-party administrators can easily transform the rigid insurance of yesterday into dynamic, customizable and optimized health plans. These plans are built with the patient front and center, tailored to their unique needs and preferences. ## Why does plan design need to change? "When building a cost-effective healthcare plan, you can no longer simply choose a carrier or network. You need to understand provider performance on both cost and quality, model different configurations, then evaluate what care pathways actually cost. We give users the infrastructure to design around those realities, deploy the plan and continuously track whether it's delivering better outcomes at lower cost,” said Ria Shah, Handl’s co-founder and chief product officer. “That’s how we’re forging the future of healthcare in the U.S.,” Marmoush added. “We're killing one-size-fits-all, mass marketed health plans. Patients are demanding better health insurance options and employers are listening. It’s time for patients to start loving their health insurance.” About Handl Health Handl Health is a technology platform transforming how health plans are evaluated, designed and managed. By unifying healthcare pricing, utilization, benefit and quality data into a single analytical and operational layer, Handl empowers brokers, carriers and third-party administrators to build flexible, cost-effective health benefits. Handl’s technology delivers the infrastructure, analytics and insights needed to power the next generation of alternative health plans. About Arthur Ventures Arthur Ventures is an early growth capital firm that leads investments in B2B software companies located outside Silicon Valley. Since 2013, they have partnered with 80+ companies in different cities across all regions of the United States and Canada. Arthur Ventures manages ~$2 billion and is actively investing out of its $800 million in capital committed to its 2025 fund vintages. ## Frequently asked questions How much did Handl Health raise in its Series A? $14.2 million, led by Arthur Ventures with follow-on investment from Syndra Capital Partners and increased participation from initial investors including Mucker Capital, Riverfront Ventures, Digital Health Venture Partners, and Boutique Venture Partners. What results has Handl Health delivered for employers? Over the past two years, Handl partnered with employers to reevaluate network strategy and benefits design, identifying a reported $113 million in savings across nearly $1 billion in healthcare spend. How much do Handl-powered alternative health plans save consumers? A reported 22% cost reduction on shoppable procedures for members of Handl-powered alternative health plans. What will the Series A funding be used for? Advancing Handl's platform expansion and deeper plan analytics—leading to improved benefit design with predictable pricing and higher quality of care for consumers. Why is the employer-sponsored insurance market Handl's focus? Around 60% of U.S. citizens under retirement age are covered by employer-sponsored plans, and costs are climbing at an unprecedented rate while accessibility declines. Brokers, carriers, and TPAs are the main decision-making point for these plans. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Where’d that $800 medical insurance charge come from? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/whered-that-800-medical-insurance-charge-come-from) Blog›Leadership # Where’d that $800 medical insurance charge come from? [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush February 22, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Where’d that $800 medical insurance charge come from?] Quick answer A single question during a free annual physical turned it into a diagnostic visit—and an $800 surprise bill. That experience drove Handl Health's founding mission: use federally mandated price transparency data to fix a system where the same colonoscopy costs $350 at one facility and $3,500 at another, with no quality difference. ## Key takeaways - Surprise charges are routine: a preventative physical became a diagnostic visit billed at $800 after one question - Price transparency data shows no correlation between cost and quality—a colonoscopy can cost $350 or $3,500 for no reason - 164.5 million people (60% of Americans under 65) are covered by employer-sponsored plans, per KFF - Healthcare cost boils down to two levers: negotiated unit prices and how much care we consume I asked a single question. How was I to know that one query would transform my annual physical from a preventative exam to a diagnostic doctor’s visit? Annual physicals, which are preventative, are free. I later received a bill for $800. When I first looked at the insurance bill, I couldn’t understand why I was being charged. I come from a family of pharmacists, and I spent years working in hospitals in New Zealand. Later as a consultant in London, I learned how to run an effective healthcare system, all the way from how care is funded to how you evaluate population health. I’ve spent my entire life in the healthcare industry, and I still did not understand why that $800 fee was staring me in the face. That was my first encounter with the U.S. healthcare system and medical insurance, but I soon learned that these types of surprise charges are a normal part of going to the doctor. I know this same situation has played out thousands of times across the country. It was then and there that I decided to work to make U.S. healthcare pricing more transparent, care more accessible and the entire experience more affordable for everyone involved. ## How can healthcare pricing data change the insurance landscape? It’s more possible than ever before because healthcare pricing transparency has shifted from a policy aspiration to a federal mandate. The Transparency in Coverage (TiC) rules and the No Surprises Act required unprecedented levels of public disclosure from hospitals and payers. When we first got a look at the pricing data, the information showed us a surprising fact: take any five providers, compare the same procedure, and you’ll see that there’s no correlation between cost and quality. I could see that patients paid $350 for colonoscopy at one facility, and $3,500 for the same procedure in a different area. For no reason. The data files themselves are confusing and pretty useless at face value, but there’s a lot you can do when you put in the work. That’s where we started, and we realized there are so many other datasets we can use to nourish that pricing data, creating information that will lead to meaningful change in the healthcare industry. Let me tell you, this was an exciting prospect. We started at the consumer level, but we soon realized that in order to effect true change and bend the cost curve for healthcare, to correctly assign prices to procedures and drive down total costs, we needed to move upstream. ## Why focus on employer-sponsored health plans? The most durable way to drive down healthcare costs and increase patient accessibility is by empowering the organizations responsible for designing and managing these employer-sponsored health plans. Why? More than 164.5 million people are covered by employer-sponsored plans. That’s 60% of all U.S. citizens under 65, according to KFF. That means we needed to work directly with insurance brokers, who are the main point of influence and decision making for employer-sponsored health plans. Terabytes of health pricing data is available, but these customers still struggle to put the data in action, hampered by inconsistent formats, unstructured information and wide variability in the integrity of data. From my experience in overseas healthcare, I know what it looks like to create incentive structures for providers that drive outcomes for patients. And drive down costs. There are myriad reasons healthcare is expensive, but it really boils down to two ideas: ✅ How much we pay for a service or procedure: the price that insurance carriers negotiate with providers in their network ✅ How much healthcare we consume or use. The Handl Health platform is tailor made to solve these two systemic healthcare challenges. Healthcare costs in this country are a universal problem. Healthcare pricing and the quality of patient care have been issues for decades. At Handl, we’re solving these challenges by changing how healthcare plans are designed, elevating patient care while driving down costs for all parties. Handl Health is revolutionizing how health plans are built and managed. We’re doing that by bringing the latest tech Innovations to the employer-sponsored benefits ecosystem. Our holistic infrastructure platform empowers users to design, deploy and monitor alternative health plans. Schedule a demo to see how we can help you design better plans and flatten the healthcare cost curve. ## Frequently asked questions Why do surprise medical bills happen? Often because of how a visit is coded. Asking a question during a preventative annual physical can reclassify it as a diagnostic visit—shifting it from free to billable, like the $800 charge that inspired Handl Health. Is there a correlation between healthcare cost and quality? No. Comparing the same procedure across providers shows no correlation—patients can pay $350 for a colonoscopy at one facility and $3,500 at another for no quality reason. How many Americans are covered by employer-sponsored health plans? More than 164.5 million people—60% of all U.S. citizens under 65, according to KFF. That's why Handl works upstream with the brokers who shape those plans. What two factors drive healthcare costs? How much we pay per service (the rates carriers negotiate with providers) and how much healthcare we consume. The Handl platform is built to address both. What made price transparency work possible? The Transparency in Coverage rules and the No Surprises Act mandated unprecedented public disclosure from hospitals and payers—turning pricing transparency from policy aspiration into federal mandate. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Every Broker Needs a Network Caddie | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/every-broker-needs-a-network-caddie) Blog›Network Monitoring # Every Broker Needs a Network Caddie [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush February 3, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Every Broker Needs a Network Caddie] Quick answer Brokers need a "network caddie"—a data-driven guide for provider network selection that monitors shifting costs and regulations, predicts hazards with precise analytics, sizes up negotiating leverage from claims patterns, and spots cost hot spots early. Handl Health's data-grounded approach gives brokers that caddie-level confidence. ## Key takeaways - Network selection is like a new golf course: hidden hazards in costs, referral patterns, and regulatory shifts like ERISA - A network caddie tracks fluctuations and foresees policy impacts so clients adapt before the market changes direction - Claims patterns and group dynamics reveal negotiating leverage—plan size, utilization velocity, and strategy reduce costs - Cost "hot spots"—rapidly rising costs, outlier claims, disproportionate provider spend—are easier to fix when caught early Getting ready to watch some amazing golf this week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona, it struck me that brokers could take a cue from the game and benefit from a healthcare network caddie. After all, selecting and managing a provider network can be as complex (and sometimes frustrating) as playing through a new golf course. A sand pit here, a pond there. A slope you can’t really see and a bank of trees that’s right in the way. So if network caddies did exist, what would they do? ## How would a network caddie monitor the changing winds? A seasoned caddie offers real-time guidance to adjust strategy and minimize risk. In provider network selection, the winds of costs, referral patterns, and regulatory changes like ERISA are always shifting. A network caddie could track fluctuations, foresee the impact of policy shifts, and help clients adapt before the market changes direction. ## How does data predict range and hazards? Judging the exact distance from the tee box to the flag (and the hazards in between) is crucial to choosing the right club and hitting it with the optimal angle and power. Relying on guesswork can lead to overshooting or coming up short. Brokers face similar challenges–identifying not just the proximity of facilities but the hazards to reaching the best network value, patient access, and cost efficiency. A network caddie could offer precise analytics to evaluate and select providers that deliver measurable benefit. ## What does judging the slope mean for negotiations? A caddie reads the slope, knowing when more finesse or power is needed, turning a potential obstacle into an advantage. Judging the slope in network selection means sizing up leverage. Plan size, utilization velocity, and negotiation strategy can be used to reduce costs or improve terms. A network caddie could analyze claims patterns and group dynamics, finding the right angle to lower expenses and increase value. ## How do you find cost hot spots before they burn you? Changing temperatures affects how golf balls travel. Network selection “hot spots” of rapidly rising cost, outlier claims, or provider types driving disproportionate spend are common but can oftentimes be difficult to uncover. A network caddie could find and address these hot spots early, turning cost pressures into opportunities. The constantly changing healthcare environment could make professional network caddies indispensable. That’s why Handl’s approach, which is grounded in real data and context, gives brokers the caddie-level confidence to account for every variable, so you come in under par every time. Handl Health is revolutionizing how health plans are built and managed. We’re doing that by bringing the latest tech Innovations to the employer-sponsored benefits ecosystem. Our holistic infrastructure platform empowers users to design, deploy and monitor alternative health plans. Schedule a demo to see how we can help you read the healthcare course and craft the perfect drive. ## Frequently asked questions What is a healthcare network caddie? A data-driven advisor for provider network selection—monitoring shifting costs and regulations, predicting hazards with analytics, sizing up negotiating leverage, and finding cost hot spots early, the way a caddie reads a golf course. What makes provider network selection so complex for brokers? Constantly shifting costs, referral patterns, and regulatory changes like ERISA—plus hidden hazards that affect network value, patient access, and cost efficiency. How can brokers gain leverage in network negotiations? By analyzing claims patterns and group dynamics. Plan size, utilization velocity, and negotiation strategy can all be used to reduce costs or improve contract terms. What are network cost hot spots? Areas of rapidly rising cost, outlier claims, or provider types driving disproportionate spend. They're common but hard to uncover—finding them early turns cost pressures into opportunities. How does Handl Health act as a network caddie? Handl's approach is grounded in real data and context, giving brokers the confidence to account for every variable in network evaluation and plan design. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [The Future of Healthcare Transparency: What Brokers & Employers Need to Know in 2026 | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/the-future-of-healthcare-transparency) Blog›Price Transparency # The Future of Healthcare Transparency: What Brokers & Employers Need to Know in 2026 [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari Samimi January 13, 2026 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: The Future of Healthcare Transparency: What Brokers & Employers Need to Know in 2026] Quick answer Three transparency trends define 2026 for brokers and employers: unprecedented healthcare data accessibility as more providers comply, pricing data cleanliness (bad data costs companies over $12 million on average), and rapid growth of alternative health plans. With family premiums topping $26,000 and 8.5% cost growth forecast, acting on clean data is the defense. ## Key takeaways - KFF measured a 6% increase in employee health insurance costs, with families spending more than $26,000 on premiums in 2025 - PwC anticipates employer healthcare costs growing 8.5% next year, after a similar increase in 2025 - Acting on bad data can cost companies more than $12 million (Gartner)—data cleanliness is a 2026 defining issue - Alternative health plans with dynamic copays and level funding are the fastest-growing response to rising costs Cost indicatorFigureEmployee health insurance increase (KFF, 2025)+6%Family premium spend (2025)$26,000+Forecast employer cost growth (PwC)+8.5%Average cost of acting on bad data (Gartner)$12M+It’s no secret that healthcare costs are going up. The Kaiser Family Foundation recently measured a 6% increase in employee health insurance, finding that families spent more than $26,000 in 2025 on premiums. The 6% increase mirrors cost rises in 2024 and 2023. Individual health care premiums rose by 5 percent. A PwC survey found that employer healthcare costs might rise even more, anticipating 8.5% growth next year. This comes after a similar increase in 2025. So how can employers and brokers protect themselves against rising costs while continuing to deliver substantive health insurance options? The answer is in the data. ## How does clean healthcare data reduce insurance costs? The Hospital Price Transparency and the Transparency in Coverage laws by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are well established, but compliance among hospitals can be spotty. That’s why data and price transparency will be a defining feature of the industry in 2026. While price transparency efforts have signaled that the industry has been in a state of flux and that changes are coming, costs keep rising. It remains incredibly difficult to create impactful, meaningful healthcare plans in the current market. As hospitals and health plans continue to share data, and more organizations comply with transparency laws, the ability for third-party software providers to deliver impactful information about healthcare costs will only increase. Brokers and employers can prepare for the coming year by arming themselves with questions about healthcare data processing, focusing on how third-party software providers use more substantive, real-time data to lower insurance costs. We’ll be zeroing in on these healthcare transparency trends in 2026: ## What will healthcare data accessibility look like in 2026? As more providers and carriers begin sharing data, pricing data access will increase in 2026. We’re expecting unprecedented healthcare data access will enable companies to provide unrivaled analysis and infrastructure for a new type of health insurance. These new plans will drive down costs for all while creating an atmosphere of care. Payees need a partner that can unify these new streams of healthcare price transparency data with commercial intelligence, returning accurate pricing and care information while helping create innovative plans. These providers must use a comprehensive, production-ready dataset that includes provider directories, quality metrics, claims benchmarks and contracted rates. ## Why does pricing data cleanliness matter so much? When companies act on bad data, it can cost them more than $12 million. Gartner came upon that figure by analyzing how bad data impacts back-office systems, drives down revenue and other factors. Translating this over to healthcare pricing, creating healthcare plans with bad data only makes everything more expensive. In a perfect world, healthcare providers would deliver data files that are accurate, complete and standardized. Health plans also wouldn’t report pricing and other data differently than hospital systems. These ideals don’t yet exist, so payees need to find a software provider with a unified approach to data cleanliness and standardization that helps users turn this pricing data into action. In 2026, expect to see first-party data that is more accurate and usable. But this data is not enough. Payees need data enhanced with third-party commercial information to ensure only the most realistic healthcare pricing. As more sources come into compliance with the data transparency law, even more information flows into the industry. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the data, brokers and employers need to act with intention. ## How fast are alternative healthcare plans growing? Healthcare pricing will continue to increase, so it makes no sense to build health insurance plans using the same providers based on last year’s claims. Employers are demanding flexibility to build plans that work for all of their employees, leading to significant customization. That’s why alternative healthcare plans are growing in popularity. In 2026, employers, brokers and health plans will quickly adopt AI-powered platforms to design dynamic copays and level-funded plans that promise steerage, cost containment and quick ROI. Where does this all lead? Smarter plan design, healthier customers and a less wasteful healthcare industry. Handl Health’s holistic infrastructure platform enables users to design, deploy and monitor alternative health plans. The company is making sure these data priorities stay front and center in 2026, delivering payees actionable information that empowers them to create healthcare plans that reduce costs while improving service. ## Frequently asked questions How much are healthcare costs rising for employers? KFF measured a 6% increase in employee health insurance, with families spending more than $26,000 in 2025 on premiums. PwC anticipates employer costs growing 8.5% next year. What transparency trends should brokers watch in 2026? Three: expanding healthcare data accessibility as compliance improves, pricing data cleanliness and standardization, and the rapid growth of alternative healthcare plans with dynamic copays and level funding. How expensive is bad healthcare data? Gartner found that acting on bad data can cost companies more than $12 million on average. In healthcare, plans built on bad pricing data simply make everything more expensive. Why are alternative healthcare plans growing in popularity? Because it makes no sense to rebuild plans on the same providers using last year's claims while prices keep rising. Employers want flexibility, steerage, cost containment, and quick ROI—delivered through AI-powered plan design. What should employers ask their data providers? How they process healthcare data: whether they unify transparency data with commercial intelligence, and whether their dataset includes provider directories, quality metrics, claims benchmarks, and contracted rates. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Handl CEO Tracks Journey from Pharmacy to Tech Startup for Leader’s Edge Podcast | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/handl-ceo-tracks-journey) Blog›Leadership # Handl CEO Tracks Journey from Pharmacy to Tech Startup for Leader’s Edge Podcast [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari Samimi July 23, 2025 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Handl CEO Tracks Journey from Pharmacy to Tech Startup for Leader’s Edge Podcast] Quick answer Handl Health CEO Ahmed Marmoush went from clinical pharmacist in New Zealand to healthcare consultant to tech founder. On the Leader's Edge podcast, he explains what shocked him about U.S. healthcare: a black box where no one could learn the cost of an MRI—the opposite of the fully transparent systems he'd worked in overseas. ## Key takeaways - Marmoush comes from a family of pharmacists and worked as a clinical pharmacist in a large New Zealand health system - Overseas, cost and quality transparency were foundational—in the U.S., prices were "commercially sensitive" black boxes - The Handl platform normalizes and enriches fragmented healthcare data with facility and site-of-care granularity - Handl operates as an orchestration layer, surfacing the right point solutions to the right members at the right time Handl Health CEO Ahmed Marmoush didn’t co-found the healthcare tech platform overnight. Handl is the result of his lived experiences – first as a pharmacist, then as a healthcare consultant – and what he learned as a practicing pharmacist in New Zealand and elsewhere overseas. Marmoush comes from a family of pharmacists – his mother, father and older sister all work in the industry – so it was almost a given that he would go to pharmacy school. He soon found himself working as a clinical pharmacist for a large health system in New Zealand for some time. “I was working up on the wards alongside physicians and nurses and making recommendations on treatment plans for patients,” he said. “I really enjoyed that experience, but I was frustrated with working in what I considered to be a system that was quite inefficient and broken in some ways.” ## What does the Handl Health platform actually do? The Handl Health platform is purpose-built to transform fragmented healthcare data into actionable intelligence that informs strategic decision-making and continuously improves outcomes. It all starts with opaque, confusing healthcare data that is then normalized and enriched with facility and site-of-care granularity,enabling accurate attribution of cost, quality, and utilization within the context of how care is actually delivered. It’s designed to integrate with, prioritize, and promote client- and customer-selected point solutions as part of a unified member decision-support experience. Rather than operating as a standalone point solution, Handl Health functions as an orchestration layer that ensures the right programs are surfaced to the right members at the right time. The end goal? Revolutionizing how health plans are built and managed. ## What did Marmoush learn before founding Handl? Marmoush temporarily left the healthcare world for business school, working soon after for the former director general of the New Zealand health system at a boutique firm eventually acquired by Ernst & Young. “I learned everything that I know about what constitutes running an effective healthcare system, all the way through from how do you fund care? How do you evaluate population health? What does it look like to create incentive structures for providers that drive outcomes for patients? Marmoush then moved to the U.S. to make his mark on the healthcare industry. What he learned was a bit of a culture shock. “There was this ongoing gap in how you could truly define value in the U.S. healthcare system,” he said. “You couldn’t get access to the true cost of care. You wouldn’t understand how much an MRI was. You couldn’t understand how much a tonsillectomy was. There was this black box that was considered commercially sensitive information and that was foreign to me." “In every other health system that I had worked on, there was complete transparency around cost and quality. You knew exactly how much it cost to do anything in the system, and that’s foundational to driving any value-based medicine system.” Hear more about Ahmed’s journey, how Handl is working to demystify the U.S. healthcare and insurance systems and why he once thought he might work as a ship captain, in the Leader’s Edge podcast. ## Frequently asked questions What is Ahmed Marmoush's background? He comes from a family of pharmacists, trained as a pharmacist, and worked as a clinical pharmacist in a large New Zealand health system before moving into healthcare consulting and eventually founding Handl Health. What surprised Marmoush about U.S. healthcare? The black box around pricing. In every other health system he'd worked in, there was complete transparency around cost and quality—in the U.S., no one could tell him the price of an MRI or tonsillectomy. How does the Handl platform handle fragmented data? It normalizes and enriches opaque healthcare data with facility and site-of-care granularity, enabling accurate attribution of cost, quality, and utilization in the context of how care is actually delivered. Is Handl Health a point solution? No—it functions as an orchestration layer that integrates, prioritizes, and promotes client-selected point solutions, surfacing the right programs to the right members at the right time. Where can I hear the full interview? On the Leader's Edge podcast, where Marmoush discusses his journey from pharmacy to tech startup and how Handl is demystifying U.S. healthcare. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Opening the “Black Box” on Pharmacy Costs | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/opening-the-black-box-on-pharmacy-costs) Blog›Pharmacy Pricing # Opening the “Black Box” on Pharmacy Costs [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari Samimi May 2, 2025 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Opening the “Black Box” on Pharmacy Costs] Quick answer Pharmacy benefits administration has long been a "black box" that lets PBMs profit through arbitrage. A new executive order targets transparency in three areas: PBM compensation disclosure (rebates and fees), provider and carrier drug pricing, and refined federal Medicare negotiations—giving employers their first real look at true pharmacy costs. ## Key takeaways - Pharmacy costs remain a "black box": money flows in, but information rarely flows out—by design, not accident - The executive order requires PBMs to disclose earnings from rebates and fees - Hospitals and insurers must release the prices they pay for pharmaceuticals - HHS will refine Medicare drug price negotiations, potentially setting precedent for broader reform - Even with the data available, synthesizing it will be the real challenge—and opportunity—for consultants and brokers For most employers, pharmacy benefits administration is an expensive “black box” — money flows in, but information rarely flows out. While general healthcare claims data is largely accessible and somewhat open to synthesis, the way pharmacy costs are determined remains confusing, even to seasoned healthcare experts. This “black box” effect isn’t accidental. Intentional obfuscation of how prescription drugs are priced and delivered has long enabled middlemen — especially Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) — to profit through arbitrage between employers, drug companies and manufacturers. While nonprofit groups and congressional efforts have brought some transparency, systemic confusion persists. However, change may finally be on the horizon. A new executive order signed by President Trump aims to open the “black box” by increasing transparency in drug pricing — giving employers, consultants and brokers a real opportunity to understand true pharmacy costs for the first time. ## What does the new executive order require? - PBM Compensation: PBMs will be required to disclose how much they earn from rebates and fees. - Provider and Carrier Pricing: Hospitals and insurers must release the prices they pay for pharmaceuticals. - Federal Negotiations: The Department of Health and Human Services will refine Medicare drug price negotiations, potentially setting a precedent for broader reform. While the executive order shows strong intent, one major challenge remains: Even if all this data suddenly becomes available, synthesizing and interpreting it will be no small feat. While this would be a challenge for employers, it’s also an opportunity for savvy consultants, brokers and innovative technology companies like Handl Health. In fact, we think that forward-thinkers will be well positioned to help employers make sense of this new information — offering fresh insights into PBM contracts, formulary options and brand-name drug cost drivers. In fact, we predict that if this transparency effort gains real traction, the “black box” of pharmacy costs will turn into a “Pandora’s box” for PBMs — revealing needlessly high-priced drugs to the benefit of employers nationwide. ## Frequently asked questions Why are pharmacy costs called a black box? Because intentional obfuscation of how prescription drugs are priced and delivered has enabled middlemen—especially PBMs—to profit through arbitrage between employers, drug companies, and manufacturers. What are the three transparency targets of the executive order? PBM compensation (disclosure of rebate and fee earnings), provider and carrier pricing (hospitals and insurers releasing what they pay for pharmaceuticals), and refined federal Medicare drug price negotiations. What is a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)? A middleman that administers prescription drug benefits for employer-sponsored health plans, negotiating with drug manufacturers and pharmacies—historically with little disclosure of how it profits. Will drug pricing transparency data be easy to use? No. Even if all the data becomes available, synthesizing and interpreting it will be a major challenge—which is where consultants, brokers, and technology platforms like Handl Health come in. What could this mean for employers? Fresh insight into PBM contracts, formulary options, and brand-name drug cost drivers—and, if transparency gains traction, the exposure of needlessly high-priced drugs across the board. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Michigan Just Sent a Clear Message on Healthcare Price Transparency | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/michigan-just-sent-a-clear-message-on-healthcare-price-transparency) Blog›Price Transparency # Michigan Just Sent a Clear Message on Healthcare Price Transparency [Image: Shapari Samimi] Shapari Samimi March 13, 2025 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Michigan Just Sent a Clear Message on Healthcare Price Transparency] Quick answer Michigan's Senate passed the Hospital Price Transparency Act (SB95) by a bipartisan 35–1 vote. Hospitals that fail to comply with federal transparency laws would lose the right to collect patient debt incurred during non-compliance—a significant financial incentive, given 18% of hospitalized patients hold over $250 in medical debt. ## Key takeaways - Michigan's SB95 passed the state Senate 35–1, a rare bipartisan margin - Non-compliant hospitals would be barred from collecting patient debt incurred during periods of non-compliance - 18% of hospitalized patients hold more than $250 in medical debt—making the penalty financially significant - Compliance with the federal Hospital Price Transparency Final Rule has been shockingly low since 2021, leaving patients and employers to navigate opaque costs Last week, our CEO Ahmed Marmoush discussed how President Trump's recent executive order on healthcare price transparency is an important step forward—but also highlighted how it would take a collection of political, professional and personal advocates to create more velocity towards meaningful change. A mere three days after his blog was posted, some promising progress was made towards changing our current environment of opaque, confusing hospital prices. Specifically, on March 8, the Michigan Senate passed the Hospital Price Transparency Act (SB95) with a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The bill, introduced by Republican Senator Jonathan Lindsey, proposes that hospitals failing to comply with federal transparency laws will no longer be allowed to collect patient debt incurred during periods of non-compliance. Considering that 18% of all hospitalized patients hold more than $250 worth of medical debt, this could represent a significant financial hit to hospitals that aren’t in compliance. The reaction here at Handl Health was, in a word, excitement. We feel this legislation supports what we know to be true - that patients, employers and regular citizens deserve to understand what they will pay for healthcare, and be able to make more informed choices about the right providers. ## Why does the new Michigan law matter? Despite federal mandates in place since 2021, a shockingly low percentage of hospitals nationwide have fully complied with the Hospital Price Transparency Final Rule, leaving patients, brokers, employers and TPAs on their own to interpret the labyrinth of hospital costs. This lack of transparency often led to unpredictability, financial stress and barriers to informed decision-making. After the recent executive order by the Trump administration doubling down on hospital price transparency, the Michigan legislators’ state-level push towards hospital price accountability with SB95 seems to be a politically-savvy move by Senator Lindsey to signal alignment with White House priorities. By going one step further and tying compliance directly to a significant hospital financial interest, Michigan is creating strong incentives to take transparency seriously. ## What should other states do next? It's encouraging to see state leaders stepping up, but Michigan shouldn't be alone. Average citizens, employers, healthcare leaders and legislators in other states need to watch closely and consider advocating for similar legislation. Let's keep the momentum. ## Frequently asked questions What is Michigan's Hospital Price Transparency Act (SB95)? A bill passed by the Michigan Senate 35–1 that would bar hospitals failing to comply with federal transparency laws from collecting patient debt incurred during periods of non-compliance. How significant is the financial penalty for hospitals? Substantial. About 18% of all hospitalized patients hold more than $250 in medical debt, so losing collection rights during non-compliance could hit hospital finances hard. Why is state-level action needed on price transparency? Because despite federal mandates in place since 2021, a shockingly low percentage of hospitals nationwide have fully complied with the Hospital Price Transparency Final Rule. How does SB95 relate to federal transparency efforts? It followed a Trump administration executive order doubling down on hospital price transparency—Michigan tied compliance directly to a significant hospital financial interest, creating stronger incentives than federal fines alone. Could other states pass similar laws? Yes, and advocates hope they will. Michigan's bipartisan 35–1 vote shows price transparency legislation can attract support across party lines. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Trump’s Price Transparency Executive Order: What It Means & What You Can Do | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/trumps-price-transparency-executive-order-what-it-means-what-you-can-do) Blog›Price Transparency # Trump’s Price Transparency Executive Order: What It Means & What You Can Do [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush March 5, 2025 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Trump’s Price Transparency Executive Order: What It Means & What You Can Do] Quick answer Trump's February 25 executive order takes a second run at hospital price transparency after less than a quarter of hospitals complied with the original rule. History shows such policy signals can become industry standards—like airline fee disclosure and nutrition labels—but only if employers, brokers, and patients add their voices to enforcement pressure. ## Key takeaways - Less than 25% of hospitals comply with the original Price Transparency Rule - The February 25 executive order is a second attempt at giving patients, employers, and consumers clear hospital prices - Precedents like the Airline Price Transparency Rules (2012) and FDA Nutrition Labeling (1990) show policy signals can become accepted standards - Progress requires combined pressure: enforcement threats plus the voices of employers, brokers, technology companies, and patients As the saying goes - if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Despite the Trump administration’s first try at forcing hospital price transparency, less than a quarter of hospitals are complying with the Price Transparency Rule. Along with a flurry of other executive orders, the recent order released on February 25th seems to be taking another run at giving patients, employers and consumers a clearer look into hospital prices. Skeptics might argue that a single executive order without commensurate enforcement action won’t change much, and that the move may not have lasting power. There’s good reason to hesitate, as industry pushback and other politicking could thwart the second attempt just as it did the first. But history tells us that political gambits (such as introducing bills that likely won’t pass, or executive orders that send a signal) can be conversation-starters for larger policy and enforcement shifts, assuming the right voices speak up. The Airline Price Transparency Rules (2012), which forced airlines to disclose all fees upfront, started with increasing regulatory pressure and evolved into a widely accepted industry standard. The FDA Nutrition Labeling Regulations (1990) transformed the way consumers make food choices, despite early resistance from major food corporations. It’s possible for everyday people to usher in an era of policy enforcement and widespread adoption of new business norms; it’s just not always easy. ## Whose voices are needed for change? This isn’t the first policy attempt at making healthcare more consumer- and market-friendly, either. The No Surprises Act (2022) eliminated surprise medical billing, the Interoperability & Patient Access Rule (2020) made health data more accessible and the HIPAA Right of Access Initiative (2019) gave patients the right to obtain their medical records without delays. These laws made real progress in healthcare - despite industry pushback - by combining the velocity and voice of industry and consumers together. Making a case for change based on efficient, more competitive business practices can be “complemented” by a threat of enforcement action and legal risk. So who will be the voice for price transparency this time around? Along with the “complement” of enforcement threats, we believe it’s people like us: Employers tired of overpaying for healthcare, brokers demanding clarity for their clients, technology companies ready to create more value and patients refusing to accept hidden, sky-high or wildly variable costs. If we leave it up to government policies and executive actions alone, we might still be having this same conversation a decade from now. But if we start demanding more transparency from our healthcare system, we can make progress on setting a new norm. The choice is ours. ## Frequently asked questions What does Trump's price transparency executive order do? It reinforces the original hospital Price Transparency Rule, taking a second run at giving patients, employers, and consumers a clearer look into hospital prices after widespread non-compliance. How many hospitals comply with the Price Transparency Rule? Less than a quarter of hospitals comply with the original rule—the main reason a renewed executive push was needed. Can an executive order alone change hospital behavior? Probably not by itself. But history shows policy signals can start larger shifts—airline fee disclosure (2012) and FDA nutrition labels (1990) both evolved from regulatory pressure into accepted industry standards. What other healthcare laws made similar progress? The No Surprises Act (2022) eliminated surprise billing, the Interoperability & Patient Access Rule (2020) opened health data, and the HIPAA Right of Access Initiative (2019) guaranteed timely medical record access—all despite industry pushback. What can employers and brokers do to support price transparency? Demand clarity: employers tired of overpaying, brokers seeking clarity for clients, and patients refusing hidden costs together create the pressure that turns policy signals into enforced norms. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Turning an Executive Order into action: Is it radical to push for healthcare price transparency when employers pay 27% more than necessary? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/turning-an-executive-order-into-action) Blog›Price Transparency # Turning an Executive Order into action: Is it radical to push for healthcare price transparency when employers pay 27% more than necessary? [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush February 26, 2025 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Turning an Executive Order into action: Is it radical to push for healthcare price transparency when employers pay 27% more than necessary?] Quick answer An Executive Order now reinforces healthcare price transparency legislation—but today only 14% of hospitals fully comply, and employers pay 27% more than necessary for common services because they lack pricing visibility. Radical transparency, with clear and enforceable pricing information, is what empowers employers, patients, and payers to fix a broken process. ## Key takeaways - Only 14% of hospitals fully comply with existing transparency rules - Employers pay 27% more than necessary for common services due to lack of pricing visibility - Prescription drug costs remain opaque, limiting smarter plan design - Radical transparency—clear, accessible, enforceable pricing—empowers every actor in the system, not just regulators After years of relentless advocacy, policy changes and industry efforts, we’ve arrived at another pivotal moment for healthcare price transparency—an Executive Order from the office of the President to reinforce and strengthen existing transparency legislation. But the question is: Will it finally work? For too long, the true cost of care has been difficult—if not impossible—to access. Employers struggle to design cost-effective health plans, patients face unpredictable bills and even insurers work within a system where pricing data isn’t always clear or comparable. Even with existing regulations, only 14% of hospitals fully comply with transparency rules today. Meanwhile: - Employers pay 27% more than necessary for common services simply because they lack visibility into pricing. - Prescription drug costs remain opaque, limiting opportunities for smarter plan design. - Patients face wide price variations, often paying vastly different amounts for the same procedure. This isn’t about blaming hospitals, insurers or any one part of the system—it’s about fixing a broken process that makes it difficult for everyone to operate efficiently and fairly. ## What does radical transparency make possible? Transparency alone won’t fix healthcare. But radical transparency—with clear, accessible and enforceable pricing information—empowers everyone in the system: - Employers can design better health benefits that balance cost and quality. - Patients can make informed decisions about their care. - Hospitals and insurers can negotiate and compete based on value, not complexity. At Handl Health, we believe data should serve those footing the bill—including both patients and employers. Price transparency shouldn’t just be a regulation; it should be a tool for better decision-making, fairer pricing and a more sustainable healthcare system. This executive order is a step in the right direction. Now, it’s time for action. ## Frequently asked questions How many hospitals comply with price transparency rules? Only 14% of hospitals fully comply with transparency rules today, despite regulations in place since 2021. How much do employers overpay for healthcare? Employers pay 27% more than necessary for common services, simply because they lack visibility into pricing. What is radical transparency in healthcare? Clear, accessible, and enforceable pricing information—not just published files. It lets employers design better benefits, patients make informed decisions, and hospitals and insurers compete on value rather than complexity. Is the executive order about blaming hospitals or insurers? No. It's about fixing a broken process that makes it difficult for everyone—employers, patients, and insurers alike—to operate efficiently and fairly. Who should benefit from healthcare pricing data? Those footing the bill—patients and employers. Price transparency should be a tool for better decision-making, fairer pricing, and a more sustainable healthcare system, not just a regulation. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Introducing Iris: Putting the Power into your Hands | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/introducing-iris-putting-the-power-into-your-hands) Blog›Price Transparency # Introducing Iris: Putting the Power into your Hands [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush July 22, 2024 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Introducing Iris: Putting the Power into your Hands] Quick answer Iris is Handl Health's first-of-its-kind, self-service analytics tool for benefits consultants, TPAs, and employers. Powered by trillions of data points from hospital and payor machine-readable files, it replaces traditional carrier "discount" analyses with real-time contracted rates—repricing claims, analyzing disruption risk, and comparing rates across networks. ## Key takeaways - Iris is powered by trillions of data points from hospital and payor machine-readable files - It replaces traditional carrier "discount" analyses with real-time contracted rates - Three core capabilities: claims repricing, disruption risk analysis, and rate comparison across specialties and hospitals - Fully self-service—direct access to comprehensive price transparency data without restrictions I’m excited to introduce you to Handl Health’s latest innovation, Iris – a first-of-its-kind, self-service analytics tool for benefits consultants, TPAs and employers looking to say goodbye to traditional “discount” analyses and use real-time contracted rates to compare networks. Powered by the trillions of data points from hospital and payor machine readable files, Iris enables a significant advancement in a world where network comparison has relied heavily on discount analyses from carriers. Say goodbye to traditional “discount” analyses and use real-time contracted rates to compare networks. Since 2021, legislation like Hospital Price Transparency and Transparency in Coverage have given us the gift of an abundance of healthcare pricing data. While that data isn’t perfect, we know that with enough TLC and the right expertise the data can be used to do some pretty amazing things, which introduces a whole new dimension for healthcare in the US, especially employer-sponsored healthcare. ## What does Iris do? We built Iris to empower benefits consultants, TPAs and employers with accurate, real-time data to compare network options and start to build smarter health plans. Here’s a sneak peek of some of the things Iris can do today: - Reprice Claims: Reprice actual or simulated claims to understand potential spend across network options - Analyze Disruption Risk: Assess the impact of switching to a new network to ensure plans are accessible - Compare Rates: Evaluate rates of services and procedures across specialties and hospitals to understand affordability As a fully self-service tool, Iris puts the power in your hands, giving you direct access to comprehensive price transparency data. Whether you’re a benefits consultant looking to grow your book of business or optimize client network options for renewals, a TPA entering a new market or negotiating contracts or even an employer exploring your own network options, Iris offers the data and insights you need without restrictions. ## How can you try Iris? Every day, I’m incredibly proud of the work that our team does. Never taking no for an answer, our team continuously strives to create the best products that truly push the boundaries of what’s historically been possible, and Iris is no exception. Interested in giving Iris a try? Reach out to us directly, and we’ll get you set up. ## Frequently asked questions What is Iris? A first-of-its-kind, self-service analytics tool from Handl Health for benefits consultants, TPAs, and employers—using real-time contracted rates from machine-readable files instead of traditional carrier discount analyses. What can Iris do? Three core things: reprice actual or simulated claims across network options, assess disruption risk when switching networks, and compare rates for services and procedures across specialties and hospitals. What data powers Iris? Trillions of data points from hospital and payor machine-readable files published under the Hospital Price Transparency and Transparency in Coverage laws since 2021. Who is Iris for? Benefits consultants growing their book of business or optimizing renewals, TPAs entering new markets or negotiating contracts, and employers exploring their own network options. How is Iris different from a carrier discount analysis? Discount analyses rely on carrier-provided averages and lack granularity. Iris gives direct, unrestricted access to real-time contracted rates so users can compare networks on actual negotiated prices. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Unlocking the Potential of Healthcare Price Transparency for Employers: How to Avoid Missing the Forest for the Trees | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/unlocking-the-potential-of-healthcare-price-transparency-for-employers) Blog›Case Study # Unlocking the Potential of Healthcare Price Transparency for Employers: How to Avoid Missing the Forest for the Trees HHHandl Health June 11, 2024 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Unlocking the Potential of Healthcare Price Transparency for Employers: How to Avoid Missing the Forest for the Trees] Quick answer Yes—despite data quality gaps, payor machine-readable files can drive better purchasing strategy. A case study comparing UnitedHealthcare and BCBS networks across three Dallas hospitals found contracted rate differences from -52% to +24% by billing code, with BCBS averaging 11% higher—granularity no traditional discount analysis can match. ## Key takeaways - Contracted rate differences between BCBS and UHC ranged from -52% to +24% by billing code, with BCBS averaging 11% higher - UHC rates were 10% higher for inpatient services but 25% lower for outpatient versus BCBS - Optimal network choice depends on workforce demographics, utilization, and preferred facilities—not one average number - MRF gaps make it hard for employers to meet fiduciary duties; validation tooling and sponsor attestation are needed UHC vs. BCBS (Dallas, 14 billing codes)FindingRate difference range by billing code-52% to +24%Average overall differenceBCBS 11% higherInpatient servicesUHC 10% higherOutpatient servicesUHC 25% lowerThis article was written in collaboration among Ahmed Marmoush (CEO & co-founder, Handl Health), Ria Shah (CPO & co-founder, Handl Health) and Francois de Brantes (EVP, Network Performance, XO Health). Over the last few years, the American healthcare industry has seen a push toward greater price transparency, driven by regulation like Transparency in Coverage (TiC). TiC aims to provide plan sponsors (employers) and plan beneficiaries (employees and dependents) access to detailed information about the prices of medical services, helping them make informed decisions about their healthcare benefits. It does so by requiring plan sponsors to publish Machine Readable Files (MRFs) of negotiated rates and offer plan beneficiaries a “shopping tool” to understand their cost-sharing liability for healthcare services. In theory, TiC should assist employers in comparing payor networks to assess relative cost-effectiveness. It should also enable plan members to understand the cost of a single appointment or procedure with different doctors or at different locations. This transparency should offer valuable insights that help navigate the complex healthcare landscape, but it doesn’t, due to reported issues with data quality and completeness. Despite these limitations, can the MRFs be used to drive a better purchasing strategy for employers and their beneficiaries? In this article, we use the MRFs to demonstrate how the data can be used to evaluate networks and design cost effective and accessible health plans – without the need for traditional network discount analyses. ## How accurate is TiC price transparency data? Several analyses highlighted in the Health Affairs' Forefront series on 'Provider Prices in the Commercial Sector' shed light on the challenges faced in ensuring that the data made available under the TiC rule is reliable and in compliance – collectively revealing significant inaccuracies and discrepancies in the pricing data provided by payors. Implications The accuracy and completeness of TiC data has significant consequences: - Statutory Penalties: Inaccurate or incomplete TiC data could expose employers to significant statutory penalties, highlighting the need for greater compliance. - Plan Sponsor Challenges: With inaccurate or incomplete TiC data, employers and their consultants will continue to struggle with comparing prices of networks available through insurance carriers or third-party administrators. They resort to a discount analysis, which lacks granularity, precision and impartiality. Accurate TiC data would enable more precise and granular network comparisons and claims repricing. - Patient Decision-Making: Plan beneficiaries will continue accessing care without context or knowledge on price variation and out-of-pocket liability. They would also benefit from accurate TiC data. It allows them to make informed choices about where to receive care, helping them accurately estimate the costs of healthcare services. And so, the question remains: despite the current limitations of the MRFs, can they be used to drive a better purchasing strategy for employers and their members? Before price transparency regulations, employers and members lacked the ability to meaningfully compare the cost of network choices or even doctors and hospitals. In theory, the availability of payor MRFs introduces more granular and reliable cost estimates when comparing networks and healthcare services. Let's consider the analogy of leaves, branches, trees and forests. A leaf in this instance represents a provider delivering care. A branch represents all providers that deliver a procedure at a specific hospital (e.g. a total knee arthroplasty). A tree represents the entirety of providers and services at a hospital. The forest represents all hospitals in a given carrier network. Some trees carry defects and are missing leaves and branches (e.g. providers and procedure codes). Even with these defects, it is possible to compare trees and even forests to see patterns emerge, and these patterns can provide valuable insight when making purchasing decisions, designing health plans or seeking care. ## What did the Dallas network case study find? To illustrate the practical implications of TiC data in its current state and how to derive the most value, we conducted an analysis comparing two carrier networks: UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) Navigate network file and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Texas’ Blue Essentials network file, across three large acute care hospitals in Dallas. Exhibit 1: Comparative details of hospitals included in the analysis The analysis used 14 billing codes, including 11 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and 3 Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) codes, drawn from the two carrier’s MRFs from March and April 2024. Specifically, the study centered on institutional rates, providing insights into the costs associated with inpatient and outpatient services. ## How do MRFs inform plan selection? The analysis revealed meaningful differences in contracted rates for the same billing codes between BCBS and UHC, ranging from -52% (favorable to UHC by 52%) to +24% (favorable to BCBS), and averaging a favorable 11% for UHC, meaning that, overall, BCBS prices were 11% higher than UHC’s. Beyond this general average, the variation in prices seem to form certain observable patterns, from the setting of care (i.e. inpatient vs. outpatient), to lines of services (e.g. orthopedics) to acute care hospitals overall. These differences create insights that could lead a purchaser to making a different decision than when sticking with the overall average difference. Exhibit 2 shows that UHC’s contracted rates were 10% higher for inpatient services, and 25% lower for outpatient services when compared to BCBS. Exhibit 3 shows that when the prices are compared by clinical service line, the differences can be reduced or inverted in certain instances (e.g. obstetrics). Exhibit 4 shows that the price differences are very favorable to UHC for one facility (Baylor University Medical Center) across all lines of services, and moderately disfavorable for the other facilities. Exhibit 2: Comparative analysis of average contracted rates between UHC and BCBS across inpatient and outpatient services Exhibit 3: Comparative analysis of billing code average contracted rates between UHC and BCBS by clinical service line Exhibit 4: Comparative analysis of billing code average contracted rates between UHC and BCBS by hospital ## How do MRFs guide care navigation? As shown in Exhibits 3 & 4, there are significant differences in contracted rates between facilities within a plan and across lines of service. This holds true for both carriers and across services. However, the net differences in rates for a specific service across providers and carriers can either be directionally the same as observed in the general average, or in the inverse direction. Exhibit 5 shows the differences for DRG 470 (replacements of the lower joints) between UHC and BCBS for each of the facilities. UHC prices are lower for this DRG across all three hospitals. Exhibit 6 shows the same differences for CPT 45380 (colonoscopy) and in that instance UHC has lower prices in two of the three hospitals. Exhibit 5: Comparative analysis of DRG 470 contracted rates for BCBS and UHC at the three acute care hospitals in Dallas Exhibit 6: Comparative analysis of CPT 45380 contracted rates for BCBS and UHC at three acute care hospitals in Dallas What these two Exhibits imply is that, even once a plan has been selected, the choice of the site of care to optimize plan and member costs can vary. While in both plans members would benefit by getting a knee or hip replacement at Baylor, plan members whose employer is using the BCBS network would benefit significantly by having a colonoscopy at Texas Health Presbyterian. Discussion In this analysis we compared two plans’ networks that are offered to self-insured employers. On the face of it, our analysis suggests that in this particular metropolitan area, employers would incur lower prices for certain inpatient and outpatient services when selecting the UHC plan. However, when comparing prices at the service line level and for an acute care hospital overall, the quest for price optimization requires a lot more nuance. For example, as shown in Exhibit 3, an employer in this geography with an employee population that has a young demographic profile or a predominantly female workforce with a potentially higher utilization of orthopedic and obstetrical services might be better off selecting UHC. Similarly, if an employer’s historical claims reveal their workforce favors Baylor University Medical Center (Exhibit 4), UHC may be the better choice. Conversely, if an employer has mostly employees with cardiac-related conditions and favors Texas Health Presbyterian, they may be better off with BCBS. The availability of payor MRFs enables a degree of granularity and precision when evaluating a plan’s network that powers a much more refined decision-making process than the traditional general network discount analysis. This presents an opportunity to personalize network selection based on an employer’s geographic location, workforce demography, utilization patterns and clinical needs. Our analysis, like others, highlights the differences in prices for the same procedures across acute care hospitals. Importantly, however, it shows a clear pricing pattern for procedures across different acute care hospitals. In other words, while for a given procedure a given acute care hospital can be higher or lower than a competitor, some acute care hospitals are more expensive overall and some are less expensive. And the differences in those prices have significant implications on total plan spend and on employee cost-sharing. As a result, once an employer has completed the first purchasing decision and selected their plan and network, the payor MRFs can be valuable in plan design and guiding their employees on where to seek care. This is optimizing for the second purchasing decision, “purchasing care.” However, this two-step purchasing strategy, which almost all employers are forced into, is still suboptimal. Until employers become freer to leverage prices in order to configure their networks - what we call “Network Design 2.0” - network selection combined with in-network steerage remains a relatively blunt tool for price optimization. ## What are the policy implications? As plan sponsors, employers bear legal liability for the accuracy and completeness of the TiC files posted under their tax IDs, and they have a clear fiduciary responsibility to use the available data to lower or moderate the rate of increase in plan spending through accurate network comparisons, effective plan design and equipping their employees with cost estimates to make informed choices about where to receive care. While not illustrated in this analysis, the work done to create the Exhibits revealed many gaps in the completeness and accuracy of the two MRFs used. Those gaps make it hard for employers to fully accomplish their fiduciary duty to provide accurate information to plan members and optimize plan spending. As such, like others, we strongly recommend the following actions are taken to improve MRF compliance with TiC regulations: - Plan sponsors should be required to attest to the accuracy and completeness of the MRFs posted with their EIN, which should be contractually delegated to their plan’s network provider or TPA - The CMS’ MRF validation tool, should be significantly enhanced to not only check that the MRFs are schematically correct, but also complete and accurate Conclusion Despite the current limitation of the payor MRFs, we find that they can still be used to drive a better purchasing strategy for plan sponsors and their beneficiaries! At a small scale, it's feasible to identify patterns in the MRFs that provide valuable insights when selecting networks, designing health plans or seeking care. The payor MRFs have introduced a degree of granularity and precision when evaluating plan costs that should open the door to the next generation of plan design and effective utilization. More work is required at policy and legislative levels to continue enhancing the value of these datasets so that we can collectively leverage their transformative potential. Disclaimer:The analysis in this article represents data from a point in time, using data from March and April 2024. Ahmed Marmoush, Ria Shah, Francois de Brantes June 11, 2024 ## Frequently asked questions Can imperfect MRF data still drive better purchasing decisions? Yes. Even with gaps, patterns emerge when comparing networks and hospitals—like leaves, branches, trees, and forests—that provide valuable insight for network selection, plan design, and care seeking. What did the UHC vs. BCBS Dallas comparison find? Across 14 billing codes at three acute care hospitals, contracted rate differences ranged from -52% (favoring UHC) to +24% (favoring BCBS), with BCBS prices averaging 11% higher overall. Why isn't one average network discount number enough? Because patterns invert by setting and service line: UHC was 10% higher for inpatient but 25% lower for outpatient care, and results differed by hospital—so optimal choice depends on workforce demographics and utilization. What fiduciary duties do employers have around TiC data? Plan sponsors bear legal liability for the accuracy and completeness of TiC files posted under their tax IDs, and must use available data to moderate plan spending through accurate comparisons and informed member guidance. What policy changes would improve MRF quality? Requiring plan sponsors to attest to MRF accuracy and completeness (contractually delegated to networks or TPAs), and significantly enhancing the CMS validation tool to check completeness and accuracy, not just schema. What is "Network Design 2.0"? A future state where employers can freely leverage prices to configure their own networks, rather than being limited to the blunt two-step strategy of selecting a network and then steering within it. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Handl Health secures $2.5M in Seed Funding to drive innovation for the employer-sponsored benefits ecosystem | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/handl-health-secures-2-5m-in-seed-funding) Blog›Company News # Handl Health secures $2.5M in Seed Funding to drive innovation for the employer-sponsored benefits ecosystem [Image: Ahmed Marmoush] Ahmed Marmoush April 24, 2024 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Handl Health secures $2.5M in Seed Funding to drive innovation for the employer-sponsored benefits ecosystem] Quick answer Handl Health announced an oversubscribed $2.5M Seed round initiated by Mucker Capital and Everywhere VC, plus a $1.3M Phase II SBIR grant from the NIH. The funding advances its AI platform, which mines and organizes healthcare price transparency data at scale so benefits consultants can build affordable health plans for employer clients. ## Key takeaways - $2.5M oversubscribed Seed round initiated by Mucker Capital and Everywhere VC, with participation from Tau Ventures, Riverfront Ventures, DHVP, and others - Handl was founded in 2022 after winning a Phase I SBIR grant from the NIH to research price transparency legislation's impact - A further $1.3M Phase II SBIR grant funds pre-appointment billing and payment infrastructure between TPAs, providers, and members - The platform uses proprietary AI models to mine, clean, and organize public price transparency data at scale Handl Health, a first-to-market AI platform built to help benefits consultants design and deliver affordable health benefits, today announced an oversubscribed $2.5M Seed fundraise initiated by Mucker Capital and Everywhere VC, with participation from Tau Ventures, Riverfront Ventures, DHVP (Digital Health Venture Partners), Boutique Venture Partners, Plug and Play Ventures and Techstars. This funding will enable Handl Health to realize its vision of revolutionizing employer-sponsored healthcare through data-driven health plan design and management. ## How did Handl Health get started? Handl Health was founded in 2022 after founders Ahmed Marmoush and Ria Shah were awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to research the effect of price transparency legislation – such as Hospital Price Transparency and Transparency in Coverage – on the American employer and consumer. This research led to the development of Handl Health's platform, which leverages proprietary AI models to mine, clean and organize healthcare price transparency data from publicly available sources at scale. Today, the platform is used by benefits consultants across the country to build affordable health plans for their employer clients. With the Seed funding, Handl Health plans to invest in further advancing its analytics and workflow automation capabilities to give benefits consultants a single place to access verified price transparency data to build and manage high performing health plans. "We are thrilled to announce this significant milestone in our journey. Securing $2.5M seed funding from our esteemed investors validates our vision and underscores their confidence in our ability to revolutionize the employer-sponsored benefits market," shares Ahmed Marmoush, CEO & co-founder of Handl Health. "This funding not only fuels our growth but also affirms our commitment to empowering brokers and transforming the way health plans are built and managed." ## What does the NIH Phase II grant fund? In addition to their Seed funding, Handl Health has been awarded a $1.3M Phase II SBIR grant from the National Institute of Nursing Research of the NIH (Award Number R44NR021119) to drive the development of an interconnected system that manages pre-appointment billing and payment of healthcare services between third party administrators, providers and plan members. With the Seed funding and Phase II grant, Handl Health's trajectory promises to revolutionize the ecosystem of employer-sponsored benefits, from building plans to paying for care. "We're proud to support Handl Health in their Seed raise, and are excited about their innovative approach and dedication to revolutionize the way employer-sponsored benefits are designed and delivered," explains William Hsu, Partner and co-founder at Mucker Capital. "With their rapid momentum, we have no doubt that Handl Health will deliver valuable and transformative solutions to brokers and employers." Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R44NR021119. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. About Handl Health Handl Health (Techstars '23, AlphaLab Health '23) is a first-to-market AI platform that aggregates and analyzes publicly available healthcare pricing data to help benefits consultants convert new business, retain clients and execute on savings opportunities. Fueled by newly published hospital and health plan price transparency data, Handl Health's platform introduces the next generation of possibilities for employer-sponsored benefits. To learn more, visit: www.handlhealth.com. About Mucker Capital Founded in Santa Monica, CA in 2011, Mucker Capital provides Pre-Seed, Seed and Series A capital and support for startups in Southern California and in other, similarly underfunded ecosystems outside Silicon Valley. ## Frequently asked questions How much did Handl Health raise in Seed funding? An oversubscribed $2.5M Seed round initiated by Mucker Capital and Everywhere VC, with participation from Tau Ventures, Riverfront Ventures, DHVP, Boutique Venture Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, and Techstars. How was Handl Health founded? In 2022, after founders Ahmed Marmoush and Ria Shah won a Phase I SBIR grant from the NIH to research the effect of price transparency legislation on American employers and consumers. What does the additional NIH grant fund? A $1.3M Phase II SBIR grant (Award R44NR021119) drives development of an interconnected system managing pre-appointment billing and payment between TPAs, providers, and plan members. What does Handl Health's platform do? It leverages proprietary AI models to mine, clean, and organize healthcare price transparency data from public sources at scale—used by benefits consultants nationwide to build affordable health plans. What will the Seed funding be used for? Advancing analytics and workflow automation so benefits consultants have a single place to access verified price transparency data to build and manage high-performing health plans. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [It’s an Obligation. More Importantly, It’s an Opportunity. | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/its-an-obligation-more-importantly-its-an-opportunity) Blog›Price Transparency # It’s an Obligation. More Importantly, It’s an Opportunity. [Image: Francois de Brantes] Francois de Brantes November 14, 2022 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: It’s an Obligation. More Importantly, It’s an Opportunity.] Quick answer The No Surprises Act and price transparency regulations create a rare regulatory obligation that doubles as an opportunity. Employers must provide good faith cost estimates comparing out-of-pocket expenses across network providers—and because every major payer has now posted contracted fee schedules, employees can truly shop for care for the first time. ## Key takeaways - Employers are fiduciaries of their health benefits plans and must know all costs involved in selecting and managing them - Evidence of conflicts of interest shows some intermediaries recommend what benefits themselves, not the employer or members - The looming obligation: good faith estimates comparing out-of-pocket costs across many network providers - Every major payer has posted contracted fee schedules—the "confidential rates" claim is nullified It’s rare in the world of healthcare benefits (and benefits generally) that the regulators create an obligation that is an opportunity. Yet that is exactly what has happened with the passage of the No Surprises Act and the implementation of price transparency regulations. To date, the compliance obligations for employers of these combined regulations have focused on the fiduciary obligation of knowing the actual fees charged and received by benefits consultants and brokers, as well as the administrative and other cost structures associated with the management of the health benefits plan. In other words, employers, who are the fiduciaries of their health benefits plan, must know all the costs that are involved in selecting and managing their plan and must be prudent stewards in making decisions related to those costs. That, by the way, is an opportunity for employers because there has been significant evidence of conflicts of interest that encourage certain intermediaries to make recommendations that are in the intermediaries’ best interests, but not necessarily in the best interest of the employer or plan members. ## What obligation is coming for employers? What is looming, however, is an obligation that will require more work, but also presents a unique opportunity for employers to spearhead the reform of the healthcare market. The obligation is to provide employees (and covered dependents) with a good faith estimate of the costs of care they will incur. This obligation is also an obligation for providers from whom the plan member will receive care, with a big difference: Providers are only obligated to create a good faith estimate for the care they (and other providers expected to be involved in the care of the plan member) will deliver. Employers have an obligation to create a good faith estimate that compares the estimated out-of-pocket expense for the employee across many providers in the network from whom the patient could get care. And therein lies the single biggest opportunity to fundamentally change the healthcare market. The intent of the legislators, in a bipartisan effort, was to bring transparency to healthcare, once and for all. No more bogus voluntary efforts. No more hoping for the best despite the overwhelming evidence that this hope was futile. It is now the law, and all employers should welcome it with open arms. Employers have an obligation to create a good faith estimate that compares the estimated out-of-pocket expense for the employee across many providers in the network from whom the patient could get care. ## Why is this an opportunity, not just a burden? The body of regulations has already had an effect. Every major payer has posted their actual contracted fee schedules on their respective websites. After years of claiming that these rates were confidential, that they couldn’t be shared, that they were protected intellectual property, the gig is up. The claims are nullified and, while difficult to manage, the rates are in plain sight and can be used to inform employers and plan members. Converting this information – which is fully public – into a highly relevant and actionable tool that empowers employees to truly shop for care for the first time in their lifetime will take a little more time, but companies like Handl Health have been poised to do just that. So don’t look a gift horse in the mouth and take it for what it is – a real gift cloaked in an obligation. ## Frequently asked questions What obligations do the No Surprises Act and transparency rules create for employers? As plan fiduciaries, employers must know the actual fees charged by consultants and brokers, understand administrative cost structures, and provide employees with good faith estimates of care costs across network providers. How do employer estimates differ from provider estimates? Providers only estimate the care they will deliver. Employers must produce estimates comparing out-of-pocket expenses across many network providers—a far broader, more powerful comparison. Why is this obligation also an opportunity? It exposes conflicts of interest among intermediaries and, for the first time, gives employees the tools to truly shop for care—a lever employers can use to spearhead healthcare market reform. Are payer negotiated rates still confidential? No. Every major payer has posted actual contracted fee schedules on their websites. Years of claims that rates were confidential intellectual property are nullified—the rates are in plain sight. How can employers act on this public rate data? By converting it into relevant, actionable shopping tools for employees—work that companies like Handl Health are purpose-built to do. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Deadline Approaching: Transparency in Coverage Final Rule | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/deadline-approaching-transparency-in-coverage-final-rule) Blog›Price Transparency # Deadline Approaching: Transparency in Coverage Final Rule HHHandl Health June 29, 2022 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Deadline Approaching: Transparency in Coverage Final Rule] Quick answer On July 1, 2022, the first phase of the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule becomes enforceable: health plans must publish machine-readable files of in-network rates and out-of-network allowed amounts on a public website, updated monthly. Failure to comply carries a penalty of $100 per member per day. ## Key takeaways - July 1, 2022: MRFs for in-network and allowed amount rates become mandatory - January 1, 2023: internet-based price comparison tools required - Prescription drug MRFs are delayed indefinitely - Non-compliance penalty: $100 per member per day - MRFs must be public, free, and updated monthly with data from a 90-day window starting 180 days before publication TiC Final Rule phaseDeadlineIn-network + allowed amount MRFsJuly 1, 2022Internet-based price comparison toolJanuary 1, 2023Prescription drug MRFsDelayed indefinitelyThe day has finally arrived. Well, almost. Today is June 29, 2022, which means that the first phase of the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule will be enforceable in just 2 days. So, what’s required of health plans on July 1, 2022, and what will happen if they don’t do it? Keep reading to find out. First, let’s level-set on the three phases of the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule and the deadlines: - Machine readable files (MRFs) for in-network and allowed amount rates, July 1, 2022 - Internet-based price comparison tool, January 1, 2023 - Machine readable files of negotiated rates of prescription drugs, deadline delayed indefinitely Now, let’s discuss what’s required for the July 1 deadline – the machine readable files for in-network rates and allowed amounts. To learn more about the other components of the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule, check out this article. ## Who is required to publish the machine readable files? A: Health plans – inclusive of self-funded and fully insured employers and insurance carriers – are required to publish the MRFs. If a self-funded employer uses a Third Party Administrator (TPA) to administer their plan, the TPA is responsible for publishing the MRFs (although the self-funded employer is the one that’s legally liable). Grandfathered plans are exempt from the Transparency in Coverage Ruling. ## What needs to be included in the machine readable files? A: The in-network MRF should have rates for all the covered items and services between the plan and in-network providers. The allowed amount MRF should have the allowed amounts for out-of-network providers, including billed charges. For examples and more specifics about the MRFs, you can check out the CMS’ Price Transparency Guide on GitHub. ## Where do the machine readable files need to be published? A: The MRFs need to be published on a public website and be available free of charge for anybody to access. ## What happens if a health plan does not publish the files? A: Failure to comply can lead to a hefty penalty of $100 per member per day. ## How often do the MRFs need to be updated? A: Both MRFs (in-network and allowed amount) are required to be updated on a monthly basis and be inclusive of data from a 90-day period starting 180 days prior to the date it was published. If you have any other questions about what’s required by July 1 or other components of the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule, you can find more details here or shoot us a note. ## Frequently asked questions What must health plans publish by July 1, 2022? Machine-readable files covering in-network rates for all covered items and services, plus allowed amounts and billed charges for out-of-network providers—on a public website, free of charge. Who is legally responsible for publishing the MRFs? Health plans, including self-funded and fully insured employers and carriers. When a TPA administers a self-funded plan, the TPA publishes the files, but the employer remains legally liable. Grandfathered plans are exempt. What is the penalty for non-compliance? A penalty of $100 per member per day—which adds up quickly for plans of any meaningful size. How often must MRFs be updated? Monthly, covering data from a 90-day period that starts 180 days prior to the publication date. What are the later phases of the Transparency in Coverage Rule? An internet-based price comparison tool is required by January 1, 2023, while machine-readable files for prescription drug rates have been delayed indefinitely. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Have You Heard of The Hospital Price Transparency Rule? | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/have-you-heard-of-the-hospital-price-transparency-rule) Blog›Price Transparency # Have You Heard of The Hospital Price Transparency Rule? HHHandl Health June 23, 2022 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Have You Heard of The Hospital Price Transparency Rule?] Quick answer The Hospital Price Transparency Rule, effective January 1, 2021, requires hospitals to publish prices for common services for the first time in American history. It rolls out in three phases—from 300 services to all services by 2024—with fines of $300 to $5,500 per day for non-compliance, though early compliance was spotty. ## Key takeaways - Since January 1, 2021, hospitals must publish prices for common services—a first in American history - Three phases: 300 services (2021), 500 services (2023), all services (by 2024) - Early compliance was weak: only half of 222 surveyed hospitals posted prices at all; a third met requirements - Handl Health's own data shows compliance of 60–100% (averaging ~80%) across 400 facilities - Enforcement fines range from $300 to $5,500 per day after warnings Price Transparency Rule phaseRequirementEnforced fromPhase 1300 common services (70 CMS-chosen)January 1, 2021Phase 2500 common servicesJanuary 1, 2023Phase 3All services offeredJanuary 1, 2024Have you ever tried to find the price of a healthcare service? Imagine you need to see a doctor or surgery and would like to know the cost upfront to avoid receiving a surprise medical bill – it’s usually really difficult to find the price of care before your appointment. Until January 1, 2021, finding the cost of care prior to receiving it was almost impossible. Thanks to the Hospital Price Transparency Rule that went into effect last year, we are now able to help you clear up some of the confusion and mystery that often exists when shopping for healthcare. Handl Health has created a cost estimator to help you find the prices of healthcare services, compare the cost of care and empower you to make an educated decision that is best for your physical and financial health. ## What is the Hospital Price Transparency Rule? On New Year’s Day of 2021 hospitals were required to publish prices for the most common services they provide, for the first time in American history. The Price Transparency Rule is an effort to offer you, the consumer or patient, public access to these prices, allowing you to compare and shop for the care you need. Although the legislation requests that this pricing information is consumer-friendly and machine-readable, it is often difficult to find and decipher. That’s why Handl Health made our free easy-to-use toolcurrently with 400 facilities (and counting!) nationwide in our database of information. You can use our cost estimator to get a personalized quote for the service you’re looking for in 5 minutes or less! ## What are the Hospital Price Transparency Rule phases? The Price Transparency Rule is a historic act of legislation that will be expanded in three phases. Currently, the legislation requires hospitals to provide information and pricing for 300 common medical services. Phase 1 began January 1, 2021, and is currently enforced. It requires hospitals to provide information and pricing for 300 common medical services, 70 of which were chosen by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, while the other 230 could be chosen by the providers themselves. Phase 2 is going into effect and will be enforced beginning January 1, 2023. It requires hospitals to provide information and pricing for 500 common medical services. Phase 3 will go into effect in 2023 and will be enforced beginning January 1, 2024. It requires that a hospital provide information and pricing for all medical services that are offered at that facility. The information required to be posted by the hospitals for each service will include details on the price charged, the price negotiated and contracted, as well as consumer cost-sharing information. Getting this information before you receive care allows you to compare prices and choose care at the best cost for you. ## Who has to comply with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule? Hospitals are not the only ones that must comply with price transparency regulations. As of January 1, 2022, insurers of individual and group plans , as well as self-funded employer plans, must now provide pricing for the healthcare services provided (for non-grandfathered plans). Hopefully, this will create further access to the accurate pricing that many patients, maybe you included, are craving. In an article that details this information, it was noted that “78% of surveyed consumers stated that they’d like to know the cost of care before obtaining it.” ## How compliant are hospitals so far? Three months after the implementation of the Price Transparency Rule, the Healthcare Cost Institute surveyed 222 hospitals across ten states to find out if hospitals were in compliance with the new legislation. The study found that only half of the 222 hospitals posted prices at all and only a third did so in a way that met regulation requirements. According to the data gathered by Handl Health, there is a compliance rate ranging from 60% to 100% in the areas we have collected from, with an average of approximately 80% across 400 facilities. Since we launched, we have witnessed a noticeable improvement in compliance, especially over the past few months. We have also noticed that many facilities have an all-or-nothing approach to their data, either sharing information for all of their services or for none at all. Lack of compliance is an issue that is now being addressed by the upcoming phases that will expand the Price Transparency Rule. Beginning July 1, 2022 enforcement will be elevated with the hopes that more hospitals will take the initiative to comply with the requirements. Enforcement can begin with a warning to the hospital giving 90 days to reach compliance. After 90 days, a second warning may be issued that could result in a fine of $300 to $5500 per day of non-compliance. ## Who does the Hospital Price Transparency Rule help? The Price Transparency Rule is not only a huge win for patients, but it also benefits hospitals and providers. There has been a significant change in the accuracy of the patient’s billing estimate compared to their final bill for healthcare services from November 2020 to June 2021. More than 50% of people surveyed expressed that the estimate and bill differed dramatically in November, but only 14% said the same in June, according to Experian’s State of Patient Access Survey. Although improvement towards price transparency has been made there is still more opportunity for change. When a patient is able to accurately estimate the cost of their healthcare service, they are more likely to be able to pay their final bill when it arrives, leading to benefits for all. A surprise medical bill is frustrating at best but often devastating. The founders of Handl actually formed the company because of an occurrence such as this, leading to the creation of our cost estimator tool to help combat surprise billing. Legislation is also taking action that supports our efforts. On January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Actwas passed to ban surprise medical bills for anyone with individual, employer or Marketplace insurance. If you do not have insurance you’ll receive a “good faith” estimate of what your care will cost. There are also efforts to create a better resolution process for billing disputes between plans and providers, which may also help you if you have a dispute or have to navigate a process for self-pay as an individual. Between the Price Transparency Rule and the No Surprises Act, there is hope that shopping for healthcare services will become easier and more accessible for the patient. Thankfully you can always turn to Handl Health to help you compare and contrast pricing for the healthcare services you need. So the next time a medical concern arises, you will be able to concentrate on getting the care you need without a headache or a surprise medical bill. ## Frequently asked questions What is the Hospital Price Transparency Rule? A rule effective January 1, 2021, requiring hospitals to publish prices for common medical services—including charged prices, negotiated rates, and consumer cost-sharing information—so patients can compare and shop for care. What are the rule's three phases? Phase 1 (2021): 300 common services, 70 chosen by CMS. Phase 2 (from January 2023): 500 services. Phase 3 (enforced from January 2024): all services offered at the facility. How compliant are hospitals? Early surveys found only half of 222 hospitals posted prices at all, and just a third met requirements. Handl Health's data across 400 facilities shows compliance of roughly 60–100%, averaging about 80%. What penalties do non-compliant hospitals face? A warning with 90 days to comply, then a possible second warning with fines of $300 to $5,500 per day of non-compliance. How does the No Surprises Act relate? Passed January 1, 2022, it bans surprise medical bills for individual, employer, or Marketplace insurance—and guarantees uninsured patients a good faith estimate of care costs. Who else must comply besides hospitals? Since January 1, 2022, insurers of individual and group plans and self-funded employer plans (non-grandfathered) must also provide pricing for healthcare services. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo --- ### [Price Transparency: An Update on the Transparency in Coverage Legislation | Handl Health](https://handlhealth.com/post/price-transparency-an-update-on-the-transparency-in-coverage-legislation) Blog›Price Transparency # Price Transparency: An Update on the Transparency in Coverage Legislation HHHandl Health June 20, 2022 · Updated August 18, 2026 [Image: Price Transparency: An Update on the Transparency in Coverage Legislation] Quick answer The Transparency in Coverage Final Rule, effective July 2022, requires health plans to publish machine-readable files of in-network and out-of-network rates and to launch an internet-based price comparison tool covering 500 shoppable services by January 2023. Non-compliance costs up to $100 per member per day. ## Key takeaways - The rule has two key components: machine-readable rate files (July 1, 2022) and a price comparison tool (January 1, 2023) - Non-compliance penalty: up to $100 per member per day - The In-Network Rate File publishes at the plan level (insurer); the Allowed Amount File at the plan-sponsor level (self-insured employer) - Comparison tools must cover 500 shoppable services by January 2023 and all services by January 2024 - Both rate files must be updated monthly with data from a 90-day window starting 180 days before publication Healthcare price transparency is at the core of our mission at Handl Health, and since our founding it has been a hot topic within the federal government. Since 2020, we have seen quite a bit of legislation regarding price transparency coming out of the White House. The Trump Administration started these efforts, and Biden’s has continued the momentum. This issue has bipartisan favor, and while we aren’t here to talk about political parties and beliefs, we are here to be at the forefront of this topic and help provide tools and guidance along the way. The Transparency in Coverage Final Rule was released in October 2020 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor and Department of the Treasury, and goes into effect July 2022. The regulation will directly impact health plans (insurance carriers and self-insured employers) and comes with a monetary penalty for failing to comply of up to $100 per member per day – yikes! So, what does this mean exactly, and how do you avoid the fines? Read on to understand how this regulation will impact insurance carriers and self-insured employers, and what steps you can take to be compliant, keep members happy and avoid expensive penalties. ## What does the Transparency in Coverage Rule require? The Transparency in Coverage Final Rule has two key components: - Provision of detailed pricing information on In-Network and Out-of-Network rates in machine readable files . This means that all pricing details for in- and out-of-network facilities must be published in a format that can be processed by a computer. This will be effective July 1, 2022. - Providing an internet-based price comparison tool that members can use to get an estimate of the out-of-pocket costs for care they are seeking. This tool needs to provide access to prices of 500 specified items and services, and is effective January 1, 2023. Providing rates for historical pricing for prescription drugs was also a part of the Transparency in Coverage conversation, but has been deferred indefinitely. For more details on the requirements and deferrals, click here. ## Who is required to comply with Transparency in Coverage? The Transparency in Coverage legislation applies to health insurers that offer coverage to individual and group health plans (employer-sponsored healthcare). The legislation doesn’t apply to grandfathered plans (i.e. individual health insurance that was purchased on or before March 23, 2010 – more info here), excepted benefit plans (i.e. HRA – Health Reimbursement Arrangements) and plans that are short term. ## How do health plans comply with the rule? There are two key components that need to be completed by July 1, 2022 and January 1, 2023, respectively, to ensure full compliance with the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule – machine readable rate files and an internet-based shopping tool. Plans are required to publish machine-readable rate files: - In-Network Rate File, which encompasses all rates for covered items and services that the plan insurer has with in-network providers. This should include negotiated rates for in-network providers and has to be published on the plan’s website. This is to be published at the plan level and not the sponsor level (i.e. insurer, not employer). - Allowed Amount File, which is allowed amounts and billed charges for out-of-network providers. This file has to include historical allowed amounts and billed charges for out-of-network claims and must also be published on the plan’s website. This is to be published at the plan-sponsor level (i.e. self-insured employer). Both machine-readable rate files (In-Network and Allowed Amount) are required to be updated monthly and include data for a 90-day period starting 180 days before the date it was published. It is important to note that publishing the Prescription Drug Rate File has been delayed indefinitely, but is likely to be a requirement in the future. Learn more about the specifics of the files here. Plans are also required to create and publish an internet-based price comparison tool, or provide prices on paper as requested by members. The price comparison tool must allow members to see estimated out-of-pocket costs across facilities (if there is contract data), and is required to share certain info even if the provider chosen by the member is out-of-network. The price estimate has to be calculated per the member’s updated data, such as their deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Plans must include prices for 500 shoppable services as delegated by the federal government in January 2023 and all other services in January 2024. Yup – that’s a lot of data. ## What are the next steps to ensure compliance? Much like previous price transparency-related legislation, the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule is historic and wonderful for consumers, but can be difficult for organizations to comply with due to lack of resources, information or tools. Here are some tips and resources to get you started: Establish a task force within your organization and partners that administer your health plan(s) (i.e. Third Party Administrators, Benefits Brokers) to define the steps required to become compliant. Looking for an outside expert to join your force? Reach out to Handl Health. For machine readable files, review the technical specifications of the files on the CMS github site. Bring your benefits contracting and IT experts together to identify key data sources and resource requirements to begin harmonizing the data. We’ve been there before – we’ve mined and harmonized the Hospital Price Transparency data across the nation and put it into our hospital cost comparison tool. So if you’re looking for data and tech experts, shoot us a note. For the internet-based price comparison tool, the first decision you need to make is whether you will build it in-house or if you will buy/license a white-labeled solution. It’s important to note that the requirements for this tool go beyond many tools that are already in-market today, and it is required to have the ability to price and re-price services on-demand. But, you guessed it, we’ve also built a price comparison tool and understand the intricacies of the guidelines. Let us know if you need a hand. We’re all about healthcare price transparency at Handl Health, and believe it is so important to maintain compliance with new legislation about this topic. If a health plan does not comply with the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule, it will be fined $100 per member per day, which is good motivation to get started on a compliance plan. While the hefty fines are one good reason to comply, it’s also important to give members a great experience and help them get the care that they need with prices upfront. You’ll both avoid higher medical costs, and members will be satisfied knowing they were able to make an informed choice. So, if you’re interested in jumping on the bandwagon (and avoiding big fines), let us know here. ## Frequently asked questions What is the Transparency in Coverage Final Rule? A regulation released in October 2020 by HHS, Labor, and Treasury requiring health plans to publish machine-readable rate files (from July 2022) and provide an internet-based price comparison tool (from January 2023). What is the penalty for non-compliance? Up to $100 per member per day—strong motivation for insurance carriers and self-insured employers to build a compliance plan. What machine-readable files are required? An In-Network Rate File with negotiated rates for all covered in-network items and services (published at the plan level), and an Allowed Amount File with out-of-network allowed amounts and billed charges (published at the plan-sponsor level). Which plans are exempt? Grandfathered plans (individual coverage purchased on or before March 23, 2010), excepted benefit plans like HRAs, and short-term plans. What must the price comparison tool do? Show members estimated out-of-pocket costs across facilities, calculated using each member's current deductible and out-of-pocket maximum—covering 500 shoppable services in January 2023 and all services in January 2024. How often do the files need updating? Both rate files must be updated monthly and include data for a 90-day period starting 180 days before publication. Stay in the loop ### Subscribe to our newsletter Leave this field emptySign upShare ## Latest posts [Image: CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes] Price Transparency ### CMS Finalizes Transparency in Coverage Updates: What Changes [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahOctober 5, 2026 [Image: The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now] Price Transparency ### The Network Myth: Why Discounts Aren't Savings, and What Employers Can Do Now [Image: Evan Anderson] Evan AndersonSeptember 30, 2026 [Image: The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy] Price Transparency ### The Data Isn't a Black Box: Turning Price Transparency Into Plan Strategy [Image: Ria Shah] Ria ShahSeptember 24, 2026 Start Today ## Ready to see Handl in action? Book a personalized demo and explore the full Handl Health platform. Book a demo