What We Learned from Our First Broker Forum

This past week, we hosted our first Broker Forum—an invite-only session to co-create the future of the Venteur product.
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Each Venteur team nominated one or two brokers they see as true partners and truth-tellers. Many even work with our competitors. They’re the people who challenge us, call out blind spots, and help build something better.

What emerged was a clear picture of where ICHRA shines and where there’s still work to do. In the spirit of building the next chapter of health insurance together, we’re sharing those insights here.

Here’s what we learned.

ICHRA resonates in the mid-market

Think 100–500 lives.
Brokers called this segment a “claims reset zone," Employers want relief from rising premiums but aren’t ready to self-fund.

“ICHRA gives them breathing room. Three years off the hamster wheel. Once employees get choice, most never want to go back.”

When to Choose ICHRA vs. Group

The best brokers are strategists. Every group has its own preferences.

• ICHRA: flexibility and employee choice, without claims risk
  
  
• Self-funded: more control and upside, higher volatility
  
  
• Fully insured: familiar, predictable, simple
  

In short, ICHRA isn’t the answer. It’s the right answer when the circumstances fit.‍

Adoption is a journey, not a jump

Larger groups often need 6–12 months to socialize ICHRA internally. It’s not just a product; it’s a mindset shift.

• CFOs care about cost, efficiency, and financial modeling.
  
  
• HR cares about culture, communication, and employee experience.
  

You need both on board.

Service still matters

Some brokers feel they lose “white-glove leverage” when moving clients to individual market plans. They’re not wrong. Earlier this year, we launched a Payer Operations team to build new service pathways, but as a whole we haven’t yet met the service bar set by group. We’re taking that seriously.

What we’re building (with you)

Your feedback is shaping what we ship—tools that match how brokers advise and serve clients, and an operating model that meets real-world expectations.

Want in?

We’re building the next version of ICHRA with brokers. If you’re one of the builders, the ones who push for better answers and want a seat at the table, this is your invitation. We look forward to building the next version of ICHRA with you, not just for you. To get involved, email us at sales@venteur.com.