Control Healthcare Costs Without Losing Control of the Experience

Custom Design Benefits (CDB) is an independent Third Party Administrator (TPA) that designs and manages self-funded health plans for employers domiciled in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Our approach means we work closely with brokers and our reach means we have members in nearly every state.

We have in-house medical management teams, live by superior customer service, and deliver consistent plan performance.

Since 1991, we've helped organizations deliver unmatched member experience and reduce medical and pharmacy costs by 15-20% as compared to fully-insured renewals.

Speak With an Expert For Brokers For Employers

An independent TPA built for self-funded health plans

Custom Design Benefits partners with brokers and employers to design, implement, and manage self-funded health plans.

Independent TPA that is broker-aligned

Expertise in the Midwest employer market*

The creator of TrueCost, our reference-based pricing model

A WBENC-certified women-owned business

Proud to serve employers since 1991

*Our regional expertise matters. We understand local provider dynamics, regional healthcare cost patterns, and the operational realities facing employers domiciled in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Decisions are made here. Support is delivered here.

Our IMPACT is simple:

Lower costs checkmark

reduce renewal volatility checkmark

improve member experience checkmark

Reduce Renewal Pressure. Increase Cost Control.

Self-Funded Plan Administration

Full-service claims administration with financial transparency, real-time reporting, and predictable funding models that reduce exposure to double-digit premium swings.

TrueCost (Reference-Based Pricing)

A transparent alternative to traditional carrier networks that lowers claim costs by reimbursing providers based on fair benchmarks, while protecting members from balance billing through in-house advocacy.

Medical & Pharmacy Risk Management

Proactive strategies that control specialty drug spend and high-cost claims before they disrupt your renewal trajectory.

Compliance Administration & Support

ACA, ERISA, COBRA and FSA/HRA/HSA administration managed accurately to reduce compliance risk and administrative burden.

Data & Reporting Insights

Clear, actionable reporting that helps brokers guide renewal conversations and helps employers make informed financial decisions.

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Built for Brokers. Designed for Employers.

For Brokers

CDB works through brokers, not around them. We strengthen your renewal strategy with credible cost control data, clear financial modeling, and plan designs that help you retain and grow self-funded clients. We do not compete for relationships. We reinforce them.

Partner With CDB

For Employers

We help leadership teams move from fully insured plans to self-funded models with clarity and confidence. That means fewer surprises, greater transparency, and a strategy that reduces long-term cost escalation.

Explore Self-Funding

Proven Results. Long-Term Partnerships.

Every solution we deliver supports one goal: giving employers and brokers a plan strategy they can confidently defend at renewal.

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Average cost savings compared to traditional fully insured renewals

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Client retention rate

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Excellent service rating

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Proven experience serving self-funded employers

“CDB helped us regain control of our healthcare spend without sacrificing support for our members. Our renewal conversations are more predictable and strategic now.” — CFO, Regional Manufacturing Employer (250 Lives)

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A Clear, Three-Step Path to a Plan You Can Stand Behind

Complete price transparency.
Budgetable employee benefits.
High member satisfaction.

Dive into Our Solutions

Align

We assess your current renewal trajectory, claims performance, and funding risk.

Design

We build a self-funded strategy tailored to your population, including plan design, stop-loss structure, pharmacy controls, and cost-containment strategy.

Support

We administer claims accurately and on time, provide in-house medical management, and answer every member call with a live advocate.

Why Brokers and Employers Choose CDB

Savings

Clients experience 15–20% lower costs compared to traditional fully insured models through disciplined plan design and transparent reimbursement strategies.

Is Self-Funding the Right Fit for Your Organization?

We have created valuable resources that define self-funding, explain which organizations it makes sense for, and what results you can expect from partnering with CDB.

Discover Our Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

× What is a self-funded health plan?

A self-funded health plan is an employer-sponsored health plan where the employer pays employee medical claims directly instead of paying fixed premiums to an insurance carrier. A third-party administrator (TPA) like CDB manages claims processing, compliance, reporting, and member support.

+ Who is a good fit for CDB?

+ Where does CDB operate?

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Build a Health Plan You Can Defend at Renewal.

If rising premiums and limited transparency are creating pressure, it’s time to evaluate a different approach.

Request a Plan Evaluation