Level-funded plans provides the best of both worlds. Small businesses get the predictability they love from fully insured benefits, plus the flexibility and cost savings they're craving from self-insured plans. Here's how it works: The employer makes a fixed monthly payment. Simple as that. This offers predictable monthly health care costs and budget stability – no surprises, no headaches. What does their monthly contribution cover? It handles administrative fees, claims payments, and contributions to a claims fund or claims account. Plus, they get stop-loss coverage to protect against expensive employee health claims that could otherwise break their budget. They don't have to manage it all themselves. Administrative services and plan management are typically handled by third-party administrators or the insurance carrier, which streamlines the whole process for the employer.