Apex Benefits made a presentation to the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board Wednesday night outlining its consulting work for the district and the costs associated with those services.
Apex began its consulting contract with HSE Schools on July 1, 2024. In the first year, the firm charged the district $20,000 per month, or $240,000 for the year.
Beginning July 1, 2025, that cost was reduced to $7,232.28 per month, or $86,787 annually. Apex told the board there were no charges for July and August of 2025 due to what the firm described as “the value of ancillary commission received in the prior year.” That adjustment reduces the projected cost for the 2025–2026 contract year to $72,243.
HSE operates a self-funded employee health insurance plan administered by Anthem. Apex representatives explained that a self-funded system means the district directly pays medical claims rather than paying a fixed premium to an insurance company.
Because of that structure, Apex said a small number of very expensive claims—such as cancer treatments—can significantly affect overall costs. The firm said while those treatments are necessary and not something the district would deny, they can drive up the rates employees ultimately pay.
In July 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026, compared with July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, medical claims increased by 20.5 percent, or about $360,000 per month. That represents a projected increase of approximately $4.3 million over a 12-month period.
However, Apex said a change in the district’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager has produced significant savings. The firm reported pharmacy spending has dropped by about $133,000 per month, with projected annual savings of roughly $1.6 million.
Apex and HSE Schools are currently in the middle of a three-year contract. The school board is expected to consider an updated agreement at its next meeting reflecting the monthly consulting fee of $7,232.28 through June 30, 2027.
During the presentation, board member Latrica Schooley asked Apex how often school districts use a request for proposals (RFP) process to select benefits consultants. Apex representatives said some districts use an RFP process while others do not.
Under Indiana law, school districts are not required to issue bids or requests for proposals when hiring firms for consulting services, although some districts choose to use those procedures.
Apex Benefits is an Indianapolis-based employee benefits consulting and brokerage firm specializing in group health insurance and employee benefits strategy. Founded in 2003, the company says it focuses exclusively on advising private employers, governments and school districts on the design and management of employee benefit plans.