The NY Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
Company		The NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project was founded in 1980 in reaction to neighborhood incidents of anti-gay violence and the failure of the criminal justice system to respond. The Project serves lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and HIV-positive victims of violence, by providing free and confidential services enabling them to regain their sense of control, identify and evaluate their options, and assert their rights.
Management Partners		Clarence Patton, Executive Director		Kim Holten, Finance Director
Situation			Objectives
AVP has a history of providing rich, first dollar benefits. As an employer in the highly competitive New York City market, AVP recognizes the edge a top-notch benefit plan provides it in attracting and retaining top talent. In 2005, The Project absorbed a double-digit rate increase. However, when the company's insurer issued another double- digit rate increase in 2006, something had to change. Decrease benefit levels? Increase employee cost? Limit freedom of choice? None of these options were satisfactory. AVP hired Benemax and got creative.			Reduce or eliminate 2006 cost increase Reduce later year cost increases to single digit level Maintain rich, first dollar benefits Retain 100% freedom of choice Stay with current carrier
Results
AVP adopted the Benemax Wrap AVP took $3,000 claims cost risk per member Carrier remained unchanged Eliminated “Low” Plan. All employees receive “High” Plan benefit level. First year savings: 23% ($1,330 per employee) Year 2 renewal cost still 17% less than pre-Benemax cost proposed by carrier Two year cumulative savings: $2,325/employee