What Self-Insured Employers Actually Want from Vendors in 2026
After dozens of conversations with benefits leaders, a clear picture is emerging: the market is increasingly skeptical of vendor promises — and demanding proof over pitches.
Read MoreNoema Insights delivers primary research-led advisory to organizations operating in the self-insured employer market — and helps startups validate new ideas with the people who matter most.
Noema Insights is a boutique advisory firm specializing in the self-insured employer market. We help companies understand this complex landscape through the most reliable lens available: direct conversations with the senior leaders who shape it.
We partner with established companies seeking competitive advantage, and with startups who need to stress-test new products or features before committing resources. Whether you need a clear picture of market dynamics or a trusted partner to guide strategic decisions, Noema brings you unfiltered, first-hand insight.
We offer a focused set of high-impact services, each grounded in primary research and tailored to the realities of the self-insured employer market.
End-to-end marketing strategy informed by real market intelligence. We help you position your offering, identify the right buyers, and craft messaging that resonates with self-insured employers and their advisors.
Deep-dive research delivered entirely through in-depth interviews with senior leaders — HR executives, benefits directors, brokers, TPAs, and consultants. No surveys. No guesswork. Just the real story.
Identify and prioritize the right strategic partners to accelerate growth. We map the ecosystem, evaluate fit, and help you build relationships that create long-term value in the self-insured space.
Built something new? Before you scale, let us test it with the market that matters. We take your concept directly to self-insured employer decision-makers and return with honest, actionable feedback.
A sample of the work we do — condensed and anonymized to protect client confidentiality.
Conducted 20+ executive interviews with HR and benefits leaders at large self-insured employers to map decision criteria, stakeholder dynamics, and competitive perceptions for a leading digital health vendor.
A Series B startup engaged Noema to test a proposed new feature before development. We interviewed 15 senior benefits decision-makers to assess appetite, willingness to pay, and potential barriers.
Developed a strategic partnership roadmap for a stop-loss carrier seeking to diversify distribution. Research included broker and TPA interviews to assess channel viability and decision influence.
Perspectives on the self-insured employer market, drawn from our research and conversations with industry leaders.
After dozens of conversations with benefits leaders, a clear picture is emerging: the market is increasingly skeptical of vendor promises — and demanding proof over pitches.
Read MoreThe self-insured employer space has its own rules, gatekeepers, and buying cycles. Here's what early-stage founders consistently miss — and how to avoid those mistakes.
Read MoreSurveys tell you what people say. Interviews tell you what they mean. In complex B2B markets, the difference can determine whether a strategy succeeds or fails entirely.
Read MoreChoose the model that fits how you work — a focused project with a defined scope, or an ongoing advisory relationship that evolves with your needs.
A focused research engagement with a clear deliverable
Strategic marketing or partnership engagement with ongoing collaboration
All project fees are agreed upfront. No hourly billing, no surprises.
Regular market insights delivered on a consistent cadence
Always-on access with ad hoc insights on demand
Subscriptions are billed monthly with a minimum 3-month commitment. Cancel anytime after that.
Whether you're exploring a research engagement or need advice on strategy, we'd love to hear about your challenge.