The Power of Partnerships
Image consisting of the HM Insurance Group logo along with gears representing the importance of having good partnerships that work well together

Thursday, February 19, 2026

The Power of Partnerships

By Madelyn Peterman

In today's health care landscape, there are unprecedented cost challenges. The ever-present risk of multimillion-dollar claims – driven by advancements in medical technology, new drug therapies, and complex chronic conditions – looms large, threatening to test even the most carefully constructed plan for financial protection.

Brokers are working tirelessly to ensure their clients have the right coverage in place, and at HM Insurance Group, we understand that pressure. We know that navigating the challenges isn't just about delivering the right products; it's about delivering confidence in the coverage through the strength and depth of our relationships.

In my role, which encompasses strategy, partnerships, and reinsurance, I witness firsthand how crucial collaboration is to collective success. The stakes in this industry are high, and a siloed approach simply will not work. To truly help deliver the right financial protection, we must foster a culture where we work well with others through open communication, shared insights, and a relentless focus on understanding the nuances of the market, so we can best meet client needs and help to ensure stability for our own company as well.

The Pillars of Our Approach

Our commitment to building strong partnerships is established by:

Empowering Our Producers: Brokers, consultants and TPAs are on the front line, engaging directly with employers to understand their unique needs and concerns. We’re working to provide them with the products and solutions necessary to protect their clients’ bottom line. We also know producers are an invaluable source of real-time market intelligence, and we greatly value the feedback they provide. Essentially, they are an extension of our team, and their insights directly inform our approach to doing business. In return, we work to share information and resources that can support their conversations with clients as they navigate the market. 

Collaborating with Business Partners: We know there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach in this business. That’s why we work to diversify our offerings by engaging in mutually beneficial partnerships where appropriate. This helps to expand our capabilities – and those of our partners – and create new ways to meet client needs. The partnerships come in various forms, including preferred partner arrangements, risk-sharing or profit-sharing agreements, captive programs, MGU relationships, reinsurance opportunities, and more, and they often specifically target certain segments that require a specialized approach. We are open to new ways of doing business and are willing to work with others to establish different avenues for delivering coverage. Through our partnerships, all involved can capitalize on additional perspectives and expertise. 

Cultivating Internal Synergy: Perhaps the most critical aspect of our dedication to partnership development is the deep collaboration within HM Insurance Group itself. We foster a culture where information flows freely, insights are shared proactively, and diverse perspectives are encouraged. When we began seeing the impacts of the market shift last year, our underwriters, actuaries, claims professionals, sales team, and leaders swiftly came together to problem-solve across all areas of the business. This internal synergy is essential for:

Understanding Market Nuances: By bringing together insights from all corners of the organization, we gain a comprehensive understanding of emerging trends, advancements, and regional variations that impact claim costs.
Developing Innovative Solutions: Shared knowledge fuels our ability to develop flexible, responsive, and truly effective solutions that address the specific needs of our policyholders. We are constantly evaluating our business practices and working to stay ahead of the curve.
Managing Risk Proactively: Through ongoing dialogue and data analysis, our internal teams work hand-in-hand to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate the impact, ultimately better safeguarding our policyholders’ financial stability.

Addressing the escalating costs and complexities facing our industry requires a unified approach, and we firmly believe that the strength of our partnerships is essential for success in this business. By empowering our producers, strategically collaborating with partners, and fostering internal synergy, we can collectively work to ensure financial protection for our clients and maintain stability in an ever-evolving market. Together, we can deliver essential coverage and unwavering confidence in the solutions we provide.

 


Madelyn Peterman serves as HM Insurance Group's vice president, Strategy and Partnerships. Read her bio to learn more about her role within the company.

Why HM


A strong, experienced carrier, HM responds to market changes and works with clients to ensure their coverage needs are met through expert risk assessment and exceptional service.