Stop-Loss Lasers Explained
A laser is a carrier-imposed higher specific deductible on a known high-cost individual. If a member has a chronic condition, an upcoming transplant, or a known high-cost treatment, the stop-loss carrier may "laser" that person — meaning you bear more risk for their claims than for other members.
How lasers work
Your standard specific deductible might be $100,000. A laser on a member with a known transplant might set their individual deductible at $300,000 or even unlimited. The carrier is essentially excluding that person's catastrophic claims from coverage above the laser amount.
Lasers are most common at renewal, when the carrier reviews your claims experience and identifies high-risk members. A member who had a $500,000 claim last year is a prime laser candidate at renewal.