Innovative Health Benefits for CSRA Members

Adapting to Industry Headwinds: Why Smarter Health Benefits Matter for CSRA Members

Authored by: Jess Southwell, SVP, ICHRA Product at Decisely

As restaurant operators continue to face rising costs, staffing challenges, and evolving employee expectations, one thing remains clear: offering meaningful, affordable health benefits is no longer optional — it’s essential for staying competitive.

For members of the Council of State Restaurant Associations (CSRA), this presents a strategic opportunity to rethink traditional benefits models and explore modern solutions that support both workforce retention and business sustainability.

Rethinking Healthcare in a Cost-Conscious Climate

Health benefits have long been viewed as complex and costly — especially for small operators, franchise groups, or businesses with seasonal or part-time workers. But cutting back on benefits can hurt your ability to attract and retain top talent.

In fact, a 2024 study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that healthcare coverage consistently ranks as one of the most important employee benefits — even more than pay raises in some cases (SHRM, 2024).

ICHRA: A Flexible, Affordable Alternative

That’s where ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) comes in. ICHRA is a modern health benefits model that allows employers to contribute a defined, tax-free amount toward employees’ individually selected health insurance plans.

ICHRA offers:

• Cost control – You set the budget
• Flexibility – Employees choose the plan that fits their needs
• Portability – Coverage stays with employees
• Compliance – Meets ACA federal requirements

Unlike traditional group plans, ICHRAs don’t require minimum participation or offer a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s especially helpful for restaurants with part-time workers, high turnover, or multi-location setups.

While ICHRA serves as a powerful foundation, many CSRA members are enhancing their benefits strategy by including voluntary benefits — such as dental, vision, life, and disability — and, when appropriate, group plans that serve specific workforce segments.

These additions allow employers to offer more robust and personalized benefits packages without a significant increase in cost. Voluntary benefits are particularly appealing to employees who want to build a benefits portfolio that fits their lifestyle, while group plans may still be a viable fit for highly tenured or salaried roles.

Proven Partnerships Deliver Results

At Decisely, we’ve seen firsthand how ICHRA works — especially in our partnership with the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Association (ORHA). Restaurant owners across Ohio have implemented ICHRA to offer competitive coverage while reducing administrative burden and improving employee satisfaction.

This scalable, people-first model is well-suited for CSRA members across the country.

The Business Case for CSRA CEOs

With ICHRA, CSRA leaders gain:

• A recruiting edge in a competitive market
• Higher retention and morale
• Simpler, scalable compliance
• A flexible benefits model that grows with your business

Why Decisely

Decisely’s ICHRA platform is purpose-built for the restaurant industry. We handle:

• Setup and administration
• Employee education and onboarding
• Plan comparison and enrollment support
• Ongoing compliance and reporting

Our system integrates seamlessly with your payroll and HR tools — so you can stay focused on running your business.

What This Means for CSRA Members

This shift is already underway. Forward-thinking CSRA members are moving away from outdated or one-size-fits-all group plans toward flexible, affordable ICHRA solutions. This is how you support your workforce — and your long-term growth

Ready to Learn More?

We’d love to connect with you at an upcoming CSRA event or schedule a quick call. Let us show you how ICHRA can support your growth — and your team.

👉 Learn more about ICHRA with Decisely

About the Author

Jess Southwell

SVP, ICHRA Product at Decisely

Jess leads the strategy and growth of Decisely’s ICHRA product, helping businesses of all sizes, navigate modern healthcare benefits with flexible, scalable solutions tailored to today’s workforce.