Beyond the Basics: Why Brokers Are Bringing Juno to the Table in 2025

Beyond the Basics: Why Brokers Are Bringing Juno to the Table in 2025

A Familiar Story with an Unfamiliar Solution

Jenn’s daughter had a stroke just after birth. What followed was a blur of medical care, therapy, insurance battles, and impossible choices. She spent weeks sleeping upright in a hospital chair. She drained her 401(k) to cover out-of-pocket care. And she went back to work not because she was ready—but because she couldn’t afford not to.

What struck us about Jenn's story was this: She had great health insurance. She had PTO. She had all the “standard” support. But it still wasn’t close to enough.

If you work in benefits, stories like Jenn’s hit hard. You’ve probably heard versions of them from clients, or maybe even lived one yourself. Until now, we haven’t had much to offer families in those situations. 

That’s what makes Juno different. We offer the first insurance benefit built specifically for parents of children who develop a severe illness or disability—delivering financial support and expert guidance when it’s needed most.

Juno provides:

  • A cash benefit up to $500,000, delivered monthly, to cover expenses not addressed by health insurance or traditional disability insurance — whether it’s specialized therapies, home modifications, assistive technology, or lost wages due to caregiving
  • Expert, personalized guidance and resources to help parents confidently navigate care needs, from medical advocacy to specialized support services.

Our goal is to ensure families have financial security and parents have the freedom to focus on their child during one of life’s most challenging times.

Why This Moment Matters

We’re seeing a convergence of factors in 2025 that makes this the right time to talk about child disability insurance. Families are increasingly exposed to financial shocks from rising out-of-pocket costs and broader economic uncertainty. More households rely on two incomes to stay afloat, and the number of single-parent families is rising—leaving even less room for unexpected caregiving needs. At the same time, employers are reevaluating how they support working parents.

The conversation is growing because the pressures are growing:

  • Financial strain is rising, with families often tapping into retirement savings just to manage mounting costs
  • Employer priorities are shifting—driven by remote work, a competitive talent market, and a deeper understanding of what working parents actually need
  • More employers are recognizing that traditional benefits leave key gaps, especially when it comes to supporting families through long-term, high-cost caregiving situations.

And another powerful shift? People are opening up.

Platforms like LinkedIn have become spaces where parents are sharing deeply personal stories—and we’re learning just how many families need more than awareness. They need real solutions.

That’s where Juno fits in.

Why Brokers Are Recommending It in 2025

Juno is one of the few benefits that checks all the key boxes for brokers and their clients:

  • Major Coverage Gap, Closed: Protects all parents from their biggest uncovered financial risk
  • Easy to Implement: Minimal lift for HR and benefits teams
  • Flexible Design: A range of plan options to fit all budgets, including voluntary
  • Strategic Differentiator: Helps brokers stand out in a crowded benefits market

It’s also emotionally resonant. People don’t buy insurance for the policy design. They buy it to protect their people, their peace of mind, and their future.

“We chose Juno because it aligns with our commitment to supporting families and because we want every parent in our workforce to feel they are protected if the unexpected happens to their child. Also, it's one of the easiest benefits to roll out and administer, making it a quick win that can have an enduring impact.”

— Amanda Shults - Manager, Compensation & Benefits  Alaska Communications

How Juno Complements Core Life, Disability, and Critical Illness Offerings

Most benefits packages already include life insurance and long-term disability for employees. 

But when it comes to children, there is a major gap. 

  • You can often buy extra life insurance for a spouse—or a child.
  • You can get long-term disability for yourself—and sometimes a spouse.
  • Some plans include child critical illness insurance, offering small lump-sum payouts for a short list of conditions.
  • But if your child is diagnosed with a life-altering condition? The options are extremely limited.

Juno fills that space. It offers cash benefits and personalized guidance for parents facing severe childhood illness or disability—exactly the kind of scenario that leads to long-term work disruption and financial strain.

The Tax Advantage Employers and Brokers Should Know

Another reason why brokers are excited to offer Juno to clients? It’s one of the most tax-efficient ways to protect families

  • Juno premiums can be paid with pre-tax dollars through a Section 125 plan - this reduces employee taxable income and lowers employer FICA taxes by 7.65%
  • Employees save 16–23% on premiums, depending on their tax bracket
  • Under IRS Section 105(c), payments are generally tax-free if the child’s condition is permanent and the payout is based on its severity, even when premiums are paid with pre-tax dollars.

Employees save on premiums, employers save on payroll taxes, and families receive tax-free support when they need it most

What Sets Juno Apart

Juno isn’t just another add-on—it’s a deeply human benefit that solves a real problem for families, and a refreshingly easy one for brokers and employers to implement.

What makes it stand out?

  • Streamlined setup: Juno works seamlessly for organizations of all sizes, with minimal lift for HR or broker teams.
  • Clear, compassionate employee communications: We lead with stories and impact, not insurance jargon—so employees understand not just what it is, but why it matters.
  • White-glove support: From sales enablement to ongoing account management, we’re with you every step of the way—with a team that includes parents who’ve lived this experience.

Our goal is simple: for brokers to feel proud recommending Juno, and for employers to feel confident they’re offering something truly meaningful.

“Juno is one of those rare solutions—simple to explain, easy to implement, and powerful for families. This has the potential to address the desired outcomes that consultants, their client partners and the family members deserve.”

Darren Brown, Senior Vice President, Newfront

The Last Word: Jenn’s Story Isn’t Unique

Jenn's daughter is thriving now. But the experience left a mark—on her finances, her career, and her outlook. “If something like Juno had existed then,” she said, “we could’ve focused on her, instead of worrying about money every day.”

That’s the power of the right benefit at the right time. And for brokers looking to offer something different—something meaningful—Juno is worth a closer look.

It’s also why Jenn joined the Juno team. Today, she helps build the very solution she once needed, so other families don’t have to face the same impossible choices.

Want to explore how Juno could help you offer more comprehensive protection across your block of business? Let’s connect.

Ready to bring Juno to your employees?