Making a defined contribution gives employees ownership over the benefits that they purchase so that they can make the right choices for their unique situation. Additionally, defined contribution can allow employers to control costs by setting the amount put toward benefits ahead of time, leaving less room for employers to be surprised by additional costs, like rate increases, or changes in plan availability. For employers who want to help their employees with the cost of insurance but cannot cover the entire amount, defined contribution can be a beneficial middle ground for the employer and its employees.