missed enrollment

Missed Open Enrollment?

As open enrollment winds down, some participants may determine that they have elected too much or too little coverage for next year, while others who ignored enrollment may wish they had chosen something. The good news is that options may still exist. Health Plans Current enrollees in an existing health

flu shots

Flu Shots for 2023-2024

Flu season can be miserable for everyone. Parents have to deal with sick kids at home. Employers have to arrange coverage for employees taking sick time. Doctors’ offices are hard to get into for an appointment. So, who should get flu shots? How much could it cost? Which shots are

contributions reimbursements

IRS Announces More 2024 Limits

Via Rev. Proc. 2023-34, the IRS released its 2024 annual contribution limits for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs), adoption assistance, and qualified transportation plans. 2024 FSAs The annual contribution limit for FSAs increased to $3,200, compared to $3,050 in 2023. For plans that include the

movember mens health concerns

“Movember” Highlights Men’s Health Concerns

Each November, men across the globe observe the Movember awareness initiative by growing mustaches to highlight men’s health issues. Let’s discuss common men’s health concerns and how consumer-directed healthcare accounts can help address them. Men’s Cancer Concerns While men share many of the same cancer-related health concerns as women, they

open enrollment

Getting Ready for Enrollment Season

Are you ready for enrollment season? Open enrollment is when you review your benefit options and choose which ones to renew or enroll in for the next year, like health insurance, life insurance, and tax-advantaged healthcare accounts. Whether you sign up for benefits through an employer or enroll through an

Summary Plan Description

What is a Summary Plan Description?

If you receive healthcare benefits from your employer, you will also receive a Summary Plan Description (SPD). Required by law, the SPD defines plan eligibility and explains benefit calculations and payments, how to submit claims, when benefit guarantees begin, and more. Here’s what you need to know about your Summary

cafeteria

What is a Section 125 Plan?

Employers seek creative and effective support options for employee health, wellness, and financial needs, giving employees more benefit options than ever. Picking and choosing among them is somewhat like building a meal in a cafeteria line. This ability comes from the IRS’ Section 125, also known as the “Cafeteria Plan” provision.

fsa status change

FSA Status Changes and Contributions

In addition to health insurance eligibility, family status changes can impact consumer-directed healthcare accounts. Here’s how mid-year status changes affect FSA and Dependent Care accounts. Can I change my health FSA contributions? Employees may choose FSA participation during open enrollment. This includes deciding on an annual contribution amount up to

healthcare consumer

What is Healthcare Consumerism?

Healthcare consumerism is a movement to refine the efficiency and affordability of healthcare services by changing how people prioritize their healthcare. Imagine a system where patients are more knowledgeable and active in purchasing healthcare services.  Healthcare consumerism works to make this a reality. Healthcare Consumerism Basics At its core, healthcare

Using Benefits to Increase Employee Satisfaction and Retention

Employers invest substantial time and money into employee benefits programs. Yet myths, misconceptions, and confusion may prevent employees from getting maximum and practical benefits from them. Effective communication and education can improve benefit utilization, employee satisfaction, and talent retention. FSAs and Employee Satisfaction Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) continue to be