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

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

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.

HSA

What are the Hidden Benefits of an HSA?

Most people know the triple tax savings HSAs offer, including tax-free contributions, tax-free earnings, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified healthcare expenses. However, while HSAs primarily help reduce healthcare costs, they also have lesser-known values. So, what are the hidden benefits of an HSA? HSA Portability When you have an HSA,

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

HRA HSA

Can I Have an HRA and HSA Simultaneously?

Healthcare spending accounts, such as Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), help people pay for qualified medical expenses. They also provide more control over how and where to pay for those expenses. Some employees may have simultaneous HRA and HSA eligibility through their employer or when combined

IRS Releases 2024 HSA Limits

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the 2024 annual contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) on May 16. They also announced high deductible health plan (HDHP) minimum deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for next year. 2024 HSA Contribution Limits For 2024, HSA owners will see a significant increase in the amount they

transfer

One-Time IRA-to-HSA Balance Transfers

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) help employees manage their healthcare costs while also planning for retirement. Account owners can access their balances tax-free to pay for eligible healthcare expenses and invest unused funds for growth over time. But did you know that account owners can also make a one-time transfer from