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 available where? How can an … More >>
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 also have ones unique to … More >>
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 exchange, you should be ready … More >>
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 Plan Description. Summary Plan Description … More >>
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. But what exactly do Section … More >>
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, you keep and use those … More >>
Although popular in countries such as Canada, Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) are relatively new in the U.S. and attracting a lot of attention. So, what is an LSA? LSA Basics LSAs are employer-funded accounts that employees use to pay for products, services, and activities that help support employee well-being. Qualified expenses may relate to physical, … More >>
COBRA insurance may be a vital lifeline for American workers who experience a qualifying event resulting in loss of coverage. Check out our COBRA FAQs to learn more. What is COBRA? The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) is a federal law that deals with healthcare coverage cancellations due to certain “qualifying events.” … More >>
HRA Basics Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are tax-advantaged accounts that reimburse individuals for qualified healthcare costs. The IRS first acknowledged HRAs in 2002 as benefits that employers could offer current and former employees, including retirees. Legislative and regulatory activity has since modified some of the rules about HRAs and created new types, including Group Benefit HRAs, … More >>
PCORI fees help fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a group founded in 2010 as a part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Learn more about PCORI deadlines, fees, how fees are used, and the future of these payments. PCORI Fees Annual PCORI fees are due on July 31, 2023, for plan years that … More >>
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 the IRS-mandated maximum. Health FSA accounts … More >>
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 consumerism seeks to make patients … More >>
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 with their spouse’s employment options. … More >>
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 can contribute to their accounts. … More >>
Employees who lose their jobs or have reduced work hours may lose their company-sponsored group health insurance. However, COBRA can provide temporary, continued coverage while pursuing a replacement. Although COBRA is not new, those who have never used it may not have a good understanding of how it works. COBRA Extends Health Plan Coverage The … More >>
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 an IRA into their HSA … More >>
Did you know that mid-year coverage changes can affect the Health Savings Account (HSA) account owner’s annual contribution limit? The following provides an overview of regulations, plus examples of how the changes are calculated. If you own an HSA, you can change your contribution amount at any time during the plan year, subject to the … More >>
Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, are popular savings tools for healthcare and retirement expenses. Eligibility is tied to enrollment in qualified high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), but anyone may contribute funds, including employers. As they seek more ways to attract and retain valuable talent, what should employers know about HSA contributions?Contribution AmountEach year, the IRS sets contribution … More >>
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) help employees pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses for themselves and their covered dependents. The sponsoring employer chooses the amount available each year and the eligible expenses. Below are answers to common questions about these tax-advantaged accounts. Frequently Asked Questions What is a Health Reimbursement Arrangement? An HRA is an employer-owned and … More >>
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 a popular benefit option. Yet, … More >>
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) help make healthcare more affordable and provide more freedom in personal healthcare decisions. They can also play a significant role in saving for retirement. Due to their multiple tax advantages, generous contribution options, and valuable investment opportunities, HSAs effectively supplement traditional retirement accounts. HSAs and Healthcare HSAs can be used to … More >>
Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, have significantly impacted American society and the workplace. A generation known for hard work and professional loyalty, many were forced to retire early due to pandemic-related concerns. However, many are now re-entering the workforce. Characteristics of the Baby Boomer Generation Although 65 is the traditional retirement age, the Bureau of … More >>
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are employer-sponsored plans that reimburse participants for qualified expenses. These accounts are entirely funded by the sponsoring employer. Let’s learn more about HRAs by looking at plan facts like qualified expenses, taxes, and more. Generally, there are no limits on employer contributions to regular HRA plans. However, an exception is the … More >>
Many of you are familiar with healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Employees set aside a portion of their pay before taxes are calculated and use the money to pay eligible medical expenses. Less well-known is the Limited-Purpose FSA (LPFSA). Here are 4 things to know about limited-purpose FSAs. What do Limited-Purpose FSAs do? The LPFSA … More >>
Although FSA accounts are compatible with any health plan, HSAs require simultaneous enrollment in an HSA-eligible, high-deductible health plan (HDHP). If your health coverage changes, you may change from an FSA in one plan year to an HSA in the next, or vice-versa. The IRS has specific rules that apply to this type of account … More >>
