PCORI Fee Adjusted for 2026 The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee amount for plan years ending on or after October 1, 2025, and before October 1, 2026, has been increased by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under Notice 2025-61. The updated PCORI fee amount is $3.84 multiplied by the …
Around 154 million people below the age of 65 are covered by employer-sponsored insurance. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) conducts an annual survey to observe trends in employer-sponsored health benefits, called the 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey. Health Insurance Premiums This year, the average premium for employer-sponsored health insurance was …
On October 9th, 2025, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2025-32, officially increasing the 2026 pre-tax contribution limit for health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to $3,400—a $100 increase from the 2025 limit. Additionally, employers with health FSAs may allow employees to carry over a certain amount of funds remaining at the …
Combating Childhood Chronic Disease Strategy Released by White House Commission The White House’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission has released its report along with a four-part Make Our Children Health Again Strategy, outlining over 120 initiatives to address the ongoing childhood chronic disease epidemic in the United States. MAHA …
As healthcare costs rise, health plans across the U.S. are increasingly turning to biosimilars—a cost-effective alternative to brand-name biologic drugs—to maintain access to high-quality, affordable care. What Are Biosimilars? While biosimilars are similar to their reference biological products (also known as the brand-name counterpart or biologics), they are not identical. …
On April 15th, 2025, an executive order directing action to lower prescription drug prices for patients in the US was issued by President Donald Trump. The executive order (EO) also directs the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to improve employer health plan fiduciary transparency in relation to direct and indirect …
The Kaiser Family Foundation surveyed and analyzed trends in the 2024 employer-sponsored health benefits. Below are the survey results of the past year: Health Insurance Notably, there has been a 6-7% average increase for single and family health insurance premiums, with single coverage being $8,951 and family coverage being …
Health care literacy plays a crucial role in ensuring employees can make informed decisions about their well-being. When individuals understand their health care options, they are more likely to seek preventive care, manage chronic conditions effectively, and reduce unnecessary hospital visits. However, navigating the complexities of health insurance and medical …
As of January 1, 2025, significant changes have impacted telehealth coverage under High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). These changes affect not only employers who offer HDHPs but also the employees who rely on them for their healthcare needs. Understanding these updates is critical to ensuring compliance and accessing valuable health …
As we look toward 2025, the landscape of health care costs continues to evolve, driven by a range of complex factors. While the growth in spending presents a challenge, it also creates opportunities for employers to reimagine how they approach health care for their workforce. By embracing innovative strategies and …
As employee expectations evolve, workplace benefits must adapt to meet their needs. Supporting employee well-being—mental, physical, and financial—is no longer a luxury; it’s essential for building a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. Employers who invest in innovative benefit strategies not only improve employee satisfaction but also foster loyalty and …
The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) has released updated rate sheets, employee notices, and workplace posters for 2025. These materials are essential for employers to stay compliant with the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law. Failure to meet the law’s notice requirements could result in …
On September 6, 2024, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2024-35, announcing the adjusted affordability percentage for employer-sponsored health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For plan years beginning in 2025, health coverage offered by applicable large employers (ALEs) will be considered affordable if an employee’s contribution for self-only coverage …
The IRS recently issued Notice 2024-63, offering interim guidance for sponsors of 401(k) and similar retirement plans that currently provide or intend to provide matching contributions based on qualified student loan payments (QSLPs) made by participating employees. Background The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 is an omnibus bill that includes …
In a recent survey of employers from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), employers have estimated a median 8% increase in health care costs for 2025. This projected rise can be attributed to the cost increases associated with catastrophic healthcare claims and specialty prescription drugs which are higher …
