Take charge of your oral health with dental insurance. From treating toothaches and tooth decay to addressing bad breath and dry mouth, dental care costs can add up quickly. With dental insurance coverage, you pay a premium in exchange for benefits that help offset the cost of preventive dental care, diagnostic services, and major dental procedures. Example Scenario: All dental insurance plans have different rates and levels of dental coverage, but let’s look at an …
Employer-sponsored health plans commonly offer coverage to employees’ spouses and dependents. To help manage healthcare costs, many employers adopt plan design features that limit spousal enrollment when other coverage is available. Spousal carve-out Restriction or exclusion of working spouses from health plan eligibility when coverage is available through their own employer. …
As the year winds down, employers must continue prioritizing employee benefits compliance and end-of-year benefits planning. The final months of the year are critical to confirm that all 2025 employee benefits requirements have been completed before year-end. There are numerous employer compliance requirements throughout the year, and taking time to review them …
Employers with insured group health plans may have received a Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebate from their health insurers earlier this year. As compliance deadlines approach, employers need to understand how these rebates must be handled under ACA and ERISA rules. Why do Employers receive the MLR rebate? Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurers are required to spend a minimum percentage of their …
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 …
The Affordable Care Act established a system, known as the premium tax credit (PTC), to assist eligible individuals and families with low to moderate incomes to afford health insurance purchased through the Exchange. Congress temporarily enhanced the PTC during the COVID-19 pandemic by eliminating the income cap for eligibility and increasing the …
Open Enrollment can be a confusing time, and concepts and explanations that are filled with acronyms can feel overwhelming. Understanding abbreviations will assist in bridging understanding gaps, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding your benefits elections. # 401 (k) (Section 401, subsection (k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code): …
A recent survey by New York Life Group Benefit Solutions has revealed a critical gap in employee benefits education: only 43% of employees fully understand how to enroll in their workplace benefits. This number has remained unchanged from last year, uniquely positioning employers with the opportunity to provide clear, consistent …
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans anticipates a 10% increase in healthcare costs in 2026. Cost predictions have been stated as follows: Mercer predicts that the total health benefit cost per employee will rise 6.5% on average in 2026, marking the highest increase since 2010, even after planned cost-reduction …
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are powerful tax-advantaged tools designed to help individuals with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) save for medical expenses. As 2026 approaches, staying compliant with new HSA regulations and IRS rules is more important than ever. Tax Benefits of an HSA: Tax-deductible or pre-tax contributions (via payroll deductions). …
A recent Gallagher survey found that one-third of surveyed employers plan to expand voluntary benefit offerings by 2027. Highlighting the growing importance of these offerings within competitive employee benefits packages. Notably, two-thirds of surveyed employers reported they currently offer voluntary benefits to ensure their benefits packages are comprehensive. What are …
Since January 1st, 2022, the No Surprise Act has protected individuals under group and individual health plans from receiving surprise medical bills when they receive most emergency services, non-emergency services from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and services from out-of-network air ambulance service providers. It additionally establishes independent dispute resolution …
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 …
As we enter 2025, several new and continuing compliance requirements are shaping the landscape of health plans. These changes impact both employers managing health benefits and employees relying on them for healthcare. Here’s a breakdown of the top issues to be aware of this year. Simplified ACA Reporting Requirements Starting …
As Generation Z continues to establish its presence in the workforce, employers must adapt their benefit offerings to align with its unique needs and values. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z employees have distinct expectations for workplace culture and benefits that differ from those of previous generations. Understanding these …
