Open enrollment can be a time-consuming process, and employees who miss the open enrollment period may be unable to make benefit changes until the next plan year, unless they experience a qualifying life event or another permitted enrollment opportunity. Notably, passive enrollment can be an effective option for employers whose …
Choosing the right pharmacy for your prescription drug benefits is an important part of managing your healthcare costs, medication access, and overall wellness. From cost savings to convenience and personalized care, pharmacies play a significant role in helping you remain on track with your medications.   This guide explains the different types of pharmacies, factors to consider …
History Nancy Wisner joined Creative Benefits, Inc. through a personal connection with the organization’s founder, Ruth Graham. Ruth recognized Nancy’s strengths and abilities and offered her a job opportunity at Creative Benefits. That opportunity became the foundation for a remarkable career. Today, with 37 years of dedicated service and counting, …
History Ten years ago, Malorie McLaughlin relocated to Northeastern Pennsylvania with her family and entered into the health insurance industry with a desire to build a meaningful and long-term career. With a decade of experience teaching special education in New York, Malorie came to Creative Benefits, Inc. with a unique …
On January 15, 2026, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) released updates to its national enforcement projects for fiscal year 2026. EBSA stated that these projects highlight areas the agency will prioritize in its enforcement efforts to: Enhance employee benefit plan compliance, address abusive practices, and strengthen protections for plan participants and beneficiaries. Background EBSA is the organization within the U.S. Department …
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. …
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 …
Creative Benefits, Inc. is proud to announce we have been named a Top-Rated Employee Benefits Consultant in Pennsylvania by Mployer, a leading source for employee benefits research and analytics. This award recognizes brokerage offices nationwide that deliver exceptional value and client satisfaction in employee benefits. We have joined the list …
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 …
Employers are bracing for 2026 health insurance cost increases projected to be the largest in 15 years. The surge in health benefit expenses could place financial pressure on organizations that aren’t actively planning cost-reduction strategies. Projections A new Mercer report projects that the total health benefit cost per employee will …
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). …
On July 18th, 2025, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2025-25, announcing the updated affordability percentage used to determine whether an employer-sponsored health plan is considered affordable under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Beginning in 2026, employer-sponsored plans will be deemed affordable under the ACA’s pay-or-play rules if an employee’s required …
Healthcare costs are expected to increase significantly, with industry surveys estimating a 7%-8% cost increase in 2025. In consequence, this will increase the price of employer-sponsored healthcare plans, financially impacting both employers and employees. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that treatment for chronic conditions accounts …
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) introduces several changes to Medicare Part D that aim to lower prescription drug costs for beneficiaries. However, these changes could have financial implications for employer-sponsored health plans. Key Medicare Part D Changes $35 Monthly Cap on Insulin – Covered insulin prescriptions are now …
Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Common Terms and Concepts Navigating the world of health insurance can be overwhelming, especially with complex terminology that isn’t always easy to understand. From copayments to deductibles, understanding these key terms can help individuals make informed health care decisions and avoid unexpected costs. Here’s …
