Blog
Navigating the Alphabet Soup: HRAs, HSAs, and FSAs Explained
Managing healthcare costs can feel like deciphering a complex code. Three acronyms frequently pop up: HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs. But what exactly do they mean, and which one is right for you? Let’s break down these accounts and explore how they can help you save on qualified medical expenses. Understanding the Accounts: Health Savings Accounts…
Question of the Month: FSAs and FSA Carryovers
Q: What are the time and dollar limits for flexible spending arrangements (FSA) and FSA carryovers? A: For 2024, the most that can be deferred to an FSA is $3,200 (a $150 increase from 2023). The amount of a 2024 FSA balance that can be carried over into 2025 is $640 (up from $610 in 2023). A…
HSAs Made Easy: Learn the Essentials & Protect Your Savings from Mistakes
Health savings accounts (HSAs) have become a vital part of many employers’ benefits packages, offering employees a powerful tool to manage healthcare expenses while benefiting from tax advantages. However, managing HSAs goes beyond just facilitating contributions. It also involves understanding and addressing mistakes with distributions that employees might encounter. This article delves into the basics…
Empowering Gen X: Building a Competitive Benefits Package
Today’s workforce is a mix of generations, and Gen X is a group you can’t afford to overlook. Known for their flexibility and problem-solving skills, Gen X employees bring a powerful combination of experience and value to any company. Gen X, those born between 1965 and 1980, makes up a significant chunk (27%) of today’s…
Compliance Recap | June 2024
ACA PREVENTIVE CARE MANDATE REMAINS IN PLACE WITH AN EXCEPTION In a recent decision, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that mandates private insurance cover preventive services without cost to patients. However, the court also ruled that the plaintiffs are exempt from complying with this mandate,…
Benefits 101: What Is an HDHP?
In today’s world of complex health insurance options, High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) have become increasingly popular. But with a name like “high deductible,” it’s natural to have questions. Let’s break down the basics of HDHPs: What is an HDHP? An HDHP is a health insurance plan with a higher deductible than traditional plans. This…
Empowering Baby Boomers: Building a Competitive Benefits Package
A Baby Boomer is someone born between 1946 and 1964. This generation is currently between 58 and 78 years old (in 2024). They tend to have a strong, loyal work ethic and excel at face-to-face communication and building relationships with colleagues. Boomers have a wealth of experience accumulated over long careers. They value jobs that…
Form 5500: What You Need To Know
Attention Employers: Don’t Miss Your Form 5500 Deadline! Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you need to know about filing your employee benefit plan report: Who Needs to File? Employers subject to ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) with employee benefit plans, unless exempt. What to File? Form 5500 (annual report) for each employee benefit…
Investing in Health Prevention and Wellness: A Smart Bet
The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings truer than ever in today’s world. While reactive healthcare plays a crucial role in treating illness, a growing emphasis is being placed on the power of health prevention and wellness. Investing in preventive measures and promoting overall well-being isn’t just about…
Benefits 101: What Is Voluntary Life Insurance?
Life Insurance at Work: Your Guide to Voluntary Coverage We all juggle life’s different responsibilities, and ensuring our loved ones are financially secure in case of our passing should be a top priority. Life insurance offers a safety net but typically the amount of coverage included as a standard company-paid life insurance policy isn’t enough…