Category: Employee Benefits
Mastering Open Enrollment: A Step-by-Step Guide
Open enrollment doesn’t have to be a stressful administrative task. When planned well in advance, it becomes a valuable opportunity to review and enhance your benefits offerings, demonstrating your commitment to your team’s physical, mental, and financial well-being. A well-executed open enrollment can boost employee morale, improve retention, and ensure your workforce is supported. Use…
Upcoming Changes for Employee Benefits
Employers will see several changes to their health and welfare benefits due to comprehensive new tax and spending legislation. This includes notable improvements to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangements (DCFSAs), and employer-provided student loan payments, as well as the introduction of some new fringe benefit choices. These updates introduce significant changes…
Navigating Your Health Plan: A Guide to Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
Ever found a confusing document in your mailbox after a doctor’s visit, wondering if it’s a bill, especially with an “amount you owe” at the bottom? You’re not alone! That document is most likely an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your health insurance company. It’s crucial to remember: an EOB is NOT a bill. Think…
The Truth About FSAs: Facts, Myths, and Tips
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offer unique advantages for managing health and dependent care expenses, but they operate differently from standard savings or spending accounts. Below are five essential facts about FSAs, along with common myths and clarifications to help you make the most of this benefit. Key FSA Facts: Tax Advantages: A major perk of…
Breaking Down Your Benefits: Understanding Key Terms
Selecting the right health insurance plans for your family is a critical process that requires careful attention from start to finish. Navigating health insurance becomes much simpler when you understand its terminology. Making sense of these terms empowers you to better understand your costs, benefits, and even estimate the price of a doctor’s visit. Premium:…
Supporting Your Workforce: The Value of Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs)
Want to attract and keep top talent? Your benefits package is crucial! Think beyond just health and retirement. Fringe benefits like Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs) offer real, meaningful support, especially for employees caring for kids or dependent adults. What is A DCAP? A DCAP – also known as a dependent care flexible spending account…
Benefits 101: What Is Cancer Insurance?
The word “cancer” carries a weight that extends far beyond its medical implications. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, a cancer diagnosis can bring significant financial strain. While your primary health insurance will cover many treatment costs, there are often substantial out-of-pocket expenses that can quickly add up. This is where cancer insurance comes in.…
Voluntary Benefits: The Missing Piece of Your Compensation Puzzle
The Rise of Voluntary Benefits As healthcare costs increase, so does the demand for voluntary benefits. These optional benefits allow employees to select and pay for additional perks to meet their individual needs, especially in today’s diverse workforce. They’re also a valuable supplement to health insurance, particularly as healthcare expenses rise and affordability becomes a…
Disability Insurance Explained: Short-Term Disability
Life sometimes throws you a curveball. You might sprain an ankle playing soccer, need surgery, or experience a difficult pregnancy. These situations can temporarily prevent you from working and earning an income. That’s where short-term disability insurance comes in. It acts as a financial safety net, providing income replacement while you recover and get back…
Beyond Open Enrollment: Engaging Employees with Benefits
Most organizations treat employee benefits like a seasonal event. Open enrollment brings a flurry of activity – emails, seminars, and even benefits fairs. However, communication often dwindles after this initial push, leaving employees confused and underutilizing their valuable benefits. This is a missed opportunity. Research shows that employees crave more benefits education, spending hours researching…