FSA

transparency

Healthcare Transparency and New Developments

Consumers often undertake significant research and price comparisons when buying an expensive item. Yet, when it comes to healthcare, comparison shopping has historically been nonexistent, partly due to a lack of cost transparency. Some providers treated requests for written estimates as a nuisance. Others could not provide an accurate estimate due to coordination issues with insurance companies and other key players in the industry. Healthcare Transparency Importance Transparency can provide benefits to everyone, including higher

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non-discrimination-testing

Non-Discrimination Testing

Offering employee health benefits is a great way to attract and retain talent, but companies must follow strict regulations to ensure fairness to all employees. The IRS monitors highly compensated employees’ eligibility and compares that to benefits available to lower compensation employees. All health plans must undergo annual non-discrimination testing. Learn more below. What is Non-Discrimination Testing? IRS rules state that self-insured health plans cannot discriminate in favor of Highly Compensated Employees (HCEs) concerning eligibility or benefits.

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women heart

Women’s Heart Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women – but despite the launch of numerous awareness initiatives, barely half understand the risks. Let’s look at what heart disease is and what we (especially women) can do about it. Heart Disease Basics “Heart disease” includes a variety of conditions that affect the heart structure and how it functions. Coronary artery disease, the most common, occurs

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who owns

Who Owns a Benefit Account?

Third-party administrators enable employers to offer benefits that help them attract and retain their valuable talent. However, employers do not own all benefit funds, nor do employees. These are essential questions when enrolling in benefits and spending down funds. So, let’s discuss who owns benefit accounts and ensure everyone fully understands the benefit account portability. What is portability? Benefits portability refers to the ownership of benefit account funds. If a particular type of benefits account

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rebrand

Rebrand Benefits for Increased Utilization

Employers battle high healthcare costs by finding ways to reduce expenses and by achieving significant returns on the investments they ultimately make. With benefits being such an important factor in employee retention, return on investment is often the most critical. One method of increasing utilization and realizing a greater return on the employer investment in certain types of benefits is to rebrand them. Rebranding Targets Four commonly underutilized benefits that can be boosted by rebranding

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2024 trends

2024 Trends in Healthcare and Benefits

2024 is underway, and high costs, persistent inflation, and an election year have some people feeling uneasy about health and wellness this year. What 2024 healthcare and benefits trends should TPAs watch, and how can they help employers meet changing needs and demands? 2024 Healthcare Trends Business Group on Health’s 2024 Large Employer Health Care Strategy Survey shares six healthcare topics trending for 2024: 2024 Benefits Trends Now, let’s look at the benefits that are trending for

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childcare

What is a Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)?

Working parents know that childcare is expensive. Whether the kids are in daycare, before or after school care, day camps, or other care, it can put a big dent in your wallet. Care.com released its 10th Annual Cost of Care Report. They found that, on average, in 2023, parents spent a whopping 27% of their household income on childcare. While employer-sponsored healthcare benefits like a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) are helpful, more is

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stocking stuffers

FSA-Eligible Stocking Stuffers

Christmas will be here before you know it! If your Flexible Spending Account balance exceeds your Carryover limit or your plan has the “use it or lose it” setup, you may feel like the Grinch about now. However, did you know you can get some great FSA-eligible stocking stuffers and gifts with that available FSA balance? Here are a few ideas to consider. 6 FSA-Eligible Stocking Stuffers 1. Lip Balms What happens when you have

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changing workforce dynamics

BenefitsPRO Features DataPath CMO on 2024 Benefit Plans

In 2024, perceived coverage gaps, flexibility, and affordability receive more attention as companies weigh prioritizing value versus shifting costs.  November 27, 2023 By Bo Armstrong Originally posted on BenefitsPRO.com For 2024, brokers and TPAs will be well served to focus strongly on options that add significant value. In its recently released Survey on Health and Benefits Strategies for 2024, Mercer cited three key themes emerging from conversations with leadership from more than 700 organizations of varying

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IRS Announces 2024 FSA Limits

On November 10, via Rev. Proc. 2023-34, the IRS released its 2024 annual contribution limits for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs), adoption assistance, and qualified transportation plans.

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consumer directed healthcare

The Value of a Consumer Directed Healthcare Account

View the infographic below to discover the value of consumer-directed healthcare accounts. The graphic features an overview of HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs, along with other helpful information. What is a Consumer Directed Healthcare Account? A consumer-directed healthcare account is a type of medical savings account that: CDH Account Types 1. Health Savings Account (HSA) The participant owns the HSA, which acts like a regular bank account. Money deposited into the account pays for eligible healthcare

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open enrollment

Infographic: Open Enrollment Checklist

Facts, Figures & Tips for a Successful Enrollment Process.
The following infographic provides an overview of facts, figures and tips for employers to have a successful open enrollment process.

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open enrollment

Open Enrollment Tips for TPAs

It’s open enrollment time. That means third-party administrators (TPAs) are working with clients to set up plans for the new year. We’ve compiled some tips and reminders for benefits administrators to help them through this stressful season. Tip #1: Know Your Audience Each employer group will be different, so tailor your presentation accordingly. Occupation, geographic location, and generational cohort may affect employees’ wants and needs. For example, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers may each

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8 questions

8 Employee Questions that Build Effective Benefits

Benefits programs help companies to attract and retain talented employees. They can also improve workforce health and engagement. But with four generations (perhaps even five) in today’s labor force, putting together a well-crafted plan that meets the needs of all employees can seem nearly impossible. Baby Boomers nearing retirement have very different benefit needs than Gen Z, who are just starting their careers. Millennials reaching their prime earning years will have different needs as well. With the rising cost

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