Employees in Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) health insurance plans usually enjoy co-pays and lower deductibles but pay higher premiums. To help offset these, they can reduce healthcare expenses with a tax-advantaged Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Here are answers to the FSA questions we get most frequently. FSA FAQs What is a Flexible Spending Account or … More >>
Specific rules govern whether or not an employee can actively contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). One requirement is that they be enrolled in a qualified high-deductible healthcare plan (HDHP). Another is that they cannot be enrolled in any form of Medicare. Here are some things you should know about how Medicare participation affects … More >>
If you’re new to or unfamiliar with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), there are some terms you need to know to help maximize the benefit of these tax-advantaged accounts. For example, when an FSA plan is set up, the employer has three options as to how to treat funds that haven’t been spent by the end … More >>
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women as well as men in the United States. February is American Heart Month, encouraging us all to learn more about our heart health. Let’s discuss a little about heart health and how your employer-sponsored benefit accounts may help. Women’s Heart Health Quick facts you need to … More >>
In 2023, Bank of America’s Annual Workplace Benefits Report reported that an all-time low of only 42% of employees feel financially well. Since financial stress may lead to employee absenteeism, lower productivity, and health problems like high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression, employers may want to consider adding financial benefits to their overall benefits strategy. … More >>
The infographic below details the value of consumer-directed healthcare accounts. Learn more from this overview of HSAs, HRAs, FSAs, and other helpful information. What is a Consumer Directed Healthcare Account? A consumer-directed healthcare (CDH) account is a type of medical savings account that: Helps pay for eligible medical expenses Offered through an employer (or, in … More >>
As open enrollment winds down, some participants may determine that they have elected too much or too little coverage for next year, while others who ignored enrollment may wish they had chosen something. The good news is that options may still exist. Health Plans Current enrollees in an existing health plan may find that they … More >>
Flu season can be miserable for everyone. Parents have to deal with sick kids at home. Employers have to arrange coverage for employees taking sick time. Doctors’ offices are hard to get into for an appointment. So, who should get flu shots? How much could it cost? Which shots are available where? How can an … More >>
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. 2024 FSAs The annual contribution limit for FSAs increased to $3,200, compared to $3,050 in 2023. For plans that include the Carryover option, that limit increased … More >>
Each November, men across the globe observe the Movember awareness initiative by growing mustaches to highlight men’s health issues. Let’s discuss common men’s health concerns and how consumer-directed healthcare accounts can help address them. Men’s Cancer Concerns While men share many of the same cancer-related health concerns as women, they also have ones unique to … More >>
Are you ready for enrollment season? Open enrollment is when you review your benefit options and choose which ones to renew or enroll in for the next year, like health insurance, life insurance, and tax-advantaged healthcare accounts. Whether you sign up for benefits through an employer or enroll through an exchange, you should be ready … More >>
If you receive healthcare benefits from your employer, you will also receive a Summary Plan Description (SPD). Required by law, the SPD defines plan eligibility and explains benefit calculations and payments, how to submit claims, when benefit guarantees begin, and more. Here’s what you need to know about your Summary Plan Description. Summary Plan Description … More >>
Employers seek creative and effective support options for employee health, wellness, and financial needs, giving employees more benefit options than ever. Picking and choosing among them is somewhat like building a meal in a cafeteria line. This ability comes from the IRS’ Section 125, also known as the “Cafeteria Plan” provision. But what exactly do Section … More >>
Most people know the triple tax savings HSAs offer, including tax-free contributions, tax-free earnings, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified healthcare expenses. However, while HSAs primarily help reduce healthcare costs, they also have lesser-known values. So, what are the hidden benefits of an HSA? HSA Portability When you have an HSA, you keep and use those … More >>
Although popular in countries such as Canada, Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) are relatively new in the U.S. and attracting a lot of attention. So, what is an LSA? LSA Basics LSAs are employer-funded accounts that employees use to pay for products, services, and activities that help support employee well-being. Qualified expenses may relate to physical, … More >>
COBRA insurance may be a vital lifeline for American workers who experience a qualifying event resulting in loss of coverage. Check out our COBRA FAQs to learn more. What is COBRA? The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) is a federal law that deals with healthcare coverage cancellations due to certain “qualifying events.” … More >>
HRA Basics Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are tax-advantaged accounts that reimburse individuals for qualified healthcare costs. The IRS first acknowledged HRAs in 2002 as benefits that employers could offer current and former employees, including retirees. Legislative and regulatory activity has since modified some of the rules about HRAs and created new types, including Group Benefit HRAs, … More >>
PCORI fees help fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a group founded in 2010 as a part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Learn more about PCORI deadlines, fees, how fees are used, and the future of these payments. PCORI Fees Annual PCORI fees are due July 31 and fees are filed using IRS … More >>
In addition to health insurance eligibility, family status changes can impact consumer-directed healthcare accounts. Here’s how mid-year status changes affect FSA and Dependent Care accounts. Can I change my health FSA contributions? Employees may choose FSA participation during open enrollment. This includes deciding on an annual contribution amount up to the IRS-mandated maximum. Health FSA accounts … More >>
Healthcare consumerism is a movement to refine the efficiency and affordability of healthcare services by changing how people prioritize their healthcare. Imagine a system where patients are more knowledgeable and active in purchasing healthcare services. Healthcare consumerism works to make this a reality. Healthcare Consumerism Basics At its core, healthcare consumerism seeks to make patients … More >>
Healthcare spending accounts, such as Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), help people pay for qualified medical expenses. They also provide more control over how and where to pay for those expenses. Some employees may have simultaneous HRA and HSA eligibility through their employer or when combined with their spouse’s employment options. … More >>
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the 2024 annual contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) on May 16. They also announced high deductible health plan (HDHP) minimum deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for next year. 2024 HSA Contribution Limits For 2024, HSA owners will see a significant increase in the amount they can contribute to their accounts. … More >>
Employees who lose their jobs or have reduced work hours may lose their company-sponsored group health insurance. However, COBRA can provide temporary, continued coverage while pursuing a replacement. Although COBRA is not new, those who have never used it may not have a good understanding of how it works. COBRA Extends Health Plan Coverage The … More >>
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) help employees manage their healthcare costs while also planning for retirement. Account owners can access their balances tax-free to pay for eligible healthcare expenses and invest unused funds for growth over time. But did you know that account owners can also make a one-time transfer from an IRA into their HSA … More >>
Did you know that mid-year coverage changes can affect the Health Savings Account (HSA) account owner’s annual contribution limit? The following provides an overview of regulations, plus examples of how the changes are calculated. If you own an HSA, you can change your contribution amount at any time during the plan year, subject to the … More >>
