What is the most valued employee benefit?

Health insurance is consistently ranked as the most valued employee benefit. According to PeopleKeep's employee benefits survey, employees ranked health insurance as the most important valued benefit, followed by dental insurance, paid leave, retirement plans, and vision insurance.

Are employee benefits taxable?

Some employee benefits are taxable, while others are tax-free. For example, cash bonuses are generally taxable income, while certain health benefits, employer-sponsored health insurance premiums, and qualified retirement contributions may receive favorable tax treatment. Tax rules vary by benefit type, so employers should consult a tax professional or benefits advisor for guidance.

Do I legally have to offer health insurance?

Not all employers must offer health insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), only applicable large employers (ALEs) with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees must offer affordable health coverage that meets minimum essential coverage requirements. Smaller employers can choose whether to offer health benefits but often do so to remain competitive in hiring and retention.

Why are employee benefits important?

Employee benefits help employers recruit and retain workers, improve employee satisfaction, and strengthen workplace culture. Many employees consider benefits just as important as salary when evaluating job opportunities. A competitive benefits package can also show that an employer values their employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

What benefits should a small business offer employees?

The right benefits package depends on your workforce and budget. However, many small businesses start with health benefits, like a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), paid time off, retirement savings options, and flexible work arrangements.

Can medical bills affect my credit score in 2026?

Yes, but only if they go unpaid for more than one year and the balance is more than $500. Paid medical bills and bills less than $500 are excluded by the major credit bureaus.

How do I find a hospital’s charity care limit?

Search your hospital’s website for “501(r) Financial Assistance Policy” or something similar. You can also call your provider’s billing department. Your state may also have a record of hospital policies.

What is a good faith estimate?

If you schedule a medical procedure at least three days in advance, the provider must give you a written good faith estimate. According to CMS, if the procedure is within three to nine business days, you can get the estimate within one business day. If it’s 10 or more business days out, you should get an estimate within three business days. You should ask your provider for an estimate before seeking care if they haven’t provided one. You’ll need this GFE to dispute your medical bills.

Can I use my QSEHRA or ICHRA to pay a medical debt from a previous year?

No. IRS rules require that the medical expense be incurred during the current plan and while you’re a participant. You can’t use current year HRA contributions to pay a previous year’s bills. However, you can use your HRA contribution toward a current-year procedure if your employer allows reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Additionally, you generally have up to 90 days to request reimbursement for expenses incurred during the previous year with any remaining HRA balances. This is known as a runout period.

Personalized Employee Benefits Resources

ICHRA vs. employer health insurance stipend

Compare ICHRA vs. stipends and cash bonuses. Learn why a formal ICHRA lets you fund employee health plans 100% tax-free without payroll tax.

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What is group health insurance?

Curious about group health insurance? This comprehensive guide explains the ins and outs of group coverage and how it works for your organization.

June 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM 10 min read

How much do employers pay for health insurance?

In this blog, we’ll break down the average cost of health insurance per employee as well as the average cost of employer-provided group health insurance.

June 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM 7 min read

What are ancillary benefits?

These secondary benefits, known as ancillary benefits, can be paired with group health insurance to provide your employees with additional benefits.

June 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM 4 min read

What are employee benefits?

Learn what employee benefits are and why they matter. Explore different types of benefits that support employee well-being and job satisfaction.

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How the ICHRA is changing healthcare

Learn how the ICHRA is transforming healthcare by offering flexible, personalized health benefits for businesses and employees alike.

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New ICHRA tax credit for Connecticut small businesses

Claim the new ICHRA Connecticut tax credit. Learn how small businesses can get up to $1,000 per employee for offering an ICHRA.

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What is coinsurance?

Understanding coinsurance is essential for managing your healthcare expenses. Learn everything you need to know about coinsurance in this helpful article.

June 1, 2026 at 11:15 AM 8 min read