Personalized benefits blog: Expert insights on personalized employee benefits

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Taxation

How do taxes work for remote workers?

Understanding taxes for remote workers can be confusing. This comprehensive guide simplifies the process and answers all your questions.

Health Benefits

What is a no-deductible health plan?

Wondering what a no-deductible health plan is? Find out how these insurance options can provide comprehensive coverage without the burden of...

Health Benefits

What is a zero cost sharing plan?

In this blog, we go over what zero cost sharing plans are and what other health benefit options exist for those who don’t qualify.

Small Business

What is Form 5500?

As an HR professional or business owner, there are many regulations you must keep in mind when offering employee benefits. IRS Form 5500 is no...

Health Benefits

What is COBRA?

Wondering what COBRA insurance is all about? This post explains COBRA and its importance for individuals who recently lost their health coverage.

Small Business

What is a talent shortage?

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Resignation, many employers have faced increasing vacant positions. Here's how to navigate a talent...

Health Benefits

What is a qualified health plan (QHP)?

Learn the ins and outs of qualified health plans (QHPs), including how they’re categorized and how you can enroll in one.

Health Benefits

How startups can offer health coverage

Startups may not have the same resources as larger companies, but offering health coverage is still possible. Learn how startups can provide health...

Employee Benefits

What is a family stipend?

We’ll go over everything you need to know about family stipends, including how they work, what they cover, and how you can offer one at your...

Small Business

How to conduct a great remote interview

With remote interviews becoming the norm for many organizations, how can hiring managers ensure they’re conducting them properly?

Health Benefits

What does health insurance cover?

In this blog, we’ll go over what health insurance does and doesn’t cover, why a health plan might not pay, and how to supplement a group health plan.

Health Benefits

How to apply for individual health insurance

First time shopping for your own health insurance? Learn the five-step process so you can choose the right plan for you and your family.

Employee Benefits

What are retention bonuses?

This blog takes a deep dive into retention bonuses, including how they work, their advantages, and how customized benefits can help you retain...

Employee Benefits

What is a childcare stipend?

Curious about childcare stipends? This informative post explains what they are and how they can help working parents cover the cost of childcare.

Health Benefits

How age impacts your health insurance costs

Learn how your age affects the price you pay for your health insurance plan, why your state matters, and how to get help paying for your premiums.

Compliance

Common HR mistakes and how to avoid them

Don't let HR mistakes derail your business. Learn the most common HR mistakes and how to avoid them with this comprehensive guide.

Health Benefits

Best health insurance options for students

Are you a student in need of health insurance? Explore the best options available to you with this comprehensive guide to student health insurance...

Employee Benefits

How to boost your benefits package

Boost employee satisfaction by offering a competitive benefits package. Learn how to create an attractive package that meets the needs of your...

Health Benefits

How California's individual mandate affects you

California's individual mandate changes the way residents approach healthcare coverage. Find out how this new law impacts you and what you need to...

ICHRA

FAQ: ALEs and the ACA employer mandate

Confused about the ACA employer mandate for ALEs? This FAQ blog breaks down everything you need to know, so it's easy to navigate through the...

Health Benefits

How to prepare for open enrollment 2024

Open enrollment for 2024 is just around the corner! Get ahead and prepare with these essential tips and tricks to make the process smooth and...

Small Business

Top employee retention strategies

Looking for effective employee retention strategies? This guide provides you with proven tactics to reduce turnover and increase employee...

Employee Benefits

What is stop-loss insurance?

Curious about stop-loss insurance? Discover what it is and how it can benefit your business in our article.

Small Business

High deductible health plan cost & savings

Interested in a high deductible health plan for your organization? Learn about the costs and potential savings in this guide.

Compliance

Adjusted gross income vs. modified AGI

Confused about AGI and modified AGI? This concise guide breaks down the differences and helps you navigate your tax calculations with ease.

HRA

What is the cost of a stand-alone HRA?

Looking to budget for a stand-alone HRA? Get all the information you need on pricing and expenses in this comprehensive guide.

Stipends

Wellness HRAs vs. wellness employee stipends

Trying to decide between wellness HRAs and wellness employee stipends? This guide will help you make the best choice for your company's wellness...

Small Business

Six tools every insurance agent should have

As an insurance agent, having the right tools is essential for success. Discover the top five tools every insurance agent should have in their...

Health Benefits

HRA vs. HSA vs. FSA comparison chart

Confused about the differences between an HRA, HSA, and FSA? This comparison chart breaks down the key features of each health benefit option.

Employee Benefits

What is the employee life cycle?

Understanding the employee life cycle is crucial for HR teams. Dive into this guide to gain insights on each stage and optimize your management...

Health Benefits

Public vs. private health insurance exchanges

Our article will guide you through the nuances of public and private health exchanges to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Small Business

HR tech vs. work tech

Curious about HR tech and work tech? Learn about the distinctions between the two and how they can benefit your organization in this helpful guide.

Applicable Large Employers

What is an EEO-1 report?

In this blog, we’ll explain and simplify the complexities of EEO-1 reporting requirements, including answering common questions for eligible...

HR

Gross pay vs. net pay: What's the difference?

This blog walks you through the key differences between gross and net pay, how to calculate each correctly, and how they impact certain employee...

Health Benefits

Using HSAs with Social Security and Medicare

In this blog, we’ll review how HSAs work with Medicare and Social Security so you can stay compliant and maximize your benefits.

Health Benefits

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.

Compliance

HR rules you need to know

There's a lot more to HR than just managing employees and making handbooks. Here are important HR rules you need to know to be successful.

Employee Benefits

What is work-life integration?

Work-life integration is a modern approach to achieving a balance between work and personal life. Learn how to successfully merge the two with this...

Employee Benefits

Pros and cons of earned wage access (EWA)

Get an overview of earned wage access, its pros and cons, and other personalized benefits you can offer to increase employee retention.

Employee Benefits

What is PTO?

In this article, we’ll walk you through how PTO works and why making a generous PTO plan a priority at your company is advantageous.

Video

What is the No Surprises Act?

The No Surprises Act is legislation aimed at protecting consumers from unexpected medical bills. Discover what it means for you in this article.

Employee Benefits

What is a technology stipend?

Curious about technology stipends? Discover how companies use this allowance to empower employees with the latest tech tools and enhance productivity.

Health Benefits

What are reimbursable out-of-pocket costs?

Learn which of your employees’ out-of-pocket costs are reimbursable and how to start adding this kind of coverage to your employee benefits package.

ICHRA

Does an HRA work with Medicare?

Wondering if Medicare and an HRA can work together? Get all the answers you need in this informative guide to Medicare and HRAs.

Stipends

Do I need a third-party administrator (TPA)?

Learn about third-party administrators (TPAs)—what they do, how much they cost, and an alternative to TPAs so you can administer your own health...

Health Benefits

Guide to ACA employer penalties

Stay compliant with the ACA and avoid penalties with this informative guide. Learn how to navigate the intricacies of ESRP under the ACA.

Small Business

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...

Video

What is a travel stipend?

We'll show you everything you need to know about travel stipends, including what they cover, how they’re taxed, and how you can offer one at your...

Small Business

What is an organizational strategy?

In this article, we'll explore what an organizational strategy is, why it's important, and how it can contribute to the long-term goals of your...

Health Benefits

HRA claim documentation requirements

In this article, we’ll go over the five HRA claim documentation requirements and how PeopleKeep makes the review process quick and easy for...

Small Business

HRIS vs. HRMS vs. HCM—top HR acronyms explained

HRIS, HRMS, and HCM all improve your HR processes, but which one is right for your business? This guide breaks down the differences and benefits of...

Stipends

What is employee turnover and what causes it?

In this article, we cover some of the top reasons for employee turnover, and how you can combat these pressures to retain your top-performing...

Small Business

How to maintain a work-life balance

In recent years, the concept of a work-life balance has gained popularity. We'll explain why it’s essential and how you can maintain a healthy...

Small Business

What is Form W-3?

Organizations are required to submit a W-3 form for their employees. But what is this form, and how does it differ from W-2 forms? Find out in our...

Health Benefits

Small group health insurance for beginners

Everything small businesses need to know about small group health insurance, including qualification requirements, cost, and how to set up a plan.

Employee Benefits

What is the right to disconnect?

This blog will explain the right to disconnect, its pros and cons, and how you can support your employees so they avoid health issues or burnout.

ICHRA

Can I use an ICHRA with an HSA?

In this article, we'll compare both health benefits options and explain how to offer them at the same time.

Small Business

What is IRS Form 944?

If you’re a small business owner, you may have received a notification from the IRS stating that you must file Form 944. But what is Form 944?

Employer Mandate

The CPA's guide to employer shared responsibility

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about employer shared responsibility, so you can advise your clients and help them avoid a...

Health Benefits

What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

In this blog, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace to better understand how the individual market works.

Employee Benefits

What to ask in your employee benefits survey

The best way to make sure that you’re putting your benefits dollars in the right place is to send out an employee benefits survey. Learn how to send...

Health Benefits

What is value-based benefits design (VBBD)?

In this article, we'll explain how VBBD works, its benefits, and ways you can support the health and wellness of your employees.

Health Benefits

Five-minute guide to medical loss ratios (MLRs)

Medical loss ratios (MLRs) keep insurance companies from spending your premium dollars unwisely. See how MLRs are calculated and what they mean for...

ICHRA

Integrated vs. stand-alone HRA

In this article, we’ll go into detail on integrated HRAs and stand-alone HRAs and the different types that are commonly offered.

Health Benefits

Pros and cons of group health insurance

In this post, we’ll discuss group health insurance, cover its pros and cons, and go over health benefit alternatives that can work for your...

Employee Benefits

How to cultivate employee financial literacy

Debt and financial illiteracy can create stress and decrease an employee’s ability to focus on their work. Employers can combat this through...

Employee Benefits

Why employees are passionate about their jobs

We'll take you through five reasons employees are passionate about their jobs and how you can help drive their passion with a positive workplace...

Health Benefits

Offering fertility benefits to your employees

Learn why employers should offer fertility benefits, examples of common fertility benefits, and how to cover the cost with an integrated HRA or...

Employee Benefits

What are commuter benefits?

If your staff must commute to work, offering a commuter benefit can be an excellent incentive for attracting and retaining your employees

Health Benefits

Exempt vs. non-exempt employees

Employee misclassification can lead to financial consequences. To help you avoid these missteps, we’ll go over exempt and non-exempt classifications.

Compliance

How Medicare premiums are calculated

Understanding how your Medicare premiums are calculated can help you plan your healthcare finances. We'll go over what Medicare is and its current...

Health Benefits

How to become an insurance broker

Read our blog to learn about insurance brokers, their responsibilities and qualifications, their importance, and how they differ from an insurance...

Taxation

What is imputed income?

If you plan to offer fringe benefits, you need to know how to properly report the imputed income on a W-2 form. This article will help you do just...

Health Benefits

What is a healthcare benefit allowance?

An overview of healthcare benefit allowances. HRAs, stipends, and defined contribution health benefits are types of healthcare benefit allowances.

Health Benefits

Guide to mid-year plan changes

This blog will guide employers and employees through their options for making mid-year changes to their health insurance plans.

Small Business

W-2 reporting requirements for QSEHRA benefits

Learn the IRS reporting guidelines for the QSEHRA as well as other general taxation questions to make sure you and your organization are IRS...

HR

How to calculate your employee retention rate

This blog shows you how to calculate your employee retention rate, why retention matters, and best practices to improve the retention rate at your...

Video

How to use group health insurance with an HRA

Find out how employers can offer both group health insurance and an HRA together to give their employees even more ways to access affordable care.

Health Benefits

What does a benefits specialist do?

Everything you need to know about benefits specialist, including their job demand, responsibilities, and skills they need to have to be successful.

Affordable Care Act

What is an association health plan (AHP)?

In this blog, we’ll explore what association health plans mean, how they differ from group plans, and what other options you have as a small business.

QSEHRA

Veterinary clinic employee benefits

How do veterinarians provide quality employee benefits to their staff without breaking the bank or taking on too much work? Find out in our article.

Health Benefits

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.

ICHRA

What is an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA)?

An individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) integrates with individual health policies. Learn how an ICHRA works and how to set one up for your organization.

Small Business

QSEHRA self-administration for first-timers

Learn the steps it takes to self-administer a QSEHRA compliantly—and see how PeopleKeep can empower you to set up the benefit without the hassle.

Small Business

Form 720 and PCORI fee FAQs

As a business owner, you may have heard of PCORI and the fees that come with it. We'll answer common questions about Form 720 and PCORI fees.

Health Benefits

Health savings account (HSA) FAQs

The popularity of health savings accounts (HSAs) has surged dramatically in recent years. Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding HSAs.

Taxation

Are health insurance costs tax-deductible?

As a business owner, it's smart to evaluate all tax write-offs available. This article summarizes tax advantages for various health insurance...

HR

What is healthcare reimbursement?

Learn how healthcare reimbursement plans work and which reimbursement methods are available for organizations looking to offer an employee health...

HR

What is employee recognition?

We go through the ins and outs of employee recognition, why it’s important, and ways you can show frequent workplace recognition.

Small Business

What is employee retention?

Employee retention is more important than you might think. We've got four simple ways you can get started on your employee retention strategy right...

HR

How to handle workplace conflict

How do you handle workplace conflict as an employer? We discuss ways to resolve workplace conflict, as well as ways to use conflict in positive ways.

Health Benefits

What is GAP insurance?

In this article, we'll explain how GAP insurance works, what it covers, and whether or not it's a good option for your organization.

Video

What is a remote work stipend?

This article will cover everything you need to know about remote work stipends, including how they work, what they cover, and how you can offer one.

Health Benefits

How does an HRA work?

HRAs are growing increasingly popular, but how exactly do they work? And what are the differences between the many types of HRAs?

Taxation

Is employee mileage reimbursement taxable?

This blog explains everything you need to know about mileage reimbursement and how you can provide comprehensive transportation benefits to your...

Video

What is a professional development stipend?

By offering a professional development stipend, you encourage your employees to discover new talents and further their abilities through continued...

Health Benefits

What is an HRA?

In this article, we’ll go over HRAs, including how they work, what qualifies for reimbursement, various HRA types, and how they compare.

Employee Benefits

What employers need to know about benefit cards

In this article, we'll cover everything employers need to know about benefit cards and alternative solutions for your benefits administration.

Video

What is a lifestyle spending account?

This blog explains what an LSA is, its pros and cons, and offers an alternative benefit option you can use to invest in your employees’ overall...

Employee Benefits

What are flexible benefits?

This blog goes over the ins and outs of flexible benefits, including common types, why they’re important, and how you can offer them at your...

Video

What is a spot bonus?

In this article, we'll go over some examples of spot bonuses, their benefits, and how you can offer an employee bonus program of your own.

Health Benefits

2023 HSA contribution limits

Learn about the 2023 HSA guidelines set by the IRS, including updated contribution limits and HDHP qualifications.

Health Benefits

Small business health insurance options

This blog covers five popular health coverage options and how they work, including the pros and cons employers need to consider before making a...

Health Benefits

Group coverage HRA vs. excepted benefit HRA

Get a side-by-side comparison of group coverage HRAs and excepted benefit HRAs so you can know which one is best to supplement your group health...

Health Benefits

Can you have two health insurance plans?

Learn the difference between primary and secondary insurance and how you can legally coordinate the two if you have two health insurance plans.

Health Benefits

What is actuarial value?

The metal tiers health insurance plans are defined by—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—are defined their actuarial value (AV). Get what you need to...

ICHRA

Health insurance stipends pros and cons

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of health insurance stipends, best practices, and a tax-free way to offer your employees’ insurance.

QSEHRA

Perks of offering a QSEHRA and an HSA together

Learn the differences between an HSA and a QSEHRA, how they can work together, and why small businesses should consider offering both at the same...

Video

What is pet insurance, and how can I offer it?

This blog takes you through the ins and outs of pet insurance, how it works, what it does and doesn’t cover, and how you can offer it to your...

Health Benefits

What is a qualifying life event?

Get a full list of qualifying life events that open a special enrollment period through the ACA, and learn how to submit the right documents to...

Compliance

Are gift cards taxable employee benefits?

Gift cards are a simple way to give your employees a token of appreciation, whether as a present or an employee reward. But, is there tax on gift...

Video

What are boomerang employees?

This blog explains everything you need to know about boomerang employees, including pros and cons and how you can entice them to rejoin your...

Health Benefits

What is a special enrollment period?

Find out which life events qualify you for a special enrollment period, allowing you to shop for health insurance outside of the open enrollment...

Health Benefits

Understanding pre vs. post-tax benefits

We define pre-tax and post-tax benefits, including typical examples, so you can choose the best benefits for your employees and optimize your tax...

Employee Benefits

How to attract talent in the gig economy

The gig economy has shown incredible growth in the United States. However, to attract gig talent you'll need to provide personalized benefits.

Employee Benefits

Five signs of a toxic work culture

A toxic workplace culture can affect all your employees. This blog covers five signs of toxic work culture and how you can combat them.

Health Benefits

QSEHRA plan document requirements

In this post, we’ll discuss the requirements associated with QSEHRA plan documents and what information those documents should include.

Health Benefits

How to cancel your health insurance policy

Learn how to cancel your medical insurance and get tips to help you make smart decisions when changing your healthcare coverage.

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