Personalized benefits blog: Expert insights on personalized employee benefits

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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...

Employee Benefits

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...

Employee Benefits

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.

Small Business

Offering stipends vs. salary increases

Employees increasingly desire added benefits and perks over yearly wage increases. But, what's the difference between stipends and salary increases?

Health Benefits

What is employee benefits administration?

In this blog post, we’ll describe the employee benefits administration process and how benefits administration software can help you handle it.

Employee Benefits

Benefits to offer to hire & retain Generation Z

By 2025, a quarter of the U.S. workforce will be made up of Gen Z employees. Is your organization prepared to hire and retain these young workers?

Health Benefits

What is a group in group health insurance?

In this blog, we’ll discuss the nuances of group health insurance, including common questions and participation requirements.

Health Benefits

Health vs. wellness stipends

Taxable health and wellness stipends are two of the most popular benefits available. Let's explore the differences between health and wellness...

Employee Benefits

How to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day

This blog explains why Employee Appreciation Day is important and highlight five ways you can celebrate the day to show your employees you care about...

Health Benefits

Common types of health insurance plans

Learn the pros and cons of the most common types of health insurance plans, such as PPOs, HMOs, HSA-qualified plans, indemnity plans, and...

Video

Remote employee reimbursement rules by state

Should employers cover the costs of remote work? Or does that responsibility fall to individual employees? See which states require expense...

Employee Benefits

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...

Health Benefits

Mandatory vs. voluntary benefits

This blog compares mandatory and voluntary benefits, list common types, and explains why adding voluntary benefits to your benefits package is...

Health Benefits

What is a section 125 plan?

In this blog, we'll take a comprehensive look at section 125 plans to help you better understand how they work for employers and employees.

Health Benefits

Guide to benefits reconciliation

In this article, we’ll guide you through the importance of benefits reconciliation, the different types of reconciliation, and how to reconcile...

Health Benefits

Can I reimburse employees for health insurance?

Learn about the two most common ways to compliantly reimburse employees for their healthcare: taxable stipends and health reimbursement arrangements...

Taxation

How do taxes work for remote workers?

With so many people working from home, employers and state governments face new challenges regarding remote work taxation, nexus, and employee...

QSEHRA

Benefits you should offer a nanny or caregiver

Nanny benefits make your compensation package more enticing. In this blog, we’ll go over typical benefits offered to nannies and how you can provide...

Health Benefits

2023 federal poverty guidelines

Find out what federal poverty guidelines are, how the IRS uses them, and why the Inflation Reduction Act has updated these guidelines.

Health Benefits

15 individual coverage HRA FAQs

If you’re new to ICHRAs, don’t worry! This blog answers 15 FAQs employers have about ICHRAs to help you understand how it can benefit your employees.

Health Benefits

How S-corp owners can deduct health insurance

In this article, we’ll cover what S-corp owners must do to receive insurance, how to make tax deductions, and how HRAs and stipends affect...

Health Benefits

How nonprofits can offer health insurance

Learn why nonprofit organizations are embracing health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and stipends in place of traditional group health insurance...

Health Benefits

10 health reimbursement arrangement FAQs

To help you understand how your HRA works, we've answered the ten most frequently asked questions about HRAs to help you understand this health...

Employee Benefits

Best practices for a successful RTO policy

This blog goes over what an RTO policy is and highlights five best practices to create a policy for your company that will serve your employees’...

Health Benefits

The secret to negotiating lower medical bills

Get tips on how to lower your medical bills, get financial assistance, and negotiate a more affordable payment plan with your healthcare provider.

Health Benefits

What is a health benefits navigator?

We go over what a health benefits navigator is, how they’re different from agents and brokers, and how they can help you find a great health plan.

HR

How to become an employer of choice

Learn five ways your organization can finetune your brand, culture, and recruiting strategies to attract and retain the best staff at the lowest cost.

Compliance

How employers can contribute to HSAs

This blog will define HSAs, discuss how employers can contribute to an HSA, and provide other health benefit options.

Health Benefits

What is minimum essential coverage (MEC)?

Learn which types of insurance are considered minimum essential coverage, when you need qualifying coverage, and which kinds of coverage work with an...

Employee Benefits

What is a total rewards model?

A total rewards program can help your organization create employee loyalty, improve employee satisfaction, and boost employee engagement.

Employee Benefits

Guide to pay transparency

This blog details pay transparency, including its pros and cons, state-by-state requirements, and how you can boost your employee benefits package.

HR

How to hire great managers

This blog will give you tips and tricks to help you find top manager talent so you can make the right hire for your organization.

ICHRA

How does COBRA interact with ICHRA?

The individual coverage HRA comes with COBRA requirements, but learning how they work can be complicated. We break down everything you need to know.

Small Business

How to create a positive workplace culture

When your employees are stretched too thin, implement these six tips for fostering a more positive workplace culture, helping you recruit and retain.

ICHRA

Can I have an HRA and an FSA at the same time?

Learn how HRAs and FSAs are different, how they can work together, and what regulations you’ll need to keep in mind to coordinate your health...

Small Business

What is Form 941?

As a small business owner or HR manager, you may be required to file IRS Form 941 every quarter. We'll explain what this form is and how to file it.

Compliance

How to choose a benefits administrator

Choosing the right benefits plan administrator for your organization’s needs is essential for a good employee experience.

ICHRA

FAQ: ALEs and the ACA employer mandate

The FAQs in this article will shed some light on how the Affordable Care Act's (ACA’s) employer mandate affects applicable large employers (ALEs).

Health Care Sharing Ministries

Healthcare sharing ministry pros & cons

This article will define what a healthcare sharing ministry is, its pros and cons, and other alternative health plan options.

Video

Five advantages of individual health insurance

Reimbursing employees for their individual health insurance has a lot of advantages compared to offer a group health plan. See the top five in our...

Small Business

Top payroll documents employers need

As an employer or human resources professional, you must know the proper documents, forms, and rules for payroll and taxes for your organization.

Employee Benefits

What is the employee life cycle?

In this blog, we go over the employee life cycle, including its stages, why it’s important, and tips and tricks to help you better optimize your...

Small Business

How workplace design affects productivity

Workplace design affects productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention. When making updates to your office layout, consider these tips and...

ICHRA

How to tell if your HDHP is HSA-qualified

In this article, we’ll go over HSAs, including eligibility, contribution limits, and how they work with HRAs to supplement your HDHP.

Small Business

The eight small business owner structures

This article gives an overview of the eight small business structures for owners and how those impact tax benefits on health insurance.

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...

Applicable Large Employers

Health insurance for employees in multiple states

This blog will show you four ways to offer health insurance coverage to your employees in multiple states so you can better support your remote...

Employee Benefits

Seven steps to take when offboarding employees

In this blog, we’ll discuss what offboarding is, why it’s important, and give you the top seven steps to take to offboard your employees effectively.

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...

Small Business

What is healthcare consumerism?

Individuals are becoming more involved in the health benefits process. But what is healthcare consumerism, and how does it affect employee health...

Employee Benefits

How to apply for individual 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.

Small Business

Individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) employee classes

With an ICHRA, you can divide your employees up into 11 different employee classes. See how using employees classes can help you customize your ICHRA.

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.

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 telemedicine and how can I pay for it?

Learn everything you need to know about telemedicine, including its covered services, pros and cons, and how you can pay for your virtual appointment.

Employee Benefits

Employee engagement ideas and activities

Improving employee engagement, job satisfaction, and culture is important for creating an environment where top candidates want to work.

Small Business

What is non-discrimination testing?

Certain benefits offerings require non-discrimination testing (NDT). Learn what non-discrimination testing is and why it’s important for your...

Employee Benefits

What is stop-loss insurance?

This blog goes over the types of stop-loss insurance, their pros and cons, and what you should consider before getting stop-loss insurance at your...

Employee Benefits

What is a supplemental health benefit?

In this blog, we’ll define health insurance supplements, the common expenses they cover, and other options to supplement your group health plan.

Health Insurance

What can an HRA reimburse?

Learn some of the most popular products and services you can purchase with your HRA allowance and what documents you need to get reimbursed.

Small Business

What is ESG reporting?

Many organizations release ESG reports to attract investors and provide transparency to stakeholders, employees, and customers. But why is it so...

Employee Benefits

What is a 9/80 work schedule?

This blog goes over the 9/80 work schedule, its pros and cons, and how you can determine if it’s a good option for your business and employees.

Small Business

What is a compensation strategy?

Learn about the different types of compensation strategies, why they’re important, and how you can design one to fit your organization’s needs.

Applicable Large Employers

Determining ICHRA Affordability in 2023

If you're an applicable large employer, you need an affordable allowance for your individual coverage HRA. See what the IRS considers affordable in...

Video

Is health insurance reimbursement taxable?

Health insurance reimbursement can be tax-free for your business and your employees. Explore the tax differences between HRAs and healthcare stipends.

Video

Should I offer an HRA or HSA?

In this post, we’ll cover the pros and cons of HRAs and HSAs, highlight their primary differences, and discuss how they can be used together.

QSEHRA

2023 QSEHRA contribution limits

According to the latest IRS release, small businesses offering a QSEHRA must follow specific allowance cap guidelines. We cover them here.

Employee Benefits

Guide to bereavement leave

Get everything you need to know about bereavement leave and how you can create a policy that will give your employees adequate grieving time.

HR

What is a 1099 employee?

This article will explain what a 1099 employee is, how they differ from W-2 employees, and what rules you need to know when hiring a contractor.

Health Benefits

What are employee benefits?

In this blog, we’ll explain employee benefits, why they’re important, and their cost. We’ll also go over popular types of benefits and how to manage...

Health Savings Accounts

How HSA contribution limits work for spouses

In this blog, we go over HSA contribution regulations, benefits of having two separate HSAs, and how they can work with health reimbursement...

Small Business

Types of employee reimbursements

It's important to understand the different types of employee reimbursement and how to account for them. Learn how to reimburse employees for...

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.

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...

Video

Can I offer a health insurance stipend?

Interested in offering a health stipend in lieu of health insurance? Learn how stipends work and their tax implications, as well as other tax-free...

Small Business

Top 25 health insurance companies in the U.S.

This article contains the top 25 U.S. health insurance companies. Understanding which companies are credible is a good way to begin providing...

Applicable Large Employers

How to calculate FTEs to determine ALE status

Learn what a full-time equivalent employee (FTE) is, what your FTE number means if you’re an ALE, and how to calculate how many FTEs you employ.

Employee Benefits

How to start a student loan repayment program

Offering your employees student loan repayment benefits can be an attractive way to recruit job seekers thanks to rising student loan debt.

Employee Benefits

Guide to premium tax credits for health insurance

Everything you need to know about premium tax credits—what they are, who qualifies for them, and how to calculate how much you'll pay for insurance.

Employee Benefits

Pros and cons of PPO plans

The preferred provider organization plan is the most popular employer-sponsored health insurance plan in the U.S. Learn the pros and cons of the PPO...

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.

Small Business

High deductible health plan cost & savings

Learn about high deductible health plans, their pros and cons, how much they cost, and how you can supplement your health plan for an even better...

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 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.

HR

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.

Compliance

What is an employee onboarding program?

In this article, we’ll explain what employee onboarding programs are, why they are vital for the success of your organization, and how to ensure...

Affordable Care Act

How brokers can prepare for open enrollment

For brokers, preparing for open enrollment starts early. Our blog will cover why early preparation is important and post-open enrollment...

State Health

How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) varies by state

In this article, we’ll provide an overview on which parts of the Affordable Care Act affect everyone and which parts depend on the state you reside...

Group Health Insurance

Fully-insured vs. self-insured health plans

In this article, we’ll explore the two most common ways to structure a health insurance plan, fully-insured and self-insured.

Health Savings Accounts

Why HSAs don’t work by themselves

Learn why health savings accounts (HSAs) can't be offered as a stand-alone benefit, but can be combined with other benefits, like a limited-purpose...

Healthcare Reform

Adjusted gross income vs. modified AGI

Understanding AGI and MAGI will give you a better idea of how the IRS determines your eligibility for tax deductions, credits, and retirement plans.

HRA

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...

Individual Health Insurance

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.

Small Business

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.

Group Health Insurance

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.

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

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...

Flexible Spending Accounts

Understanding the codes on your medical receipts

Wondering why there's an 'H' or 'F' next to items on your receipt? Find out how to read the health codes on your receipts and why they're important.

Health Exchange

Top seven health insurance terms to know

Learn the seven most common health insurance terms you need to know when choosing an individual or family health insurance plan.

Small Business

Signs of low morale and how you can fight it

Learn how to identify the signs of low morale and how to correct your organization's trajectory so that you can foster a highly engaged team.

Group Health Insurance

How to prepare for open enrollment 2023

This article outlines five key strategies for preparing for open enrollment 2023 and effectively showcasing your employee benefits package.

HSA

What is a consumer driven health plan (CDHP)?

How do you know if a CDHP is right for your business? In this blog, we’ll go over three popular questions employers have about CDHPs so you can learn...

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

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.

IRS

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?

Stipends

Wellness HRAs vs. wellness employee stipends

Personalized wellness benefits allow you to offer individualized programs to your employees. But what's the difference between wellness HRAs and...

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.

Affordable Care Act

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...

Recruitment/Retention

How you can facilitate asynchronous work

This blog will take a look at what asynchronous work is and how you can implement it in your organization to create efficient and independent remote...

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?

ICHRA rules you need to know

This article will explain what an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) is and the important ICHRA rules organizations should know to administer one...

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...

Fringe 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

Eight reasons for rising healthcare costs

Explore eight reasons for the rise of healthcare costs in the United States and how you can offset your expenses with an HRA.

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...

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.

Flexible Spending Accounts

HRA vs. HSA vs. FSA comparison chart

Compare three of the most popular account-based health plans: HRAs, HSAs, and FSAs, so you can choose the one that’s best for your organization.

HRA Software

ICHRA administration for first-timers

Learn the steps you’ll take to set up your own ICHRA, administer it compliantly, and avoid the common mistakes that lead to financial penalties.

Health Insurance For Startups

How to attract job candidates as a startup

This article will cover how to attract job candidates as a startup and which startup benefits are most effective at recruitment.

Health Benefits

What your employee benefits package is missing

While bolstering your compensation package is an excellent way to attract candidates, your benefits need to align with and support your workers’...

Health Benefits

How wellness programs lower employee stress

Workers with wellness programs have less stress than works who don't. See how you can incorporate wellness programs into your employee retention...

Medicare

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...

Recruitment/Retention

How to write a job description that stands out

This article explains how you can craft a description that will appear in top job searches while resulting in highly qualified applicants

Affordable Care Act

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 that don’t qualify for zero cost...

Health Benefits

Seven strategies to set a QSEHRA budget

Not sure how much of a monthly QSEHRA allowance to offer? We’ll walk you through seven strategies you can use for determining your QSEHRA budget.

Health Insurance

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.

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