Why You Should Leverage a MERP for Your Clients
Rising healthcare costs are a concern for both employers and employees. As brokers, your offerings impact whether a company can optimize its budget and whether an employee can opt for affordable care. A medical expense reimbursement plan (MERP) is a flexible solution that can enable both scenarios. You only need to explain how MERP works and […]
Read MoreHow Section 105 Medical Reimbursement Plans Save on Taxes
In the U.S., healthcare costs are rising faster than inflation, with health spending reaching $4.9 trillion in 2022 alone. Small business owners experience climbing premiums, while employees struggle with out-of-pocket costs. Failing to navigate complex tax laws correctly can lead to missing significant savings. The Internal Revenue Code’s (IRC) Section 105 offers a good solution. Different plan structures […]
Read MoreMERP vs. Traditional Health Insurance
Healthcare costs continue to climb. These price jumps put pressure on you, as an employer, to make difficult decisions about your benefits strategy. The traditional approach has been straightforward, with group health insurance with fixed premiums and standardized coverage being the norm. As costs rise, more organizations are exploring cost-saving strategies such as high-deductible health […]
Read MoreMERP Design for Brokers: Deductible Buy-Downs, Copay Wraps, and More
A medical expense reimbursement plan (MERP) offers many benefits to employers and employees. Employers can lower healthcare costs and adjust their plans each year, while employees can still get the right level of care. However, as single and family coverage premiums rise, organizations have been forced to explore structurally sound solutions to this issue. A […]
Read MoreA Small Business Owner’s Guide to Affordable Health Insurance
The cost of health insurance can have a significant impact on small businesses. Finding a comfortable balance between keeping costs down and providing the healthcare benefits your employees deserve is essential for employee retention. Introducing strategic funding is a viable way to pay for healthcare benefits rather than high-priced insurance plans. This guide explains how […]
Read MoreWhat Is a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP)?
In 2024, the average annual premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance cost $8,951 for single coverage, a 6% rise from the previous year. For family coverage, this figure was $25,572, 7% higher than the previous year. This trend of rising medical costs looks set to continue into 2026. Considering these price increases, it’s not surprising that many employers […]
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between an ICHRA and a MERP?
Insurance brokers are essential in helping employer clients navigate the complex world of health insurance benefits. Employers will want to offer competitive benefits that attract and retain top talent while benefiting the business. Understanding the nuanced difference between a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) and an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) will help you […]
Read MoreMERP Compliance and Financial Considerations
Knowing how to manage a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) in compliance with federal regulations is important for helping your clients maintain the financial benefits of the healthcare program. As an insurance broker, you should be up to date with the latest compliance rules associated with your MERP employer group plan. This comprehensive guide explores how […]
Read MoreThe Official MERP FAQ
As healthcare costs rise, companies need options to help their employees afford quality care while minimizing employer expenses. Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERP) are among the insurance producer’s most effective tools for creating win-win group coverage solutions, but they’re also among the most misunderstood healthcare products. Whether you want help understanding MERP products or explaining […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Self-Funded Insurance Plans vs. MERP Products: Key Differences and Considerations
Health insurance costs have been rising for years, and experts predict the trend will only continue. Many businesses are turning to other health insurance benefits, like self-funded health insurance plans and medical expense reimbursement plans (MERP)), to lower their spending. Self-funded and MERP products are both employer-sponsored health plans under Section 105 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). […]
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