Understanding 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). […]
Read MoreRegulatory Compliance Services for Insurance

Regulatory Compliance Services for Insurance With how quickly the insurance and regulatory landscape can change, it’s no wonder that insurance brokers sometimes struggle to stay compliant. If you’re in the same boat, it may be time to seek extra compliance help. One option many businesses and brokers use is insurance compliance services. Partnering with a […]
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between a MERP vs. HSA?

Health insurance is a major consideration for employees. Businesses looking to hire and retain the best talent need to offer competitive benefits to motivate their team. But how do you offer affordable healthcare without driving up your expenses? Insurance producers can provide businesses with alternative insurance packages to make it easier to offer their employees […]
Read MoreUnderstanding the Relationship Between Economics and Insurance

Economics has more impact on insurance and the healthcare system than you’d expect. Everything from policy premiums to market adjustments stems from the economic conditions. Whether we’re in a recession or working with a new government administration, economics shift and directly impact our insurance market. In 2023, 92% of Americans had health insurance coverage. With so many […]
Read MoreOvercoming Broker Challenges

Being an insurance broker can be both rewarding and challenging. Market changes, regulations, technology and client expectations create obstacles for brokers to overcome. However, brokerage services ensure people and companies find the right insurance. With how complex insurance terms and policies can be, these services are crucial. For both new and experienced brokers, understanding the […]
Read More7 Client-Specific Strategies for Brokers

Today’s healthcare insurance space offers opportunities for producers that stand out from the crowd. However, differentiating yourself in this competitive landscape requires crafting client-centric insurance models with a personalized customer experience. Employers want bespoke solutions to suit their needs and priorities, and their expected standards for customer service are rising. To attract and retain high-value […]
Read MoreThe Benefits of Offsetting Deductibles

When an employee makes a claim on their healthcare plan for a qualified expense, they typically have out-of-pocket costs to cover. These costs could be a copayment, coinsurance or deductible. In some cases, this amount can be substantial and difficult to afford. The good news is that there are ways to reduce these costs, helping […]
Read MoreMy Employer Doesn’t Offer HSA: Can I Still Have One?

Many employers offer a health savings account (HSA) as part of their benefits package, but what if yours does not? It can leave you without a valuable tool for managing healthcare costs and saving on taxes. So, can you have an independent HSA? The answer is yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. […]
Read MoreWhat Is a Hybrid Approach for HDHPs?

A hybrid High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is typically paired with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA). It offers cost-saving and tax advantage benefits that can make healthcare more accessible to a broader demographic than traditional healthcare plans or a straight HDHP. What Is a Hybrid High Deductible Health Plan? […]
Read MoreA Guide to MERP Options and Their Tax Benefits and Advantages

As healthcare prices continue to increase, employers need to find ways to lower these costs. A Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) is a strategic tool companies use to help employees manage their out-of-pocket healthcare costs. MERP products are flexible and tax-advantaged, well-suited to small and large businesses and beneficial to both parties. By understanding the […]
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