Your employer clients are bringing up health savings accounts more than they used to. That’s not a mere coincidence. Renewal costs keep climbing, and you’re often the one who has to turn that pressure into a plan that employers feel good about. Total health benefit cost is on pace to exceed $18,500 per employee in […]

A dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) can help reduce costs for both employees and employers when employees participate. Employees can set aside pretax dollars for eligible childcare and adult dependent care expenses, while employers may lower payroll tax exposure on participating employees’ contributions. For employers, the 2026 contribution limit changes make plan details especially […]

A health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) is an employer-funded benefit that reimburses employees for qualified healthcare expenses on a tax-free basis. As traditional group health plans become more expensive and harder to manage, many employers are looking for more flexible options. An HRA can help employers control costs while giving employees more choice in how they […]

Reference-based pricing is a healthcare payment strategy in which self-funded plans pay providers a predetermined amount for services, often calculated as a multiple of what Medicare would pay, rather than accepting the rates that a traditional insurance carrier negotiates. For employers, reference-based pricing in healthcare creates a more straightforward way to set plan payments and […]

Employer health insurance premiums keep climbing. In 2025, the average family premium hit $26,993, a 6% year-over-year increase. Switching to a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) seems like the logical cost-cutting move for many employers. But there’s a problem. High deductibles can feel risky, which is why employees may have concerns. Cost was the leading reason consumers delayed […]

Knowing what your benefits are really worth is an important advantage when you are interviewing for a new position, starting a new job, or even if you have been loyal to your company for a long time. Many employers offer comprehensive benefits to stand out in a competitive landscape and attract the top talent. When […]

HRA vs. FSA What’s the difference between a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), sometimes called a health reimbursement account, and a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Whether you’re an employee comparing benefit options or an HR manager evaluating plans for your workforce, that’s likely your first question. An HRA and an FSA are both tax-advantaged benefit accounts, but they […]

As your plan year wraps up, you might be thinking about the money sitting in your flexible spending account (FSA). If you haven’t spent it all, will you lose it? It’s a common concern. Many FSA holders are familiar with the use-it-or-lose-it rule. You need to use your funds within the plan year, or you’ll forfeit them. […]

Healthcare costs generally rise faster than inflation. In 2024, the average family premium reached $25,572, up 7% from the previous year. For small and midsize employers with tight budgets, savings on benefits create breathing room without sacrificing employee coverage. One effective way to reduce costs is by offering Health Savings Account contributions through a Section 125 […]

Tax Benefits of a MERP Employer-sponsored healthcare costs increase year after year, putting pressure on businesses of every size. Many employers want to offer competitive health benefits without taking on steadily rising costs, and a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) offers just that, an employer-funded benefit that reimburses employees for eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses. Beyond helping employees […]