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Level-Funded Plans + Health Reimbursement Arrangements

Do you remember the days when employers could change from a $500 deductible plan to a $5,000 deductible plan...

Counting Employees

Many employee benefit laws only apply to employers who have a certain number of employees. The challenging...

ICHRAs vs. 401(k) Plans

What do ICHRAs and 401(k) Plans Have in Common? The short answer is that they are both defined...

Coronavirus: Impact to Health Plans

In just a very short period of time, the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is impacting health plans and...

CMS to Pilot Wellness Programs in Individual Market

Published October 14, 2019 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced...

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) FAQs

Published October 9, 2019 1. What is an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA...

Calculating Affordability under the Employer Mandate (2020 Plan Year)

Published September 23, 2019 The Employer Mandate guidelines state that coverage is affordable when...

2020 PCORI Story – The Final Chapter

Published September 10, 2019 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the...

Reminder: Medicare Part D Notices Must Be Distributed by October 14

Published September 3, 2019 Each year employers must provide a written notice to Medicare-eligible...

Marketplace Plans to Receive Star Ratings in 2020

Published August 26, 2019 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced earlier...

Combining HRAs and HSAs

Published August 16, 2019 It’s no surprise that more and more employers are offering qualified high...

Can the Employer Mandate Penalties be Waived or Reduced?

Published August 12, 2019 Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) submitted an inquiry to the Internal Revenue...

2020 Employer Mandate Details

Published August 5, 2019 The Internal Revenue Service recently released Revenue Procedure 2019-29 ...

5 Things to Know About the New ICHRA

Published July 29, 2019 The new Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) will become...

New Definition of High Deductible Health Plans

Published July 22, 2019 President Donald Trump issued an executive order last month aiming...

6 Types of HRAs

Published July 8, 2019 Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) have been on a roller coaster the...

New Executive Order May Enhance CDHPs

Published July 1, 2019 On June 24, 2019, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on “...

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements

Published June 14, 2019 The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (...

Employer Mandate Penalties for Non-Filers

Published June 10, 2019 The Employer Mandate requires applicable large employers (ALEs), which...

PCORI Fees

Published June 3, 2019 There always tends to be some confusion when it comes to determining which...

2020 HSA and HDHP Inflation Adjustments

Published May 28, 2019 Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes inflation adjustments to...

New Jersey to Mandate Commuter Plans

Published May 20, 2019 New Jersey becomes the first state to require certain employers to offer...

Association Health Plan Update

Published May 6, 2019 Last year, the Trump administration issued new regulations relating to...

FMLA Premium Collections

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires applicable employers to extend group health plan coverage...

Court to Hear ACA Appeal in July

Published April 29, 2019 Last December, a federal judge in Texas District Court ruled that the...

2020 Part D Coverage Parameters

Published April 22, 2019 Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts the...

Employer Mandate Penalty Notices Continue

Published April 15, 2019 The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) is continuing to send Letter 226J to...

Judge Strikes Down New Association Health Plan Rules

Published April 8, 2019 Last year, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued new regulations pertaining to...

Lots of ACA Developments Last Week

Published April 1, 2019 There’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA)....

Simple Cafeteria Plans

Published March 25, 2019 Simple Cafeteria Plans were created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and...

BIG changes to Medicare Supplements in 2020

Published March 18, 2019 There are some big changes coming to Medicare Supplement plans in 2020....

Flexible Spending Accounts

Published March 4, 2019 When talking about Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), you may...

Michelle’s Law and Notice Requirements

Published February 25, 2019 Michelle Morse was diagnosed with colon cancer on December 12, 2003. She...

Medicare-for-All

Published February 11, 2019 You may have heard the phrase “Medicare-for-All,” but what does it really...

Reminder: Medicare Part D Reporting Due for Many Employers

Published February 4, 2019 Annual Medicare Part D reporting is required for all employers who provide...

Updated Form 8889, Revised Publication 502 & 2020 Payment Parameters Released

Published January 29, 2019 Updated Form 8889, Revised Publication 502 & 2020 Payment Parameters...

25 Reasons Why Employers Need a Wrap Document

Published Janaury 21, 2019 The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires...

2018 ACA Reporting Deadlines Approaching

Published January 14, 2019 It’s that time of year. Applicable large employers (ALEs) and certain...

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Round 2

Published January 7, 2019 You may be familiar with Medicare’s open enrollment period (OEP) which...

End of Year HSA Tips & Reminders

Published December 31, 2018 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow eligible individuals to put money...

10 Health Plan Changes Taking Effect in 2019

Published December 26, 2018 Whether it be inflation adjustments, new laws, or tweaks to existing...

Federal Judge Rules ACA Unconstitutional

Published December 17, 2018 Last Friday, a federal judge in Texas ruled the Affordable Care Act (a.k....

Illinois STM Plan Update

Published December 11, 2018 Illinois state legislators passed a law last month which makes several changes...

ICHRAs and the Employer Mandate

Published December 3, 2018 ICHRAs and the Employer Mandate In October, regulatory agencies proposed new...

Cafeteria Plans and Constructive Receipt

Published November 26, 2018 Many employers offer a cash payment to employees who waive health...

2019 Contribution Limits to Employee Benefit Programs

With healthcare costs continuing to grow, employee benefit programs are becoming a must-have for your...

The 2019 PCORI Story

Published November 12, 2018 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the...

Employer Compliance Reminders

Published November 5, 2018 The November and December months are a busy time of the year for employee...

New HRA rules proposed for 2020

Published October 29, 2018 The Department of Labor (DoL), Department of Treasury (DoT) and the...

How to give your employees affordable coverage for everyday legal matters

Published October 23, 2018 Let’s face it — many of your employees can’t afford an attorney...

2019 Open Enrollment Periods are officially underway

Published October 22, 2018 Last week, the 2019 open enrollment period (OEP) season officially kicked...

Medicare cost changes for 2019

Published October 15, 2018 Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts...

Medicare Part D Notice Distribution

Published October 8, 2018 Each year employers must provide a written notice to Medicare-eligible...

Advancing Health Savings Account Funds

Published October 1, 2018 While we continue to hear about the rapid growth of Health Savings Accounts...

Wait...this is a Group Health Plan?

Published September 24, 2018 ERISA Section 607 defines the term group health plan as an employee...

Private Brokerage versus Professional Employer Organization

Employee benefits are one of the largest cost’s employers in the United States encounter. Deciding which...

2018 ACA Reporting & CSR Subsidy Update

Published September 17, 2018 The fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is being challenged once...

Seasonal Workers vs Seasonal Employees

Published September 10, 2018 Seasonal Employees & Seasonal Workers: There’s a Difference! The...

ACA lawsuits making headlines before midterm elections

The midterm elections will be held on November 6, 2018, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will surely be a...

Why your employer sponsored Long Term Disability plan isn’t enough

Your income is your greatest asset. Protect it. If you’re an incentive-based earner your income is more...

Association Health Plan and Individual Mandate Updates

Published August 27, 2018 Association Health Plan Updates The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has...

Looming HRA Regulations

Published August 20, 2018 In October of 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order which was...

New Short Term Medical Plan Rules Finalized

Published August 7, 2018 Last week, the Trump administration issued final rules which extend the maximum...

HSA Bills Advance Through the House

Published July 30, 2018 Below is a summary of key Health Savings Account (HSA) provisions included in each...

Risk Adjustment Payments Suspended

Published July 16, 2018 Many of you are familiar with the reinsurance fees that were charged to health...

Medicare Entitlement: The Most Confusing COBRA Qualifying Event

Published July 9, 2018 Part 1 – Is it or isn’t it a qualifying event? Medicare entitlement of the...

Clarifying the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impact on Commuter Plans

Published July 2, 2018 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law at the end of 2017. There still...

New Association Health Plan Rules Finalized

Published June 25, 2018 Last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) finalized new rules pertaining to...

Obamacare Lawsuit

Published June 18, 2018 A lawsuit contesting the legality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as...

3 States Now Have an Individual Mandate

Published June 11, 2018 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law last year wiped out the federal penalty...

Packaged Health Insurance

Published June 4, 2018 We all know health insurance has an expensive price tag. Even plans with high...

Calculating ACA Affordability under the Employer Mandate

The original version of this article was published on January 15, 2016. It was updated on November 7, 2017...

Employer Mandate Update

Published May 30, 2018 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released Revenue Procedure 2018-34...

Medicare and Group Health Plans

More employees than ever before are working beyond age 65, and this also happens to be the age when most...

2019 HSA Limits Released

Published May 21, 2018 On Thursday, May 10, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Revenue...

Medicare and HRAs, the perfect pair to save you money on retiree coverage

Published May 22, 2018 As health care costs continue to soar, many companies seek alternative solutions...

2018 Family HSA Contribution Limit Adjusted Back to $6,900

Here's a little history: May 4, 2017 – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes Rev. Proc. 2017-37 which...

The 2018 PCORI Story

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research...

Grandmothered Plan Extension

Health plans in the individual and small group markets that were issued after March 23, 2010 and prior to...

New Medicare ID Cards Coming Soon

Medicare ID numbers are changing! Social Security numbers followed by the letter “A” or “B” have...

5 Ways to Improve your Current Benefit Offering, Increase Employee Retention and Spend Less

Your employees rely completely on you for benefits. From office perks as simple as fresh fruit on Friday...

Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act

Last month, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced the Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act. The proposed...

Federal Spending Bill Leaves ACA Untouched

Last week, President Donald Trump signed into law a 2,232-page federal spending bill avoiding another...

9 Employee Benefits Trends Gaining Traction in 2018

Offering desirable benefits can be pricey (and overwhelming). And with little wiggle room in your budget,...

COBRA Laws in Illinois

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) applies to employers who had 20 or more...

Short Term Plans Not So Short Anymore

Published February 26, 2018 In October 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order...

7 Compliance Requirements For Small Businesses

1. Premium Only Plan Document (POP Document) The only way for an employer to provide certain benefits tax...

Exclusive partnership brings better benefits to association members

Company Release: January 25, 2018 The Chicago Bar Association and IXSolutions Announce Exclusive Health...

Will the ACA get Repealed This Week?

Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) are spearheading efforts to repeal and replace...

An Alternative to the Individual Mandate

The so-called Individual Mandate has been a widely unpopular provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). ...

The Healthcare Roller Coaster Continues

September 13, 2017 A bipartisan group of Senators, Governors and Insurance Commissioners held meetings in...

These Unique Proposals May Restore Health Insurance For 17 Million Americans

5 Outside-The-Box Ideas For Fixing The Individual Insurance Market By Julie Rovner With Republican efforts...

Two ways age rating will impact the individual and small group market in 2018.

No, this article isn’t about the possibility of the age rating ratio changing from 3:1 to 5:1. This article...

Can Democrats and Republicans Work Together to Stabilize the Individual Market?

In September, Senators will return to Washington D.C. from their August recess. Almost immediately, they’ll...

FSA Break-Even Breakdown

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is one of the few benefits an employer can provide that will often pay...

Are health insurance rates different in every state?

Question: Are health insurance rates different in every state? For example, is New York more expensive than...

Worried About What The Future Holds For Healthcare?

Insurers Can Bend Out-Of-Network Rules For Patients Who Need Specific Doctors By Michelle Andrews The...

3 Continuation Coverage Laws Illinois Employers Must Follow

Several states have continuation coverage laws in place, and Illinois is no different. In fact, the state...

Are there cheaper coverage options than COBRA?

Question: I am looking for temporary coverage while I'm switching jobs. I do not want to be without health...

Big Business Owners Pledge to Provide Health Insurance Benefits To Their Employees in 2018

Taking A U-Turn On Benefits, Big Employers Vow To Continue Offering Health Insurance By Jay Hancock The...

Are health screenings free once you're over the age of 50?

Question: Are health screenings free once you're over the age of 50? I have health insurance, I’m 52 and I...

Is there a health insurance plan that would cover me in multiple states?

Question: I’m an Illinois resident but I travel to Florida every winter. Is there a health insurance plan...

Basics of Medicare - Beginners Guide to Medicare

Thinking about Medicare? Chances are, if you're nearing the age of 65, you know you've got to put some...

I was told I can only enroll during Open Enrollment Period. Is that true?

Question: I recently moved from CA to TX and my health insurance doesn't cover me here. I was told I can only...

What happens to my insurance when I need to take off work for a serious injury?

Question: I’m having surgery and my doctor says it will take me over a month to recover. I currently have...

1,442 Ways The ACA Can Still Change

We know efforts of the Republican party to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have failed. What...

Are Group Health Plans Subject to ERISA?

Group health plans are almost always subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, also...

9 Employee Benefits Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make

As a small business owner, you may think offering quality benefits to your employees sounds time consuming...

The Most Important Person in the Healthcare Debate

It isn’t Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and it isn’t Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell. Who could...

House Passes Bill to Repeal & Replace the ACA

House Representatives’ votes are in—does this mean the Affordable Care Act is out? On Thursday, May 4 the...

5 New Exchange Rules for 2018

On April 13, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final Market Stabilization...

Types of Health Insurance Plans

One way to ease the health insurance shopping process is by comparing options and selecting a specific type...

How the New CMS Guidance Impacts You

How the New CMS Guidance Impacts You The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)...

Compliance and Health Insurance for Small Businesses

If you own a small business, it can be really difficult to keep up with all of the compliance issues you...

Uncertainty Surrounds the Affordable Care Act

Around 12.2 million people signed up for health insurance coverage through federal and state-run...

How to Find a Doctor

You’ve already elected a plan for 2017—but you’re not covered yet. Understanding the cost of...

The Switch to Small Business Health Plans

The Old School way of Offering Benefits Change is inevitable—and with health insurance it's become...

3 Barriers Republicans Must Overcome to Repeal the ACA

Despite a Republican-controlled house, Republican-controlled Senate and a Republican President, repealing...

ACA Repeal and Replace Plan

ACA Repeal and Replace Plan Put on Hold After postponing, delaying and staling the scheduled vote on the...

Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement

Nearing retirement, most of us would rather spend our days debating between a destination in the sun or in...

9 Things You Didn't Know About Group Health Insurance

As a small business owner, you may think group health insurance plans are only for large corporations. Or...

Level-Funded Plans + Health Reimbursement Arrangements

Do you remember the days when employers could change from a $500 deductible plan to a $5,000 deductible plan...

Counting Employees

Many employee benefit laws only apply to employers who have a certain number of employees. The challenging...

ICHRAs vs. 401(k) Plans

What do ICHRAs and 401(k) Plans Have in Common? The short answer is that they are both defined...

Coronavirus: Impact to Health Plans

In just a very short period of time, the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is impacting health plans and...

CMS to Pilot Wellness Programs in Individual Market

Published October 14, 2019 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced...

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) FAQs

Published October 9, 2019 1. What is an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA...

Calculating Affordability under the Employer Mandate (2020 Plan Year)

Published September 23, 2019 The Employer Mandate guidelines state that coverage is affordable when...

2020 PCORI Story – The Final Chapter

Published September 10, 2019 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the...

Reminder: Medicare Part D Notices Must Be Distributed by October 14

Published September 3, 2019 Each year employers must provide a written notice to Medicare-eligible...

Marketplace Plans to Receive Star Ratings in 2020

Published August 26, 2019 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced earlier...

Combining HRAs and HSAs

Published August 16, 2019 It’s no surprise that more and more employers are offering qualified high...

Can the Employer Mandate Penalties be Waived or Reduced?

Published August 12, 2019 Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) submitted an inquiry to the Internal Revenue...

2020 Employer Mandate Details

Published August 5, 2019 The Internal Revenue Service recently released Revenue Procedure 2019-29 ...

5 Things to Know About the New ICHRA

Published July 29, 2019 The new Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) will become...

New Definition of High Deductible Health Plans

Published July 22, 2019 President Donald Trump issued an executive order last month aiming...

6 Types of HRAs

Published July 8, 2019 Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) have been on a roller coaster the...

New Executive Order May Enhance CDHPs

Published July 1, 2019 On June 24, 2019, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on “...

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements

Published June 14, 2019 The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (...

Employer Mandate Penalties for Non-Filers

Published June 10, 2019 The Employer Mandate requires applicable large employers (ALEs), which...

PCORI Fees

Published June 3, 2019 There always tends to be some confusion when it comes to determining which...

2020 HSA and HDHP Inflation Adjustments

Published May 28, 2019 Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes inflation adjustments to...

New Jersey to Mandate Commuter Plans

Published May 20, 2019 New Jersey becomes the first state to require certain employers to offer...

Association Health Plan Update

Published May 6, 2019 Last year, the Trump administration issued new regulations relating to...

FMLA Premium Collections

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires applicable employers to extend group health plan coverage...

Court to Hear ACA Appeal in July

Published April 29, 2019 Last December, a federal judge in Texas District Court ruled that the...

2020 Part D Coverage Parameters

Published April 22, 2019 Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts the...

Employer Mandate Penalty Notices Continue

Published April 15, 2019 The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) is continuing to send Letter 226J to...

Judge Strikes Down New Association Health Plan Rules

Published April 8, 2019 Last year, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued new regulations pertaining to...

Lots of ACA Developments Last Week

Published April 1, 2019 There’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA)....

Simple Cafeteria Plans

Published March 25, 2019 Simple Cafeteria Plans were created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and...

BIG changes to Medicare Supplements in 2020

Published March 18, 2019 There are some big changes coming to Medicare Supplement plans in 2020....

Flexible Spending Accounts

Published March 4, 2019 When talking about Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), you may...

Michelle’s Law and Notice Requirements

Published February 25, 2019 Michelle Morse was diagnosed with colon cancer on December 12, 2003. She...

Medicare-for-All

Published February 11, 2019 You may have heard the phrase “Medicare-for-All,” but what does it really...

Reminder: Medicare Part D Reporting Due for Many Employers

Published February 4, 2019 Annual Medicare Part D reporting is required for all employers who provide...

Updated Form 8889, Revised Publication 502 & 2020 Payment Parameters Released

Published January 29, 2019 Updated Form 8889, Revised Publication 502 & 2020 Payment Parameters...

25 Reasons Why Employers Need a Wrap Document

Published Janaury 21, 2019 The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires...

2018 ACA Reporting Deadlines Approaching

Published January 14, 2019 It’s that time of year. Applicable large employers (ALEs) and certain...

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Round 2

Published January 7, 2019 You may be familiar with Medicare’s open enrollment period (OEP) which...

End of Year HSA Tips & Reminders

Published December 31, 2018 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow eligible individuals to put money...

10 Health Plan Changes Taking Effect in 2019

Published December 26, 2018 Whether it be inflation adjustments, new laws, or tweaks to existing...

Federal Judge Rules ACA Unconstitutional

Published December 17, 2018 Last Friday, a federal judge in Texas ruled the Affordable Care Act (a.k....

Illinois STM Plan Update

Published December 11, 2018 Illinois state legislators passed a law last month which makes several changes...

ICHRAs and the Employer Mandate

Published December 3, 2018 ICHRAs and the Employer Mandate In October, regulatory agencies proposed new...

Cafeteria Plans and Constructive Receipt

Published November 26, 2018 Many employers offer a cash payment to employees who waive health...

2019 Contribution Limits to Employee Benefit Programs

With healthcare costs continuing to grow, employee benefit programs are becoming a must-have for your...

The 2019 PCORI Story

Published November 12, 2018 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the...

Employer Compliance Reminders

Published November 5, 2018 The November and December months are a busy time of the year for employee...

New HRA rules proposed for 2020

Published October 29, 2018 The Department of Labor (DoL), Department of Treasury (DoT) and the...

2019 Open Enrollment Periods are officially underway

Published October 22, 2018 Last week, the 2019 open enrollment period (OEP) season officially kicked...

Medicare cost changes for 2019

Published October 15, 2018 Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts...

Medicare Part D Notice Distribution

Published October 8, 2018 Each year employers must provide a written notice to Medicare-eligible...

Advancing Health Savings Account Funds

Published October 1, 2018 While we continue to hear about the rapid growth of Health Savings Accounts...

Wait...this is a Group Health Plan?

Published September 24, 2018 ERISA Section 607 defines the term group health plan as an employee...

2018 ACA Reporting & CSR Subsidy Update

Published September 17, 2018 The fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is being challenged once...

Seasonal Workers vs Seasonal Employees

Published September 10, 2018 Seasonal Employees & Seasonal Workers: There’s a Difference! The...

ACA lawsuits making headlines before midterm elections

The midterm elections will be held on November 6, 2018, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will surely be a...

Association Health Plan and Individual Mandate Updates

Published August 27, 2018 Association Health Plan Updates The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has...

Looming HRA Regulations

Published August 20, 2018 In October of 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order which was...

New Short Term Medical Plan Rules Finalized

Published August 7, 2018 Last week, the Trump administration issued final rules which extend the maximum...

HSA Bills Advance Through the House

Published July 30, 2018 Below is a summary of key Health Savings Account (HSA) provisions included in each...

Risk Adjustment Payments Suspended

Published July 16, 2018 Many of you are familiar with the reinsurance fees that were charged to health...

Medicare Entitlement: The Most Confusing COBRA Qualifying Event

Published July 9, 2018 Part 1 – Is it or isn’t it a qualifying event? Medicare entitlement of the...

Clarifying the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impact on Commuter Plans

Published July 2, 2018 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law at the end of 2017. There still...

New Association Health Plan Rules Finalized

Published June 25, 2018 Last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) finalized new rules pertaining to...

Obamacare Lawsuit

Published June 18, 2018 A lawsuit contesting the legality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as...

2019 HSA Limits Released

Published May 21, 2018 On Thursday, May 10, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Revenue...

2018 Family HSA Contribution Limit Adjusted Back to $6,900

Here's a little history: May 4, 2017 – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes Rev. Proc. 2017-37 which...

The 2018 PCORI Story

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research...

Grandmothered Plan Extension

Health plans in the individual and small group markets that were issued after March 23, 2010 and prior to...

New Medicare ID Cards Coming Soon

Medicare ID numbers are changing! Social Security numbers followed by the letter “A” or “B” have...

Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act

Last month, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced the Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act. The proposed...

Federal Spending Bill Leaves ACA Untouched

Last week, President Donald Trump signed into law a 2,232-page federal spending bill avoiding another...

COBRA Laws in Illinois

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) applies to employers who had 20 or more...

7 Compliance Requirements For Small Businesses

1. Premium Only Plan Document (POP Document) The only way for an employer to provide certain benefits tax...

Will the ACA get Repealed This Week?

Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) are spearheading efforts to repeal and replace...

An Alternative to the Individual Mandate

The so-called Individual Mandate has been a widely unpopular provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). ...

The Healthcare Roller Coaster Continues

September 13, 2017 A bipartisan group of Senators, Governors and Insurance Commissioners held meetings in...

Two ways age rating will impact the individual and small group market in 2018.

No, this article isn’t about the possibility of the age rating ratio changing from 3:1 to 5:1. This article...

Can Democrats and Republicans Work Together to Stabilize the Individual Market?

In September, Senators will return to Washington D.C. from their August recess. Almost immediately, they’ll...

FSA Break-Even Breakdown

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is one of the few benefits an employer can provide that will often pay...

3 Continuation Coverage Laws Illinois Employers Must Follow

Several states have continuation coverage laws in place, and Illinois is no different. In fact, the state...

1,442 Ways The ACA Can Still Change

We know efforts of the Republican party to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have failed. What...

Are Group Health Plans Subject to ERISA?

Group health plans are almost always subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, also...

The Most Important Person in the Healthcare Debate

It isn’t Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and it isn’t Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell. Who could...

House Passes Bill to Repeal & Replace the ACA

House Representatives’ votes are in—does this mean the Affordable Care Act is out? On Thursday, May 4 the...

5 New Exchange Rules for 2018

On April 13, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final Market Stabilization...

How the New CMS Guidance Impacts You

How the New CMS Guidance Impacts You The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)...

Compliance and Health Insurance for Small Businesses

If you own a small business, it can be really difficult to keep up with all of the compliance issues you...

Uncertainty Surrounds the Affordable Care Act

Around 12.2 million people signed up for health insurance coverage through federal and state-run...

3 Barriers Republicans Must Overcome to Repeal the ACA

Despite a Republican-controlled house, Republican-controlled Senate and a Republican President, repealing...

ACA Repeal and Replace Plan

ACA Repeal and Replace Plan Put on Hold After postponing, delaying and staling the scheduled vote on the...

How to give your employees affordable coverage for everyday legal matters

Published October 23, 2018 Let’s face it — many of your employees can’t afford an attorney...

Private Brokerage versus Professional Employer Organization

Employee benefits are one of the largest cost’s employers in the United States encounter. Deciding which...

Why your employer sponsored Long Term Disability plan isn’t enough

Your income is your greatest asset. Protect it. If you’re an incentive-based earner your income is more...

Calculating ACA Affordability under the Employer Mandate

The original version of this article was published on January 15, 2016. It was updated on November 7, 2017...

Employer Mandate Update

Published May 30, 2018 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released Revenue Procedure 2018-34...

Medicare and Group Health Plans

More employees than ever before are working beyond age 65, and this also happens to be the age when most...

Medicare and HRAs, the perfect pair to save you money on retiree coverage

Published May 22, 2018 As health care costs continue to soar, many companies seek alternative solutions...

5 Ways to Improve your Current Benefit Offering, Increase Employee Retention and Spend Less

Your employees rely completely on you for benefits. From office perks as simple as fresh fruit on Friday...

9 Employee Benefits Trends Gaining Traction in 2018

Offering desirable benefits can be pricey (and overwhelming). And with little wiggle room in your budget,...

Exclusive partnership brings better benefits to association members

Company Release: January 25, 2018 The Chicago Bar Association and IXSolutions Announce Exclusive Health...

Worried About What The Future Holds For Healthcare?

Insurers Can Bend Out-Of-Network Rules For Patients Who Need Specific Doctors By Michelle Andrews The...

Big Business Owners Pledge to Provide Health Insurance Benefits To Their Employees in 2018

Taking A U-Turn On Benefits, Big Employers Vow To Continue Offering Health Insurance By Jay Hancock The...

9 Employee Benefits Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make

As a small business owner, you may think offering quality benefits to your employees sounds time consuming...

The Switch to Small Business Health Plans

The Old School way of Offering Benefits Change is inevitable—and with health insurance it's become...

9 Things You Didn't Know About Group Health Insurance

As a small business owner, you may think group health insurance plans are only for large corporations. Or...

3 States Now Have an Individual Mandate

Published June 11, 2018 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law last year wiped out the federal penalty...

Packaged Health Insurance

Published June 4, 2018 We all know health insurance has an expensive price tag. Even plans with high...

Short Term Plans Not So Short Anymore

Published February 26, 2018 In October 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order...

These Unique Proposals May Restore Health Insurance For 17 Million Americans

5 Outside-The-Box Ideas For Fixing The Individual Insurance Market By Julie Rovner With Republican efforts...

Are health insurance rates different in every state?

Question: Are health insurance rates different in every state? For example, is New York more expensive than...

Are there cheaper coverage options than COBRA?

Question: I am looking for temporary coverage while I'm switching jobs. I do not want to be without health...

Are health screenings free once you're over the age of 50?

Question: Are health screenings free once you're over the age of 50? I have health insurance, I’m 52 and I...

Is there a health insurance plan that would cover me in multiple states?

Question: I’m an Illinois resident but I travel to Florida every winter. Is there a health insurance plan...

Basics of Medicare - Beginners Guide to Medicare

Thinking about Medicare? Chances are, if you're nearing the age of 65, you know you've got to put some...

I was told I can only enroll during Open Enrollment Period. Is that true?

Question: I recently moved from CA to TX and my health insurance doesn't cover me here. I was told I can only...

What happens to my insurance when I need to take off work for a serious injury?

Question: I’m having surgery and my doctor says it will take me over a month to recover. I currently have...

Types of Health Insurance Plans

One way to ease the health insurance shopping process is by comparing options and selecting a specific type...

How to Find a Doctor

You’ve already elected a plan for 2017—but you’re not covered yet. Understanding the cost of...

Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement

Nearing retirement, most of us would rather spend our days debating between a destination in the sun or in...

Level-Funded Plans + Health Reimbursement Arrangements

Do you remember the days when employers could change from a $500 deductible plan to a $5,000 deductible plan...

Counting Employees

Many employee benefit laws only apply to employers who have a certain number of employees. The challenging...

ICHRAs vs. 401(k) Plans

What do ICHRAs and 401(k) Plans Have in Common? The short answer is that they are both defined...

Coronavirus: Impact to Health Plans

In just a very short period of time, the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is impacting health plans and...

CMS to Pilot Wellness Programs in Individual Market

Published October 14, 2019 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced...

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) FAQs

Published October 9, 2019 1. What is an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA...

Calculating Affordability under the Employer Mandate (2020 Plan Year)

Published September 23, 2019 The Employer Mandate guidelines state that coverage is affordable when...

2020 PCORI Story – The Final Chapter

Published September 10, 2019 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the...

Reminder: Medicare Part D Notices Must Be Distributed by October 14

Published September 3, 2019 Each year employers must provide a written notice to Medicare-eligible...

Marketplace Plans to Receive Star Ratings in 2020

Published August 26, 2019 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced earlier...

Combining HRAs and HSAs

Published August 16, 2019 It’s no surprise that more and more employers are offering qualified high...

Can the Employer Mandate Penalties be Waived or Reduced?

Published August 12, 2019 Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) submitted an inquiry to the Internal Revenue...

2020 Employer Mandate Details

Published August 5, 2019 The Internal Revenue Service recently released Revenue Procedure 2019-29 ...

5 Things to Know About the New ICHRA

Published July 29, 2019 The new Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) will become...

New Definition of High Deductible Health Plans

Published July 22, 2019 President Donald Trump issued an executive order last month aiming...

6 Types of HRAs

Published July 8, 2019 Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) have been on a roller coaster the...

New Executive Order May Enhance CDHPs

Published July 1, 2019 On June 24, 2019, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on “...

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements

Published June 14, 2019 The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (...

Employer Mandate Penalties for Non-Filers

Published June 10, 2019 The Employer Mandate requires applicable large employers (ALEs), which...

PCORI Fees

Published June 3, 2019 There always tends to be some confusion when it comes to determining which...

2020 HSA and HDHP Inflation Adjustments

Published May 28, 2019 Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes inflation adjustments to...

New Jersey to Mandate Commuter Plans

Published May 20, 2019 New Jersey becomes the first state to require certain employers to offer...

Association Health Plan Update

Published May 6, 2019 Last year, the Trump administration issued new regulations relating to...

FMLA Premium Collections

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires applicable employers to extend group health plan coverage...

Court to Hear ACA Appeal in July

Published April 29, 2019 Last December, a federal judge in Texas District Court ruled that the...

2020 Part D Coverage Parameters

Published April 22, 2019 Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts the...

Employer Mandate Penalty Notices Continue

Published April 15, 2019 The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) is continuing to send Letter 226J to...

Judge Strikes Down New Association Health Plan Rules

Published April 8, 2019 Last year, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued new regulations pertaining to...

Lots of ACA Developments Last Week

Published April 1, 2019 There’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA)....

Simple Cafeteria Plans

Published March 25, 2019 Simple Cafeteria Plans were created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and...

BIG changes to Medicare Supplements in 2020

Published March 18, 2019 There are some big changes coming to Medicare Supplement plans in 2020....

Flexible Spending Accounts

Published March 4, 2019 When talking about Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), you may...

Michelle’s Law and Notice Requirements

Published February 25, 2019 Michelle Morse was diagnosed with colon cancer on December 12, 2003. She...

Medicare-for-All

Published February 11, 2019 You may have heard the phrase “Medicare-for-All,” but what does it really...

Reminder: Medicare Part D Reporting Due for Many Employers

Published February 4, 2019 Annual Medicare Part D reporting is required for all employers who provide...

Updated Form 8889, Revised Publication 502 & 2020 Payment Parameters Released

Published January 29, 2019 Updated Form 8889, Revised Publication 502 & 2020 Payment Parameters...

25 Reasons Why Employers Need a Wrap Document

Published Janaury 21, 2019 The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires...

2018 ACA Reporting Deadlines Approaching

Published January 14, 2019 It’s that time of year. Applicable large employers (ALEs) and certain...

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Round 2

Published January 7, 2019 You may be familiar with Medicare’s open enrollment period (OEP) which...

End of Year HSA Tips & Reminders

Published December 31, 2018 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow eligible individuals to put money...

10 Health Plan Changes Taking Effect in 2019

Published December 26, 2018 Whether it be inflation adjustments, new laws, or tweaks to existing...

Federal Judge Rules ACA Unconstitutional

Published December 17, 2018 Last Friday, a federal judge in Texas ruled the Affordable Care Act (a.k....

Illinois STM Plan Update

Published December 11, 2018 Illinois state legislators passed a law last month which makes several changes...

ICHRAs and the Employer Mandate

Published December 3, 2018 ICHRAs and the Employer Mandate In October, regulatory agencies proposed new...

Cafeteria Plans and Constructive Receipt

Published November 26, 2018 Many employers offer a cash payment to employees who waive health...

2019 Contribution Limits to Employee Benefit Programs

With healthcare costs continuing to grow, employee benefit programs are becoming a must-have for your...

The 2019 PCORI Story

Published November 12, 2018 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the...

Employer Compliance Reminders

Published November 5, 2018 The November and December months are a busy time of the year for employee...

New HRA rules proposed for 2020

Published October 29, 2018 The Department of Labor (DoL), Department of Treasury (DoT) and the...

2019 Open Enrollment Periods are officially underway

Published October 22, 2018 Last week, the 2019 open enrollment period (OEP) season officially kicked...

Medicare cost changes for 2019

Published October 15, 2018 Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts...

Medicare Part D Notice Distribution

Published October 8, 2018 Each year employers must provide a written notice to Medicare-eligible...

Advancing Health Savings Account Funds

Published October 1, 2018 While we continue to hear about the rapid growth of Health Savings Accounts...

Wait...this is a Group Health Plan?

Published September 24, 2018 ERISA Section 607 defines the term group health plan as an employee...

2018 ACA Reporting & CSR Subsidy Update

Published September 17, 2018 The fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is being challenged once...

Seasonal Workers vs Seasonal Employees

Published September 10, 2018 Seasonal Employees & Seasonal Workers: There’s a Difference! The...

ACA lawsuits making headlines before midterm elections

The midterm elections will be held on November 6, 2018, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will surely be a...

Association Health Plan and Individual Mandate Updates

Published August 27, 2018 Association Health Plan Updates The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has...

Looming HRA Regulations

Published August 20, 2018 In October of 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order which was...

New Short Term Medical Plan Rules Finalized

Published August 7, 2018 Last week, the Trump administration issued final rules which extend the maximum...

HSA Bills Advance Through the House

Published July 30, 2018 Below is a summary of key Health Savings Account (HSA) provisions included in each...

Risk Adjustment Payments Suspended

Published July 16, 2018 Many of you are familiar with the reinsurance fees that were charged to health...

Medicare Entitlement: The Most Confusing COBRA Qualifying Event

Published July 9, 2018 Part 1 – Is it or isn’t it a qualifying event? Medicare entitlement of the...

Clarifying the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impact on Commuter Plans

Published July 2, 2018 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law at the end of 2017. There still...

New Association Health Plan Rules Finalized

Published June 25, 2018 Last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) finalized new rules pertaining to...

Obamacare Lawsuit

Published June 18, 2018 A lawsuit contesting the legality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as...

2019 HSA Limits Released

Published May 21, 2018 On Thursday, May 10, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Revenue...

2018 Family HSA Contribution Limit Adjusted Back to $6,900

Here's a little history: May 4, 2017 – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes Rev. Proc. 2017-37 which...

The 2018 PCORI Story

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created a research institute known as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research...

Grandmothered Plan Extension

Health plans in the individual and small group markets that were issued after March 23, 2010 and prior to...

New Medicare ID Cards Coming Soon

Medicare ID numbers are changing! Social Security numbers followed by the letter “A” or “B” have...

Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act

Last month, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced the Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act. The proposed...

Federal Spending Bill Leaves ACA Untouched

Last week, President Donald Trump signed into law a 2,232-page federal spending bill avoiding another...

COBRA Laws in Illinois

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) applies to employers who had 20 or more...

7 Compliance Requirements For Small Businesses

1. Premium Only Plan Document (POP Document) The only way for an employer to provide certain benefits tax...

Will the ACA get Repealed This Week?

Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) are spearheading efforts to repeal and replace...

An Alternative to the Individual Mandate

The so-called Individual Mandate has been a widely unpopular provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). ...

The Healthcare Roller Coaster Continues

September 13, 2017 A bipartisan group of Senators, Governors and Insurance Commissioners held meetings in...

Two ways age rating will impact the individual and small group market in 2018.

No, this article isn’t about the possibility of the age rating ratio changing from 3:1 to 5:1. This article...

Can Democrats and Republicans Work Together to Stabilize the Individual Market?

In September, Senators will return to Washington D.C. from their August recess. Almost immediately, they’ll...

FSA Break-Even Breakdown

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is one of the few benefits an employer can provide that will often pay...

3 Continuation Coverage Laws Illinois Employers Must Follow

Several states have continuation coverage laws in place, and Illinois is no different. In fact, the state...

1,442 Ways The ACA Can Still Change

We know efforts of the Republican party to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have failed. What...

Are Group Health Plans Subject to ERISA?

Group health plans are almost always subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, also...

The Most Important Person in the Healthcare Debate

It isn’t Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and it isn’t Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell. Who could...

House Passes Bill to Repeal & Replace the ACA

House Representatives’ votes are in—does this mean the Affordable Care Act is out? On Thursday, May 4 the...

5 New Exchange Rules for 2018

On April 13, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final Market Stabilization...

How the New CMS Guidance Impacts You

How the New CMS Guidance Impacts You The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)...

Compliance and Health Insurance for Small Businesses

If you own a small business, it can be really difficult to keep up with all of the compliance issues you...

Uncertainty Surrounds the Affordable Care Act

Around 12.2 million people signed up for health insurance coverage through federal and state-run...

3 Barriers Republicans Must Overcome to Repeal the ACA

Despite a Republican-controlled house, Republican-controlled Senate and a Republican President, repealing...

ACA Repeal and Replace Plan

ACA Repeal and Replace Plan Put on Hold After postponing, delaying and staling the scheduled vote on the...

How to give your employees affordable coverage for everyday legal matters

Published October 23, 2018 Let’s face it — many of your employees can’t afford an attorney...

Private Brokerage versus Professional Employer Organization

Employee benefits are one of the largest cost’s employers in the United States encounter. Deciding which...

Why your employer sponsored Long Term Disability plan isn’t enough

Your income is your greatest asset. Protect it. If you’re an incentive-based earner your income is more...

Calculating ACA Affordability under the Employer Mandate

The original version of this article was published on January 15, 2016. It was updated on November 7, 2017...

Employer Mandate Update

Published May 30, 2018 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released Revenue Procedure 2018-34...

Medicare and Group Health Plans

More employees than ever before are working beyond age 65, and this also happens to be the age when most...

Medicare and HRAs, the perfect pair to save you money on retiree coverage

Published May 22, 2018 As health care costs continue to soar, many companies seek alternative solutions...

5 Ways to Improve your Current Benefit Offering, Increase Employee Retention and Spend Less

Your employees rely completely on you for benefits. From office perks as simple as fresh fruit on Friday...

9 Employee Benefits Trends Gaining Traction in 2018

Offering desirable benefits can be pricey (and overwhelming). And with little wiggle room in your budget,...

Exclusive partnership brings better benefits to association members

Company Release: January 25, 2018 The Chicago Bar Association and IXSolutions Announce Exclusive Health...

Worried About What The Future Holds For Healthcare?

Insurers Can Bend Out-Of-Network Rules For Patients Who Need Specific Doctors By Michelle Andrews The...

Big Business Owners Pledge to Provide Health Insurance Benefits To Their Employees in 2018

Taking A U-Turn On Benefits, Big Employers Vow To Continue Offering Health Insurance By Jay Hancock The...

9 Employee Benefits Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make

As a small business owner, you may think offering quality benefits to your employees sounds time consuming...

The Switch to Small Business Health Plans

The Old School way of Offering Benefits Change is inevitable—and with health insurance it's become...

9 Things You Didn't Know About Group Health Insurance

As a small business owner, you may think group health insurance plans are only for large corporations. Or...

3 States Now Have an Individual Mandate

Published June 11, 2018 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law last year wiped out the federal penalty...

Packaged Health Insurance

Published June 4, 2018 We all know health insurance has an expensive price tag. Even plans with high...

Short Term Plans Not So Short Anymore

Published February 26, 2018 In October 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order...

These Unique Proposals May Restore Health Insurance For 17 Million Americans

5 Outside-The-Box Ideas For Fixing The Individual Insurance Market By Julie Rovner With Republican efforts...

Are health insurance rates different in every state?

Question: Are health insurance rates different in every state? For example, is New York more expensive than...

Are there cheaper coverage options than COBRA?

Question: I am looking for temporary coverage while I'm switching jobs. I do not want to be without health...

Are health screenings free once you're over the age of 50?

Question: Are health screenings free once you're over the age of 50? I have health insurance, I’m 52 and I...

Is there a health insurance plan that would cover me in multiple states?

Question: I’m an Illinois resident but I travel to Florida every winter. Is there a health insurance plan...

Basics of Medicare - Beginners Guide to Medicare

Thinking about Medicare? Chances are, if you're nearing the age of 65, you know you've got to put some...

I was told I can only enroll during Open Enrollment Period. Is that true?

Question: I recently moved from CA to TX and my health insurance doesn't cover me here. I was told I can only...

What happens to my insurance when I need to take off work for a serious injury?

Question: I’m having surgery and my doctor says it will take me over a month to recover. I currently have...

Types of Health Insurance Plans

One way to ease the health insurance shopping process is by comparing options and selecting a specific type...

How to Find a Doctor

You’ve already elected a plan for 2017—but you’re not covered yet. Understanding the cost of...

Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement

Nearing retirement, most of us would rather spend our days debating between a destination in the sun or in...

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On-Exchange vs Off-Exchange

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthcare Reform 101

Illinois Chamber of Commerce Delivers Benefit Offerings To Help Small Businesses Compete In Today's Hot Job Market

On-Exchange vs Off-Exchange

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthcare Reform 101

Illinois Chamber of Commerce Delivers Benefit Offerings To Help Small Businesses Compete In Today's Hot Job Market