When organizations go through a merger or acquisition, it is important to understand who is liable for offering employees and qualified beneficiaries COBRA coverage. This includes current COBRA…
EBC Insights
Managing Open Enrollment in the Digital Age
As many organizations have adopted remote or hybrid work models, managing benefits open enrollment has become more difficult. Gone are the days of employees gathering in conference rooms to review benefits paperwork and ask Human Resources questions.
Spousal Incentive Health Reimbursement Arrangements (SIHRA) as a Way to Curb Rising Health Costs
As health care costs continue to rise, employers look for creative ways to meet employee needs while also reduce benefit costs. One option employers are…
Avoiding Common COBRA Pitfalls
Managing COBRA can be difficult for employers. Between navigating regulations to handling time-sensitive notifications, there are many places for issues to arise. By avoiding common pitfalls and leveraging professional expertise, employers can streamline…
From Gym Memberships to Saunas: IRS Criteria for Reimbursing Wellness Expenses
Gym memberships. Fitness equipment. Red light devices. Supplements. Yoga. Cold plunge tubs. Saunas. What do these all have in common? They are sold for general health and well-being. And, the IRS has…
Employee Benefits: What’s Trending in 2024
The last few years have been tumultuous in the employment and benefits space to say the least – with a global pandemic, the Great Resignation, and quiet quitting. Despite these significant changes that have disrupted the workforce, employers are starting to…
The Truth About HSAs: Clearing Up Misconceptions
With nearly 37.5 million open health savings accounts (HSAs) as of 2023, it’s clear that the accounts are growing in popularity with employees, and with good reason. When used effectively, HSAs can help…
Choosing the Right Partner: 5 Things to Look for in a TPA
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, where reliability, efficiency, and expertise are of the utmost importance, finding the right third-party administrator (TPA) to administer your employee benefits is crucial. As…
Navigating COBRA: A Cautionary Tale Against Self-Administering
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985 requires most companies that sponsor group health plans to offer their health plan participants and the participants’ families…
7 Strategies to Keep the Benefits Conversation Going
With open enrollment season in the rear-view mirror, benefits often fade into the background for most employers until the next open enrollment period approaches.