2026 PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO FILE OR FURNISH ACA REPORTING FORMS The IRS has announced the 2026 penalties for failure by Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) to file or furnish Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting Forms 1095-C and 1094-C for the 2025 tax year. Amounts can increase significantly depending on how late the filing is or … Continued
The phrase “attitude of gratitude” is more than a simple rhyme—it’s a powerful reminder to intentionally practice thankfulness in our daily lives. Consistently acknowledging what we appreciate not only enhances our own mental and physical health but also positively affects those around us. What Is Gratitude? Gratitude means being thankful and ready to show appreciation … Continued
Federal regulators—specifically, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury—issued joint guidance on October 16, 2025, making it significantly easier for employers to offer fertility benefits outside of their traditional group health plans. This action was driven by an Executive Order focused on protecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) access and reducing the … Continued
Open enrollment is a hectic and critical period for employers that often brings a risk of compliance errors. These mistakes can confuse employees and cause missed benefits, while also exposing employers to legal risks. This article highlights five common compliance pitfalls to avoid during open enrollment: Ineffective Communication of Benefit Changes – Benefit offerings often change … Continued
No doubt about it, prescriptions are expensive. While this may not be a big worry when you’re young and healthy, the costs can add up quickly if you’re diagnosed with a chronic condition or need an expensive drug. Whether you take medications regularly or for an occasional illness, it pays to know how to save … Continued
Over the past several years, mental health in the United States has steadily declined. Growing concerns about this issue have increased the pressure on employers to provide stronger mental health benefits. Although many organizations have expanded their mental health offerings, utilization among employees remains low. When these resources go unused, employees who could benefit miss … Continued
Health Insurance today is significantly more complex for young workers than it was just a decade ago. This complexity is driven in large part by healthcare costs that have outpaced inflation, pushing premiums, copays, and other out-of-pocket expenses to comprise substantial portions of their budgets. For many younger employees, navigating this landscape is confusing – … Continued
UNDERSTANDING AND DISTRIBUTING MLR REBATES Insurance carriers must issue Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebates by September 30 when too much of the prior year’s premiums went to administrative costs or profit instead of claims and quality improvements. Employers who received MLR rebate checks will need to determine how much—if any—belongs to the plan and its … Continued
How to position yourself as a trusted ACA compliance advisor For brokers and benefits advisors, Q4 planning doesn’t start in October. It starts now. September marks a critical moment in the annual ACA compliance cycle, when employers begin thinking about year-end strategies, benefits renewals, and how to avoid last-minute reporting panic. That makes now the perfect … Continued
When navigating the world of health insurance, you will likely encounter the term PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). A PPO plan – whether medical or dental – is about balancing the cost and convenience of care. With a PPO plan, you get the flexibility to see a wide range of doctors. You’ll save money by staying … Continued
