The Benefits Brief | Q1 2026
The first quarter of 2026 focused on what brokers and employers need most right now: stronger compliance support, better participant experiences, and operational consistency you can rely on. With increasing scrutiny around CAA documentation, ACA reporting, and fiduciary responsibility, having the right partner matters more than ever. The benefits landscape is shifting quickly, and whether...
If you keep an eye on the regulatory side of employee benefits, 2026 has been a busy year already. A few things are happening in Washington right now that could have real implications for how employers structure their health plans and how brokers advise their clients. Here is a quick rundown of what we are watching…
Confused about HSA vs FSA? Both help you save on healthcare costs, but they work differently. Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison to help you choose: Which is Right for You? Choose an HSA if you want long-term savings, investment growth, and flexibility. Choose an FSA if you want predictable yearly medical savings and your employer…
Understanding what qualifies as an eligible expense under your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) shouldn’t feel complicated. That’s why Ameriflex created the Eligibility List, a clear, easy-to-use resource designed to help participants confidently spend their tax-advantaged healthcare dollars. If you’ve ever wondered whether an item, service, or prescription is eligible for…
For years, individuals enrolled in direct primary care arrangements faced a frustrating choice: enjoy the benefits of membership-based primary care or maintain eligibility to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). Thanks to recent legislation, that’s no longer the case. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted in July 2025, fundamentally changed the relationship…
Every few months, a new “solution” emerges in the benefits space. Some promise to simplify substantiation. Others claim to make “everything eligible.” And lately, I’ve seen an uptick in companies offering to fast-track Letters of Medical Necessity (LMNs) for items that may otherwise be ineligible under IRS rules. On the surface, these services appear to…
How the Big Beautiful Tax Bill codifies the future we’ve been building and why we’re more ready than anyone. The enhancements to Health Savings Accounts, including making Direct Primary Care a 213(d) expense represent more than just tax policy updates. Combined with continual advancements and market uptake of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), the…
The “Big Beautiful Bill” has officially been signed into law, ushering in the most significant expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in more than 20 years. But the impact doesn’t stop there. The legislation includes several key updates that touch nearly every corner of consumer-directed healthcare and flexible benefits. If you’re an employer or broker,…
The cannabis industry is booming, but dispensary owners are running into the same headaches as any other business owner: how do you attract and keep great employees? The answer often comes down to one thing that can make or break a hiring decision. Health benefits. With the right approach, you can put together a benefits…
What the New Reconciliation Bill Means for Benefits Congress recently unveiled its newest reconciliation bill, nicknamed “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” Among the many proposals are several significant changes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) that could reshape how employers and employees approach benefits planning. What’s New for HSAs?…
A Health Savings Account can be a powerful tool to have in your healthcare and retirement toolbox. With the cost of healthcare rising every year, it is becoming a more popular method for investing and saving for future medical expenses. So, knowing how they function has also become a topic of interest for participants and…