The Benefits Brief | Q3 2026
The third quarter of 2026 brought new insights, resources, and important benefits updates as employers prepare for open enrollment and the year ahead. From new research into what employers and healthcare consumers want to important HSA changes, real-world benefits strategies, and resources for open enrollment, we’re focused on giving you the information and tools you...
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…
Understanding Healthcare Benefits and Compliance Terms This comprehensive glossary defines key terms related to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help you navigate healthcare benefits and compliance requirements. A Affordable Care Act (ACA)Federal healthcare reform law enacted in 2010, also known as “Obamacare,” that expanded healthcare coverage…
If you’re an employer dealing with ACA compliance, brace yourself: the IRS just announced that employer penalties are going up by 15.2% in 2026. That’s the biggest jump we’ve seen in almost a decade, and it’s going to hit Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) where it hurts. The Numbers Don’t Lie Starting in 2026, here’s what…
The freelance economy is booming. Millions of people are working as independent contractors, gig workers, or self-employed professionals. While this kind of work offers freedom and flexibility, it also comes with one big drawback. Getting affordable health insurance without an employer can be tough. That’s starting to change. Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) are…
From K-12 schools to large universities, educational institutions have unique challenges when it comes to healthcare benefits. Tight budgets, varied employment types, seasonal schedules, and the need to attract top talent all make traditional group health plans tough to manage. Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) are giving schools a new way forward. Here’s why…
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 retail industry has always faced challenges when it comes to offering affordable, flexible healthcare benefits. With a mix of full-time and part-time employees, seasonal hiring needs, high turnover, and tight profit margins, traditional group health plans often fall short. That’s where Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) come in. They’re offering retailers a new…
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,…
Why ICHRAs Are a Great Fit for the Hospitality Industry If you’re in the hospitality industry, you already know that providing healthcare benefits isn’t easy. Between seasonal staffing changes, high turnover, diverse job roles, and tight margins, traditional group health plans often fall short. That’s where Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) can make a…
It’s a bit ironic, healthcare organizations that care for others often struggle to provide affordable, flexible health benefits for their own employees. Whether it’s a small private practice or a major hospital system, many medical employers face serious challenges when it comes to building a benefits package that fits everyone’s needs. That’s where Individual Coverage…