On November 10, via Rev. Proc. 2023-34, the IRS released its 2024 annual contribution limits for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs), adoption assistance, and qualified transportation plans.
During open enrollment, many participants are enrolling in plans for the first time. “Firsts” are often overwhelming, and once the benefit year begins, participants may need help knowing how or where to begin. As employees expect more and employers become increasingly cost-conscious, it’s harder to provide a mutually satisfactory benefits package. To make utilization as easy as possible, TPAs and employers can offer resources to help participants understand, access, and utilize their benefits. Five of
It’s open enrollment time. That means third-party administrators (TPAs) are working with clients to set up plans for the new year. We’ve compiled some tips and reminders for benefits administrators to help them through this stressful season. Tip #1: Know Your Audience Each employer group will be different, so tailor your presentation accordingly. Occupation, geographic location, and generational cohort may affect employees’ wants and needs. For example, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers may each
Employer benefits have changed over the centuries to meet employees’ changing needs. While group healthcare is still standard, there are newer benefits that TPAs can offer in 2024 that may better serve the needs of both employers and employees. Health Reimbursement Arrangements Group Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) have been around for some time. The IRS first acknowledged them in 2002 to reimburse qualified healthcare costs. HRAs now include three additional types covering qualified insurance premiums and related
Americans would have more opportunities to save for and afford health care costs under legislation approved today by the House Ways and Means Committee. The Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act of 2023 and the HSA Modernization Act of 2023 would make health savings accounts (HSAs) more accessible and useful for patients and families. The legislation is now cleared for consideration by the full House of Representatives. Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act (H.R. 5688) HSA Modernization Act (H.R.
More and more Americans use physical and virtual credit/debit cards and digital payment solutions instead of cash. Employees increasingly demand card-based methods to access their benefit funds, and employers naturally want their workers to be happy with their benefits. Growth-minded TPAs will offer card access as much as possible on current benefit programs and be open to other payment solutions as technology evolves and regulations permit. Why Offer Debit and Credit Cards? American employers can
This is the last in a four-part series on building benefits packages to resonate with the diverse generations in today’s workforce. Today, we focus on effective strategies and engagement recommendations for Gen Z. Gen Z members are accustomed to an on-demand culture and rely heavily on the internet for news and consumer reviews. The digital age, climate change, financial challenges, and COVID-19 continue to influence this rapidly growing workplace cohort. The Generation Z Profile Born
Roughly one-third of employees need help understanding their benefits in any given year. TPAs can increase benefits adoption and usage by providing a thorough, easy-to-understand benefits education – ideally, that continues year-round. Participants Need Benefits Education As society faces constant information overload, Ameritas has found several causes of the need for increased benefits education: Why is benefits education a TPA problem? TPAs are retained by brokers and employers to create valuable benefits programs in support of
This is the third in a four-part series on building benefits packages to resonate with the diverse generations in today’s workforce. Today, we focus on effective strategies and engagement recommendations for Millennials. Generation Y, more commonly called Millennials, were born between 1981 and 1996. Millennials experienced rapid technological changes and grew up in an era of Microsoft and Apple, a 24-hour news cycle, and the rise of social media. In their formative years, they witnessed
At one time, many employees that stayed with a company long-term could expect a substantial pension on retirement. However, that is no longer the case. Americans are living longer, and the cost of living continues to rise. As a result, significant planning is necessary to ensure a successful, comfortable retirement. Here are some challenges facing those nearing retirement and options for companies and workers alike to consider when a 401(k) or similar plan is not