Employer-Sponsored Debit Cards Make Life Easier

In today’s fast-paced world, debit cards provide an efficient payment method for consumers everywhere. Providers can automatically track purchases, and the cardholder can easily view and manage activity online. Additionally, debit cards are accepted all over the world. For Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), account-linked debit cards can help control costs through more efficient benefits administration. Many TPA clients are savvy employers who incorporate them into their employee benefits offerings. This option allows companies to attract and

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Public Health Emergency Continues into 2023

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. government first enacted a National Public Health Emergency in March 2020. Intended to last one year, it has been extended twice. The current extension is scheduled to end in January 2023. Public health emergency status gives the government special, temporary powers. For example, regulatory agencies can approve drugs and treatments faster than under normal protocols. Although there is currently no announced plan to extend beyond January 2023,

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Financial Benefits Continue to Gain in Importance

In Morgan Stanley’s second annual State of the Workplace Financial Benefits Study, 71% of employees said financial stress negatively affected their personal lives and work. More than four out of five (84%) believe employers should provide more tools to help them navigate economic challenges. Traditional Financial Benefits Employers have long offered financial tools like profit-sharing plans and 401Ks. Both offer some tax savings and enable a path toward a more comfortable retirement. However, they come with

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Halloween Health and CDH Accounts

Halloween is a favorite time of year for some, from decorations to pumpkin carving to dressing up. However, it can also be a time of pumpkin carving cuts, bumps and bruises, sprains, and even broken bones from tripping over costumes. Let’s talk about staying safe, Halloween health, and your CDH accounts. Some of the reasons why Halloween is so scary Halloween is undoubtedly fun, but dangers are lurking and parents need to be vigilant. Children’s

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9 Ways to Spend Down Your FSA Funds

Your FSA plan may have a provision that the balance forfeits to your employer if you don’t spend down all your funds by the end of the plan year. Other plans allow you to carry up to a certain amount of leftover funds to the next plan year. Don’t know which type of plan you have? Ask your HR or benefits administrator ~ and check out these 9 ways to use up any leftover FSA

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10 Things to Know about HSAs

Unlike an FSA or an HRA, both of which are owned by the employer, HSAs are owned by the individual. This means that the account owner funds the HSA, spends the money (within IRS regulations), earns interest, and chooses whether or not to invest the money. Most importantly, the individual keeps the account (HSA portability) should their employment status change due to job loss, changing company, or retirement. Employers may also choose to contribute to the HSA, but the account owner keeps the funds.

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What’s the Right Amount for my FSA?

With the popularity of flexible spending accounts on the rise, participants want to know, “What’s the right amount to put in my FSA?” Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are fast becoming one of the most popular employer-sponsored benefits in the United States. In their latest market review, the Aite-Novarica Group estimated 32.6 million FSA accounts in force in 2022. Why are FSAs popular? According to FSAFEDs.com, the official FSA website for federal employees, taking advantage of

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Inflation Reduction Act May Impact Employer-Sponsored Health Plans

President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law on August 16, 2022. Among other provisions, the IRA: Here’s how the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) expects the IRA to impact employer-sponsored group health plans. ACA Subsidies Extended to 2025 The American Rescue Plan of 2021 (ARPA) expanded access to premium tax credits (PTCs) that subsidize the purchase of health insurance on the ACA marketplace. The IRA extends those subsidies through 2025. According

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Help Avoid Travel Stress with FSA, HSA, and LSA Eligible Purchases

Experts predicted that travel would be hectic this summer and fall, and boy, they weren’t kidding. Whether vacationing or resuming business travel, you’ve had to deal with high gas prices and delayed, if not entirely canceled flights, among other stressful issues. Check out these FSA, HSA, and LSA eligible expenses that can help ease travel stress. 1. Pack Those Medications Do you have enough prescription medication with you to treat existing conditions if you get

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Use Your FSA to Stock Up On Back-To-School Supplies

The annual school supplies shopping trip can be an expensive endeavor. Did you know that some items commonly found on classroom supply lists are eligible for FSA accounts? Read on to learn more. FSA for Back-to-School Basic first-aid supplies and COVID-related PPE, including masks and hand sanitizer, are on many back-to-school supply lists this year. These are eligible for purchase with FSA funds. Many families also use back-to-school shopping time to buy over-the-counter medications that

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