by admin | Dec 11, 2025 | Blog
Big news! The IRS just explained how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changes Health Savings Account (HSA) rules. Here’s what it means in plain language:
✅ 1. Telehealth Gets the Green Light
- If your high-deductible health plan (HDHP) covered telehealth before July 4, 2025, you can still put money into your HSA for the whole year.
- Only services on the official Medicare telehealth list count. In-person visits, equipment, or prescriptions don’t qualify unless listed.
✅ 2. Bronze & Catastrophic Plans Count as HDHPs
- Starting in 2026, bronze and catastrophic plans from ACA exchanges will qualify as HDHPs—even if they don’t meet the usual deductible rules.
- Employers can use ICHRAs to help employees buy these plans.
✅ 3. Direct Primary Care (DPCSA) Rules
- Monthly fee limits: $150 per person or $300 per family.
- Fees must be fixed and regular—no surprise bills for members.
- HDHPs can’t count these fees toward deductibles or offer extra primary care before the deductible.
✅ 4. Using Your HSA for DPCSA Fees
- You can use HSA money for DPCSA fees if they only cover primary care and follow IRS rules.
- If fees go over the monthly limit, you can’t add money to your HSA during that time.
- Employer-paid fees can’t be reimbursed from your HSA.
What Should You Do?
- Check your telehealth coverage.
- Update plan info for bronze/catastrophic HDHP status.
- Make sure DPCSA agreements follow the new limits.
- Share these changes with employees.
Bottom Line: These updates make HSAs more flexible for telehealth, ACA plans, and direct primary care—but you need to follow the IRS rules to stay eligible.
Source: Thomson Reuters
by admin | Dec 5, 2025 | Blog
The end of the year is almost here—can you believe it? Before you dive into holiday plans, take a quick peek at your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). You might have money sitting there that could vanish if you don’t use it soon!
Why You Should Check
- FSA funds usually expire: Most FSAs follow the “use it or lose it” rule. If you don’t spend the money by December 31, it could go away. Some plans offer a grace period or a small rollover, but not all do.
- HSA funds roll over: HSAs are more forgiving, but it’s still smart to use what you can now—especially for tax savings and health needs.
What Can You Buy?
You’d be surprised at what counts! Eligible items include:
- Prescription meds and over-the-counter medicine
- Glasses, contacts, and eye exams
- Dental visits and orthodontics
- First-aid kits, sunscreen, and even period products
Top 5 FSA/HSA Buys
Here are some popular, eligible items to spend your funds on before the year ends:
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin year-round.
Shop Sunscreen at FSA Store
- Blood Pressure Monitor – Keep tabs on your health at home.
Shop BP Monitors at FSA Store
- First-Aid Kit – Be prepared for life’s little surprises.
Shop First Aid Kits at FSA Store
- Menstrual Care Products – Pads, tampons, and more are eligible.
Shop Menstrual Care at FSA Store
- Thermometers & Wellness Devices – Great for family health tracking.
Shop Thermometers at FSA Store
Quick Tip
Every plan is different, so log in to your account or call your benefits provider to confirm your deadline and what’s covered.
Don’t let your hard-earned dollars go to waste. Take five minutes today to check your balance and make the most of your benefits before the year ends!
Explore More Eligible Items at FSA Store by clicking here.
by admin | Nov 24, 2025 | Blog
If your business has fewer than 20 employees, you may qualify for COBRA’s small employer exception—but only if you count employees correctly. Missteps can lead to penalties and unexpected COBRA obligations.
Who Should You Count?
- All Employees, Not Just Plan Participants
Include everyone working for all employers maintaining the plan.
- Only Common-Law Employees
Exclude independent contractors and board members unless they meet IRS common-law criteria.
- Part-Time Employees as Fractions
Count based on hours worked compared to full-time status.
- Employees of Related Entities
Controlled group rules require counting employees of related companies and successors.
- Employees Outside the U.S.
Foreign entities and overseas employees count if part of the controlled group.
Why It Matters
Incorrectly applying the exception can result in lawsuits, penalties, and COBRA coverage obligations. When in doubt, consult a benefits expert.
Tip: Use a consistent counting method for the entire year and verify controlled group relationships.
Source: Thomson Reuters
by admin | Nov 18, 2025 | Job Opening
Position Title: Operational Account Manager
Position Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Position Summary: Operational Account Managers serve as the backend processing team for the department. They Processes eligibility files, contribution files, and change files for groups that elect this method of transmission. Operational Account Managers oversee all aspects of banking setup and changes loaded in the platform for existing and
new client accounts.
by admin | Oct 30, 2025 | Blog
Under COBRA rules, group health plans may terminate coverage early if a qualified beneficiary becomes entitled to Medicare after electing COBRA. But it’s important to understand what “entitled” really means.
Entitlement vs. Eligibility:
- Eligible means the person qualifies for Medicare (e.g., due to age or disability).
- Entitled means they’ve enrolled in Medicare and are receiving benefits.
Someone who is eligible but hasn’t enrolled yet is not considered entitled—and their COBRA coverage should continue.
When Does Entitlement Begin?
- For Medicare Part A, entitlement is automatic if the person is already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. Otherwise, they must apply.
- Medicare Part B entitlement typically begins when Part A does, or during a later enrollment period.
Important:
Only the individual who becomes entitled to Medicare can have their COBRA coverage terminated early. Other family members on COBRA—like a spouse or dependents—can continue their coverage.
Before ending COBRA early, confirm that the individual is enrolled in Medicare—not just eligible.
Source: Thomson Reuters
