by admin | Oct 2, 2026 | Blog
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to prioritize preventive care and take proactive steps toward better health. While breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, early detection and regular screenings can significantly improve outcomes.
Women’s health encompasses much more than annual checkups. From preventive screenings and routine wellness visits to nutritional support and mental well-being, taking advantage of available healthcare benefits can help individuals stay healthy throughout every stage of life.
The Importance of Early Detection
Regular breast cancer screenings are among the most effective tools for detecting cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Mammograms can often identify abnormalities before symptoms develop, allowing healthcare providers to recommend appropriate follow-up care as early as possible.
Women should speak with their healthcare provider about when to begin mammogram screenings and how often they should be performed based on personal health history, family history, and individual risk factors.
In addition to scheduled screenings, becoming familiar with how your body normally looks and feels can help you recognize potential changes and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider promptly.
Make the Most of Your Preventive Care Benefits
Many health plans include preventive care services that may be covered at little to no cost when obtained from in-network providers. These services often include:
- Annual wellness exams
- Preventive screenings and mammograms
- Cervical cancer screenings
- Routine immunizations
- Women’s preventive health visits
- Counseling and education for healthy lifestyle choices
Preventive care is designed to identify potential health concerns before they become more serious, helping individuals take action earlier and maintain long-term wellness.
Supporting Women’s Health Beyond Breast Cancer
While Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights an important cause, it also presents an opportunity to focus on overall women’s health.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle can contribute to better health outcomes and support disease prevention. Consider incorporating healthy habits such as:
- Staying physically active
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet
- Scheduling routine preventive appointments
- Managing stress levels
- Prioritizing quality sleep
- Keeping up with recommended screenings
Consistent attention to these areas can have a meaningful impact on both physical and mental well-being.
Using Your Benefits to Support a Healthy Lifestyle
Depending on your benefit offerings, you may be able to use your healthcare dollars for a variety of eligible health and wellness expenses. Preventive care visits, screenings, prescribed treatments, and other qualified medical expenses may be eligible through your benefit account.
Review your plan details to better understand covered services and eligible expenses. Taking advantage of these resources can help you invest in your health while maximizing the value of your benefits.
Taking Action This October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that small preventive actions today can make a lasting difference tomorrow. Whether it’s scheduling an overdue wellness visit, talking with your healthcare provider about recommended screenings, or reviewing your available benefits, now is a great time to put your health first.
By staying informed, prioritizing preventive care, and utilizing available healthcare resources, you can take meaningful steps toward supporting your health and well-being all year long.
by admin | Sep 15, 2026 | Blog
Every year, National FSA Day shines a spotlight on one of the most valuable workplace benefits available to employees: the Flexible Spending Account (FSA). As open enrollment season approaches, today is the perfect time to review your benefits, understand how FSAs work, and discover ways to stretch your healthcare dollars further. National FSA Day is designed to educate consumers about the tax advantages and everyday savings opportunities offered through FSAs.
What Is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?
A Flexible Spending Account is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses. Because contributions are made before taxes are deducted, participants can lower their taxable income while saving money on qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses.
An FSA can be used for a wide range of eligible purchases, including:
- Copays and deductibles
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
- First aid supplies
- Vision care products
- Certain health monitoring devices
- Sunscreen and skincare products with eligible medical purposes
Why National FSA Day Matters
Despite the financial advantages of FSAs, many employees still don’t fully understand how these accounts work or which products and services qualify for reimbursement. According to information shared by FSA-focused education initiatives, billions of dollars in FSA funds are forfeited annually because account holders fail to use their benefits effectively.
National FSA Day encourages employees to:
- Learn about eligible expenses
- Estimate healthcare costs more accurately
- Maximize tax savings
- Prepare for open enrollment
- Avoid leaving unused funds on the table
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your FSA
1. Plan Ahead During Open Enrollment
Review your healthcare expenses from the past year and estimate upcoming costs. This can help you determine the right contribution amount for the next plan year.
2. Know What’s Eligible
Many FSA participants are surprised to learn that thousands of products and services may qualify. Spending a few minutes researching eligible expenses can unlock significant savings.
3. Track Your Balance Regularly
Monitoring your account balance throughout the year can help prevent unused funds from accumulating.
4. Use Your FSA for Preventive Care
FSAs can support proactive health management through eligible screenings, health supplies, and wellness-related expenses.
5. Shop Strategically
Consider stocking up on eligible healthcare essentials before year-end if you have remaining funds.
Common FSA Myths
Myth: FSAs Are Only for Major Medical Expenses
Reality: FSAs can cover a variety of everyday healthcare needs, from over-the-counter medications to vision care products.
Myth: FSAs Are Too Complicated
Reality: Many employers and FSA providers offer educational tools, calculators, and eligibility resources that make account management easier than ever.
Myth: I Won’t Save Much Money
Reality: Because FSA contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, even routine healthcare purchases can become more affordable over time.
Celebrate National FSA Day by Investing in Your Financial Wellness
National FSA Day is more than a celebration. It’s a reminder to take advantage of a benefit that can help reduce healthcare costs and improve financial wellness. Whether you’re already enrolled in an FSA or considering one during your next open enrollment period, understanding how these accounts work can lead to meaningful savings throughout the year.
Today, take a moment to review your benefits, explore eligible expenses, and make a plan to maximize every pre-tax dollar. Your future self, and your wallet, will thank you.
by Lexi Garcia | Aug 20, 2026 | Blog
Many employers offer health coverage to employees after they retire. If a retiree can stay on the company health plan, it’s natural to wonder whether COBRA still needs to be offered.
In most cases, yes, retiring employees must still be given a COBRA election notice, even if they can continue participating in the employer’s health plan.
Why Does COBRA Apply?
Under COBRA, employees and their covered family members may have the right to continue health coverage after certain events, known as qualifying events.
Retirement is generally considered a qualifying event because it involves the employee’s termination of employment.
The important question is whether the employee experiences a loss of coverage after retirement.
What Counts as a Loss of Coverage?
Many employers assume there is no loss of coverage if retirees stay on the same health plan. However, COBRA rules look at more than just whether coverage continues.
A loss of coverage can occur when the retiree is no longer covered under the same terms and conditions that applied while they were an active employee.
For example:
- Active employees pay nothing because the employer covers 100% of the premium.
- After retirement, the employer pays only 60% of the premium.
- The retiree must pay the remaining 40%.
Even though the retiree stays on the same health plan, the higher cost is considered a change in coverage terms. For COBRA purposes, that is treated as a loss of coverage.
Does the Employer Still Have to Offer COBRA?
Yes.
When retirees move from fully employer-paid coverage to coverage that requires them to pay a larger share of the premium, employers generally must offer COBRA.
This means the retiree and any covered dependents should receive a COBRA election notice and have the opportunity to choose COBRA coverage.
Will Retirees Actually Choose COBRA?
Often, they won’t.
In many cases, retiree coverage is less expensive because the employer continues to subsidize part of the premium.
For example:
- Retiree coverage: Employee pays 40% of the premium.
- COBRA coverage: Employee may pay up to 102% of the full premium.
Because retiree coverage is usually the more affordable option, many retirees choose it instead of COBRA.
However, the availability of retiree coverage does not remove the employer’s obligation to offer COBRA.
Key Takeaway
If an employee retires and moves from active employee coverage to retiree coverage with different costs or terms, COBRA generally must be offered. Even when retirees can remain on the company health plan, a change in premium contributions may be considered a loss of coverage under COBRA rules. To stay compliant, employers should provide timely COBRA election notices to eligible retirees and their covered dependents.
Source: Thomson Reuters
by admin | Aug 13, 2026 | Blog
August is National Eye Exam Month, making it the ideal time to schedule your annual eye exam and check in on your overall eye health. While many people only think about visiting an eye doctor when their vision changes, routine eye exams do much more than update your prescription. They can help detect early signs of vision problems, eye diseases, and even certain health conditions before symptoms become noticeable.
If you’ve been putting off your appointment, consider this your friendly reminder: your eyes deserve attention, and you may already have benefits available to help cover the cost.
Why Annual Eye Exams Matter
Your eyes can reveal important clues about your overall health. Comprehensive eye exams can help identify:
- Changes in vision and prescription needs
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic eye disease
- High blood pressure-related eye issues
Many eye conditions develop slowly and without obvious symptoms. Regular exams can help catch concerns early, when treatment is often most effective.
Don’t Leave Your Benefits on the Table
Many employees have access to tax-advantaged healthcare accounts that can help pay for eligible vision expenses. If you participate in a:
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified healthcare expenses, including many vision-related services and products.
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
HRAs are employer-funded accounts that may reimburse eligible medical and vision expenses based on your plan’s guidelines.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
HSAs help individuals with qualified high-deductible health plans save pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses, including many vision care costs.
Using these accounts can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs while maximizing the benefits you’re already enrolled in.
Vision Expenses That May Be Eligible
Depending on your plan and eligibility requirements, your FSA, HRA, or HSA may be used for:
✅ Routine eye exams
✅ Prescription eyeglasses
✅ Prescription sunglasses
✅ Contact lenses and contact lens solutions
✅ Lens upgrades and coatings
✅ Certain vision correction procedures
Always review your specific plan details or consult your benefits administrator for eligibility guidelines.
Five Reasons to Schedule Your Eye Exam This Month
1. Protect Your Long-Term Eye Health
Routine exams help identify potential concerns before they become bigger problems.
2. Update Your Prescription
If you’ve noticed headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision, an updated prescription could make a significant difference.
3. Improve Productivity
Clear vision can help reduce fatigue and improve focus, whether you’re working in the office or remotely.
4. Take Advantage of Available Benefits
You’ve earned these benefits. Using them wisely helps maximize their value.
5. Avoid Year-End Rushes
Scheduling early can help you avoid crowded appointment calendars later in the year, especially as benefit deadlines approach.
A Simple Benefits Checkup
As you’re thinking about your eye health, take a few minutes to:
- Review your vision coverage
- Check your FSA, HRA, or HSA balance
- Confirm eligible vision expenses
- Schedule an eye exam
- Plan for any needed eyewear purchases
Small steps today can help you maintain healthy vision and make the most of your healthcare dollars.
See Clearly, Spend Smartly
National Eye Exam Month is more than a reminder to update your prescription, it’s an opportunity to invest in your overall health and take advantage of benefits that support your well-being. Schedule your eye exam, review your FSA, HRA, or HSA funds, and make your vision a priority this month.
Your future self will thank you for seeing the value in preventive care. 👓✨
by admin | Aug 6, 2026 | Blog
As families prepare for a new school year, most shopping lists focus on notebooks, backpacks, and lunch boxes. But your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help you save on important health-related essentials that students use throughout the year.
Here are the top five HSA/FSA-eligible items to add to your back-to-school shopping list and maximize your healthcare dollars.
1. First Aid Kits and Supplies
Be Prepared for Everyday School-Year Bumps and Scrapes
From playground mishaps to sports practices, accidents happen. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you handle minor injuries quickly, and many first aid supplies are HSA/FSA eligible.
Eligible first aid essentials include:
- Adhesive bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointments
- Gauze pads and tape
- Digital thermometers
Why it’s a smart buy: Keep a kit at home, in the car, and in your student’s backpack to stay prepared wherever the day takes them.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible First Aid Kits and Supplies
2. Over-the-Counter Medications
Stock Up Before Cold and Flu Season
The start of the school year often means increased exposure to germs. Thanks to the CARES Act, many over-the-counter medications can be purchased using HSA/FSA funds without a prescription.
Popular eligible products include:
- Pain relievers
- Cold and flu medications
- Cough suppressants
- Fever reducers
- Digestive health remedies
Why it’s a smart buy: Having these essentials readily available can save time and reduce unnecessary trips to the pharmacy.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Over-the-Counter Medications
3. Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution
A Must-Have for Students Who Wear Contacts
Vision care costs can add up quickly during the school year. Fortunately, contact lenses and contact lens care products are typically HSA/FSA eligible.
Eligible vision expenses may include:
- Contact lenses
- Contact lens solution
- Contact lens cases
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Eye exams
Why it’s a smart buy: Using pre-tax dollars for vision expenses can significantly reduce annual costs for families.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution
4. Sunscreen
Protect Students During Outdoor Activities
School may be back in session, but outdoor sports, recess, and after-school activities continue throughout the fall. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is generally HSA/FSA eligible.
Look for:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 15 or higher
- FDA-regulated sunscreen products
Why it’s a smart buy: Sunscreen helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it an important year-round health essential.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Sunscreen
5. Allergy Relief Products
Help Students Stay Focused and Comfortable
Seasonal allergies can make it difficult for students to concentrate in class or participate in extracurricular activities. Many over-the-counter allergy medications qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
Eligible allergy products may include:
- Antihistamines
- Allergy tablets
- Nasal sprays
- Allergy eye drops
- Sinus relief medications
Why it’s a smart buy: Keeping allergy relief products on hand can help students manage symptoms and stay focused throughout the school year.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Allergy Relief Products
Back-to-school shopping isn’t just about supplies for the classroom. It’s also the perfect time to stock up on health essentials that can support your family’s wellness throughout the school year. By using your HSA or FSA funds on eligible items like first aid supplies, OTC medications, contact lens care products, sunscreen, and allergy relief products, you can make the most of your pre-tax healthcare dollars while keeping your students healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn.
👉 Click here to shop all HSA/FSA-eligible products and complete your back-to-school checklist.
