Compliance Risks in Open Enrollment: 5 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them | Benefits Collaborative

Open enrollment is a hectic and critical period for employers that often brings a risk of compliance errors. These mistakes can confuse employees and cause missed benefits, while also exposing employers to legal risks. This article highlights five common compliance pitfalls to avoid during open enrollment: Ineffective Communication of Benefit Changes – Benefit offerings often change … Continued

Online Safety Basics | Benefits Collaborative

Protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime. While you can never be “hackproof,” you can become resilient in the online world. At the heart of online safety are four essential behaviors we at the National Cybersecurity Alliance call … Continued

7 Change management to-dos for HR | Benefits Collaborative

Change management is a necessity in today’s workplace. Digital transformation, hybrid work and automation are forcing people to adapt, learn new things and evolve. HR professionals are uniquely positioned as both architects and ambassadors of change. Discover guidance for navigating these transformations: 1. Assess the preparedness of the workforce Whenever big change is coming, organizations must determine how ready their people are … Continued

Mastering Open Enrollment: A Step-by-Step Guide | Benefits Collaborative

Open enrollment doesn’t have to be a stressful administrative task. When planned well in advance, it becomes a valuable opportunity to review and enhance your benefits offerings, demonstrating your commitment to your team’s physical, mental, and financial well-being. A well-executed open enrollment can boost employee morale, improve retention, and ensure your workforce is supported. Use … Continued

What Brokers Should Be Doing Now to Get Clients ACA-Ready | Benefits Collaborative

How to position yourself as a trusted ACA compliance advisor For brokers and benefits advisors, Q4 planning doesn’t start in October. It starts now. September marks a critical moment in the annual ACA compliance cycle, when employers begin thinking about year-end strategies, benefits renewals, and how to avoid last-minute reporting panic. That makes now the perfect … Continued

2026 Medical Cost Outlook | Benefits Collaborative

PwC’s latest annual analysis forecasts that group health insurance costs will increase by 8.5% in 2026—the third straight year at this elevated trend. This sustained rise means health care expenses are now similar to those seen 15 years ago, after a brief dip post-pandemic. Researchers gathered data from actuaries at 24 major U.S. health plans, … Continued

Benefits 101: A Guide to PPO Plans | Benefits Collaborative

When navigating the world of health insurance, you will likely encounter the term PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). A PPO plan – whether medical or dental – is about balancing the cost and convenience of care.  With a PPO plan, you get the flexibility to see a wide range of doctors. You’ll save money by staying … Continued

Upcoming Changes for Employee Benefits | Benefits Collaborative

Employers will see several changes to their health and welfare benefits due to comprehensive new tax and spending legislation. This includes notable improvements to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangements (DCFSAs), and employer-provided student loan payments, as well as the introduction of some new fringe benefit choices. These updates introduce significant changes … Continued

ACA Update: Enhanced No-Cost Cancer Screenings for Women Coming in 2026 | Benefits Collaborative

Big changes are coming to women’s preventive care coverage!  Starting with plan years on or after December 31, 2025, group health plans and health insurance issuers must expand their no-cost coverage for women’s preventive care. This expansion includes additional breast cancer imaging or testing needed to complete an initial mammogram, as well as patient navigation … Continued

Health Insurance Terms You Should Know | Benefits Collaborative

Health care terms, medical bills, and forms can be hard to understand. Here are some common health care terms, and what they mean.   Allowed Amount This is the maximum payment the plan will pay for a covered health care service.  May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.” For example, if … Continued

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