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9 benefits tips that Schitt’s Creek taught us

At Benefit Resource (BRI) we love to talk about how our benefit programs save both companies and employees real (hard-earned) money. But we would love to show you what we offer even more. Check out this interesting Schitt’s Creek GIF approach. ? It looks like we can learn a few things from the Rose family.

We “love this journey for you”…

1. What if you had a partner?

A Pre-Tax Benefits TPA of sorts.

What’s a TPA you ask? Well, it stands for a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) and is a company that aids with plan design, launch, and ongoing participant service support under a contractual partnership with your employer. They administer your benefits, provide customer service to plan participants, review and process claims, and provide enrollment assistance!

Hey, employers: Are you evaluating your TPA? – Check out this blog.


2. One must prepare for any event.

We all understand that getting married or divorced, having a baby, and changing jobs are qualifying life events. But sometimes it’s less clear what else counts as a qualifying life event. Healthcare.gov provides a breakdown of four of the basic types of qualifying life events.

Common events include: termination of employment, reduction of hours, divorce or legal separation, cessation of dependent status, employee death, failure to return from FMLA, or certain employer bankruptcy.


3. I don’t know what that means.

If you are feeling like you need a dictionary to understand your benefits, you are likely not alone. But we have just what you need. Explore our Quick Reference Guide, and understand our industry rules, various pre-tax plan types, and general HR and benefits terms.

   


4. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself, dear.

Ready to spend those hard-earned FSA or HSA dollars? To make the most out of your shopping experience, keep the following things in mind:

  • Shop early! – Deadline season in December is typically one of the most popular times of the year for FSA spending, so if you have the chance, try to spend down early to avoid the end-of-year rush.
  • Use the tools – The Eligibility List is a tool you can use throughout the year. The FSA Calculator is especially helpful during open enrollment
  • Stay on top of your deadlines – If you sign up for an FSAstore.com account, you can use FSA Tracker. This tool will send a series of email reminders to you when your FSA deadline is approaching.

Pst. Employers! Your employees WANT to use their funds! And the Beniversal® Prepaid Mastercard® is what allows them to do it. Help them use it effectively.


5. A bold claim.

Our Claims Department is always working in overdrive!

There are two scenarios in which you might submit a claim. The first is when an eligible item was paid for out of pocket. (In other words, you didn’t make the purchase with money from a pre-tax account). The second is when you are asking to be reimbursed for the purchase through your pre-tax account.

There are two important pieces that make up a claim:

  • Is the item eligible? Before you submit a claim, double-check that your item is eligible.
  • The Eligibility List will also let you know if you need any additional documentation (such as a prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity) to prevent any delays in processing.

Whether you are submitting a claim through the BRIMOBILE app or by using the BRIWEB secure participant portal, the process is very simple and easy to follow.

Ready to speed up your claims process? Check out this fancy infographic and get started with four simple steps.

Receive your even funds even faster – sign-up for direct deposit through BRIWEB.com.


6. One Hundred Percent.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) makes a 100% COBRA subsidy available for premiums due from April 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021. Check out our COBRA Subsidy Infographic to determine if you are eligible.

 


7. Seems to have been a change of plans.

With more and more employees working remotely these days, commuting needs have shifted dramatically. In some cases, you may have no commuting needs, period.

 While your funds may be siting in an account as commuting needs are limited, you can adjust the money going into commuter accounts down to zero. (When commuting starts up again, it is advised that you set up money in your commuter account two weeks before you will need the money.)

If you want to adjust the money in your account down to zero, there are a few options. Depending on how your employer has the benefit set up, you might be able to make changes online or go directly through your employer.


8. I knew it.

That great feeling you get after you find an answer you were looking for in the Resource Center.

One of the newest resources from BRI is the Resource Center. This online library hosts content for all of your year-round benefits needs. Find flyers, brochures, eBooks, videos, and more on a variety of topics (not just Open Enrollment.)


9. When one of us shines, all of us shine.

We provide strength through our direct partnerships.

For years, BRI has built up an expansive list of partnerships in a variety of arenas. These partnerships allow us to deliver better results and provide affordable service offerings. Interested in becoming a partner? We are always looking to form strategic alliances to help us better serve our clients and their employees. Reach out!

Need Help Administering Your Account(s)? We’ve got you covered. Check out our BRI Overview flyer to learn why BRI may be the right choice for your company.

 

*GIFs via giphy.com/gifs/schittscreek