What These 10 Common Pre-tax Terms Really Mean
Navigating the world of pre-tax benefits can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex code. With terms like “substantiation” and “HRA” it’s no wonder many find themselves scratching their heads in confusion. Yet, understanding these terms is key to unlocking the full potential of pre-tax benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned benefits administrator or new to the […]
5 Myths About Pre-tax Benefit Accounts
Whether you are a participant exploring your benefit options or an employer preparing a benefits package, you may have formed certain myths about pre-tax benefit accounts. In a perfect world, we would all have a clear understanding of the different types of accounts that exist and understand how each can provide certain benefits and advantages. […]
Tips and Resources for Every New Plan Participant
After much consideration, you’ve made the wise decision to enroll in a pre-tax benefit plan. As a new plan participant, you will experience significant savings on eligible items and services in the coming months! To help you make the most of your account(s), here are some helpful reminders, tips and valuable resources. How do I […]
Top HRA Plan Challenges – What to know?
Health reimbursement arrangements, health reimbursement accounts, section 105 plans or simply HRAs – these are all different names for the same benefit. Given that just its name has complexities, it is no wonder that HRAs are often a challenge for employers (and employees). But have no fear, we will walk you through some DOs and DON’Ts […]
Say this, not that: Taboo words in your benefits communication
We wrote a piece on benefits communication a while ago, focused on clearing up 9 confusing benefits terms. Benefits are a tricky topic. That includes pre-tax benefits. This makes proper benefits communication crucial. So, knowing that benefits communication is complicated (even if it’s not intentional), this blog will equip you to reframe confusing Open Enrollment […]
Best practices to avoid receipt requests
We previously published a post that addressed two common questions: What is substantiation? Why is it required? In that post, we learned it’s less what you buy, and more where you buy that prompts substantiation requests. We’ll review best practices for part two on this topic to avoid receipt requests. Three Easy Steps There are […]
Identifying the “Perks” on National Employee Benefits Day
National Employee Benefits Day is celebrated on April 6th. This day is dedicated to recognizing employers’ hard work and dedication that provide valuable benefits to their employees. This year, we celebrate this event amid uncertain times, where the need for good employee benefits has become more critical than ever before. In honor of National Employee […]
The Lost Receipt
The dreaded lost receipt. We’ve all been there. We’re trying to save money and use our FSA or HSA accounts, so we tuck away that medical receipt in a safe place for later. But when the time comes and the receipt is nowhere to be found, panic may set in. Don’t worry, there are options! […]
Utilizing Pre-Tax Benefits to Prioritize Health in 2023
It’s that time of year again! The new year is upon us, and with it comes hopes of achieving our goals for the upcoming months. Whether you’re looking to retire, advance your career, or prioritize your health, now is the perfect time to start planning your journey. If you’re in the 70% of people who […]
A Generational Overview of Employee Benefits
As the workforce evolves, so do the expectations of employees. While benefits have always been an important part of attracting and retaining employees, the types of benefits that are most important to employees vary by generation. In order to attract and retain the best talent, employers need to be aware of what each generation is […]
Choosing the Right HRA for Your Employees Needs
To ensure your employees are getting the most out of their health reimbursement account (HRA), it’s important that you’re offering the right type of HRA for their needs. Not all HRAs are created equal, and there are a variety of factors that you should take into account when choosing the right HRA for your employees. […]
Your Cheat Sheet for Open Enrollment
There are a lot of different benefits plans out there, and choosing the right one can sometimes feel like gambling. But with BRI’s help, you’ll be able to make the choice that works best for you. BRI’s VP of Strategy, Becky Seefeldt, put together a cheat sheet for Open Enrollment with Employee Benefit News. This […]
Employee Benefits Communication Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When it comes to employee benefits, communication is key. However, many employers still make common communication mistakes that can have a negative impact on how their employees view their benefits. Here are some of the most common mistakes employers make regarding employee benefits and how to avoid them: Communication mistake: Providing too much information at […]
Register for Our Upcoming Webinar: Legislative Check-in – What You Need to Know Regarding Employee Benefits
Join Benefit Resource (BRI) for our webinar, Thursday, June 2nd at 11 am EDT There are so many things to take our attention these days, that it is easy to overlook the less intensive world of employee benefits. In this 45-minute webinar, we will explore some of the key legislative and regulatory issues affecting employee benefits, including: […]
Stay Healthy While Commuting to Work
The pandemic has been difficult for many of us, but with cases decreasing, you might find yourself preparing to head back into the office. You may also wonder what precautions you can take to stay healthy while commuting and working in an office. We have an easy-to-follow guide to help you commute safely and stay […]
Register for Our Upcoming Webinar: How to Keep Participants Informed All Year Long
Join Benefit Resource (BRI) for our webinar, Tuesday, April 26th at 11 am EDT We live in a world where personalization is everything, and benefits should be no exception. As employees continue to demand more from their employers both digitally and physically, companies must find ways to elevate their benefits offerings. Open enrollment is likely in the […]
HRA’s You Didn’t Know About
Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) are a flexible health care financing tool that can be used by employers to assist their employees with paying for out-of-pocket medical expenses. HRAs come in many different shapes and sizes, allowing the plan design to be tailored specifically towards employees’ business needs. HRAs can be a great way to save […]
Your Tax Guide to Pre-tax Benefit Accounts
The name alone – “pre-tax benefit accounts” – implies there might be tax implications. However, you might be surprised to learn there are little or no tax consequences for most of these benefits. Use these simple tips as your tax guide to pre-tax benefit accounts. (And how much effort you’ll have to put in before […]
Finding an Effective Smoking Cessation Program
Most smokers (68 percent) want to quit. However, quitting smoking can present a set of challenges that often result in an extended journey to overcome the addiction. According to the CDC, there are more former smokers in the U.S. today than people who currently smoke. But, the path to successfully quitting can be an uphill […]
What is Substantiation and Why is it Required?
You went to the local pharmacy, picked up your medicine, and then received a request for substantiation a few days later. If you’ve ever wondered, “what is substantiation and why is it required?” you’re not alone. Let’s start with the basics. What is substantiation? Within the tax code, there is a rule that states every […]
Finding an Effective Drug Addiction Program
Does your benefit plan include a drug addiction program and solutions for employees? Drug overdose deaths have tripled since 1990. Nearly 21 million Americans struggle with addiction, but only 10% receive treatment. However, seeking recovery can present challenges that often result in an extended journey to overcome the addiction. Addictions can destroy careers, marriages, friendships, […]
Personal protective equipment: Buying masks and hand sanitizer?
NOTE: A previous version of this blog on personal protective equipment was originally published in October 2020. It has been updated to include a new legislative updates from March 2021 and more. In March 2021, the IRS released Announcement 2021-7, establishing that “personal protective equipment such as masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes, used for […]
3 Things You Thought Were Eligible that Actually Aren’t
Picture this: you’re at your local pharmacy filling your cart after receiving your benefits card in the mail. When you get to the register, your card doesn’t seem to want to swipe. WHAT?! Angrily, you step aside and call your benefits provider to give them a piece of your mind. Apparently, according to the person […]
What happens to funds once you retire?
If you have a pre-tax account and retirement is on the horizon, you’ll want to understand what happens to the funds in your account(s) once you retire. Depending on which pre-tax account you have, the treatment of your funds will vary. We’ve written about Health Savings Accounts and retirement in other blogs (like this one […]
