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Since the ACA was enacted eight years ago, many employers are re-examining employee benefits in an effort to manage costs, navigate changing regulations, and expand their plan options. Self-funded plans are one way that’s happening. In 2017, the UBA Health Plan survey revealed that self-funded plans have increased by 12.8% in the past year overall, […]
Archive for the ‘UBA Blog’ Category
Everyone Wins When Growth Is The Goal | California Employee Benefits Consultants
It’s a dilemma. On the one hand, today’s buzzing, multifaceted working environments challenge employees more than ever before. On the other, these same working environments are often also overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes it seems like success means mania—but this doesn’t have to be the case. More and more frequently, experts urge offices to focus not […]
Discount Drug Programs | CA Employee Benefits
Did you know that you can save time and money on your prescription drugs by simply signing up for a discount card online? With savings as much as 80% off, these discount cards keep your health care costs down even when the prices of prescriptions are sharply rising.
5 Ways AI Is Revolutionizing Health Care | California Employee Benefits
New technologies are poised to fundamentally change the HR industry as we know it. Just as the smartphone revolutionized the way we communicate, artificial intelligence will reshape all areas of HR, from employee onboarding to learning management to developing top talent. And, similar to smartphones, these changes will take place at lightning speed. But what […]
Using Your Health Savings Account | CA Benefit Advisors
According to recent estimates by Fidelity Investments, a couple will incur an estimated $280,000 worth of medical expenses after turning 65 years of age. They estimate this cost every year and when they publish it, I can’t help but have an anxiety spike as I ponder the reality of that number. Even if they are […]
IRS Issues Updated Employers Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits | California Benefit Advisors
Recently the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued its 2018 Publication 15-B, which informs employers about employment tax treatment of fringe benefits. Updates include: the suspension of qualified bicycle commuting reimbursements from an employee’s income for any tax year after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026; the suspension of the exclusion for qualified moving […]
Inclusive Workplaces Benefit Everyone | California Employee Benefit Advisors
While there’s plenty of talk about work/life balance, many employees want to feel human while at work, too. Being able to bring their whole selves, according to “3 Ways to Create a More Human Workplace,” from Workforce, is an essential piece of a welcoming, inclusive workplace environment. Putting employees first as a defined company value […]
Higher Satisfaction Through Higher Education | CA Benefit Brokers
When evaluating employee benefits, essentials such as health and dental plans, vacation time and 401(k) contributions quickly come to mind. Another benefit employers should consider involves subsidizing learning as well as ambitions. Grants and reimbursements toward advanced degrees and continuing education can be a smart investment for both employers and employees. Educational benefits are strongly […]
Top 7 Trends from 2017 UBA Health Plan Survey | California Benefit Advisors
We recently unveiled the latest findings from our 2017 Health Plan Survey. With data on 20,099 health plans sponsored by 11,221 employers, the UBA survey is nearly three times larger than the next two of the nation’s largest health plan benchmarking surveys combined. Here are the top trends at a glance. Cost-shifting, plan changes, and […]
Contraception Mandate Rolled Back for Employers | California Benefit Advisors
Two tri-agency (Internal Revenue Service, Employee Benefits Security Administration, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) Interim Final Rules were released and became effective on October 6, 2017, and will be published on October 31, 2017, allowing a greater number of employers to opt out of providing contraception to employees at no cost through their […]
