Guide to HSA deductions and fees

Your health savings account (HSA) is a tax-free safe space, where you can secure funds without fear of heavy tax hits when it's time to use the money for qualified medical expenses.
(After all, there's a good chance you're going to need $250,000 or higher at retirement, just for medical costs. Yikes.)

FSA Reimbursement: Filing claims, rules and deadlines

Paperwork. It's not something most people look forward to. Can't miss that it has the word "work" right in the name. But it can be a lot more interesting (and literally rewarding) if that paperwork leads to getting some of your hard-earned money back from taxes and in your pocket where it belongs.

What if you don't like your employer's HSA options?

Employer-sponsored investment and insurance options are usually a blessing. They're low-cost, easy to enroll in, and often come with a contribution-matching option. As someone who left a traditional job with a full benefits package to become a freelance writer, I'll admit that open enrollment often makes me question that decision.

EEOC Expected to Publish New Wellness Rules in 2020

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has indicated that it plans to issue new proposed rules on permissible wellness incentives under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 2020.

Upcoming Group Health Plan Compliance Dates

Employers must comply with numerous reporting and disclosure requirements throughout the year in connection with their group health plans.

Listed below are upcoming important compliance deadlines for employer-sponsored group health plans, organized chronologically. For these requirements, the information provided herein shows the deadlines that apply to calendar year plans. For non-calendar year plans, these deadlines will need to be adjusted to reflect each plan’s specific plan year.

2020 Benefit Plan Limits Announced

Many employee benefits are subject to annual dollar limits that are periodically increased for inflation. The IRS recently announced cost-of-living adjustments to the annual dollar limits for various welfare and retirement plan limits for 2020.

2020 Minimum Wage Rates

The current federal minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour. However, many states have adopted minimum wage rates higher than the federal rate. When the state rate and the federal rate are different, employers must pay their employees the higher rate. The following states have announced new minimum wage rates for 2020:

Selecting Tires for Winter Driving

There are few feelings as frightening as losing control of your vehicle. In winter driving conditions, the chances of this happening increase. To stay safe on the road, it is important to select the right set of tires for your winter driving needs

Hospital Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Pricing Transparency Rule

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, four major hospital groups filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to challenge the Nov. 15, 2019, final rule that would require hospitals to disclose their pricing information, including negotiated rates.

Patient Privacy and HIPAA

The trust that patients place in their health care provider is critical to receiving high-quality care. Patients trust their doctor with information they may not share with anyone else. However, with the emergence of electronic databases, patients are increasingly concerned that their information could potentially be accessed by those other than their physicians.

Maintaining Workplace Safety Through Good Housekeeping

Workplace housekeeping—the act of maintaining clean and organized workspaces—may seem like a chore, but it can go a long way in preventing on-the-job injuries. In fact, good workplace housekeeping practices can reduce the following:

Proposed Rule on Health Care Transparency to Affect Some Employer Plans

On Nov. 15, 2019, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) issued a proposed rule regarding transparency in coverage that would impose new transparency requirements on group health plans and health insurers in the individual and group markets. Specifically, the proposed rule would require plans and issuers to disclose:

Home Matters: Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

Did You Know?

The U.S. Fire Administration states that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. While preparing your Thanksgiving turkey can be a timeless tradition, it’s important to keep cooking safety measures in mind to protect yourself, your guests, and your home.  

DOL Proposes New Method for Electronic Delivery of Retirement Plan Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed rule in October that would allow plan administrators to make retirement plan disclosures available on a website.

Job switching with an HSA

With the high cost of health care nationwide, HSAs are a smart choice for working professionals and their families and a hot topic now that we're in the midst of open enrollment season.

Coverage Insights: Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance covers liability for damages arising from the rendering of or failure to render professional services. Protect yourself and your business from claims not covered by commercial general liability coverage.

FSA Contribution and Other Benefits Limits Rise for 2020

The IRS announced an increase to flexible spending account (FSA) contribution limits for the 2020 plan year.

Mistakes during open enrollment - can you change elections?

Mistakes happen -- and it happens more than it probably should when people are choosing health insurance. Between having multiple options, confusing plan descriptions, debating voluntary benefits and a tight open enrollment deadlines, it's pretty easy to see how things might get confused.

Benefit Insights: Group Disability Insurance

Disability insurance has become an increasingly valuable part of a comprehensive employee benefits package. Not only does disability insurance fill the gaps in financial protection offered by other programs like Social Security, it is also a highly sought-after component of a competitive benefits package for employers who need to attract and retain talented employees. And while employees appreciate the peace of mind they receive as their income replacement benefits are being paid, employers can use the resources offered by insurers to manage time and productivity losses and find the most effective ways to return employees to work.

Cancer prevention, screenings and FSAs

One of the most important components of preventative health care is screening for life-threatening diseases like cancer. And when it comes to beating cancer, detecting and treating it early on can dramatically increase your chances of survival.

The Reality of Work-related Asthma

Work-related asthma is a condition caused by exposure to certain workplace environments, and it can cause serious long-term health issues if not treated.

Benefit Insights: Voluntary Benefits

As health care costs continue to rise, so has the demand for voluntary benefits. Since many employers find it increasingly difficult to provide employees with a complete benefit package, voluntary benefits have become an ideal solution. Voluntary benefits allow employers to offer benefits that are attractive to employees without added cost to the company. Employees benefit because they have a variety of insurance options available conveniently in one place, and often with lower premiums than individual policies they would have bought themselves.

Effective Use of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are useful in preventing small fires from becoming larger and more threatening to you and those around you. In order to safely and successfully eliminate a fire with an extinguisher, there are a few tips and procedures you should follow.

Commercial Property Fire Coverage

A fire in your workplace can be extremely costly; in addition to the costs associated with fixing the damages, there is also a good chance that your day-to-day business activities will be interrupted during the repairs. To avoid potential expenses related to workplace fires, it is important that you have adequate fire coverage, which is included as part of most property insurance policies for commercial buildings. However, it is important that you understand your policy to make sure it provides all the protection you need and that you aren’t paying too much for premiums.

Keeping the early retirement "FIRE" burning through your HSA

In the past, retirement was less of a question mark. If you worked hard and stayed with a company for the majority of your career, you could generally count on consistent raises and a pension at the end of the road. In many cases, smart investments and a frugal lifestyle would allow you to retire early.

More than half of workers are taking this risk

The cost of health care is a problem. But it's not just a physical one. And according to this week's article, people aren't considering the role medical expenses play in a person's overall financial wellness. In fact, going by one survey from 2018, managing health care costs ranked below all other expense types on the questionnaire.

Here's How 53% of Workers Are Putting Their Health at Risk - Maurie Backman, The Motley Fool

This is some disheartening news from Bank of America's 2019 Workplace Benefits Report which indicated that up to 53% of workers have have skipped or postponed necessary treatments to avoid having to pay for them. Treatments like the following:

• Medical appointments - 32%
• Medical test/procedures - 21%
• Purchase of medications - 14%
• Hospital visits or stays - 10%
• Skipped health insurance - 7%
• Purchase of supplies - 4%

And even worse, current health care expenses aren't workers' only concern. In retirement, Medicare may only cover up to 65% of certain employee medical costs, increasing the burden of health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs -- all of which can add up quickly, potentially destroying a retirement savings account.

What's worse, many employees are passing on tax-free health benefits like FSAs and HSAs, which could considerably lower the financial burden that basic medical expenses bring about each year. While nearly 90% of companies offer these accounts, not nearly enough employees are taking advantage of them. And without these protections in place, their focus is on saving money, which means their general health is suffering as a result.

Let's just take a stand here: if you don't take stock of your health through preventive care, there's a good chance you'll pay more down the line when your health becomes more of an everyday concern as the result of aging. That's why FSAs and HSAs are such great options for those looking to save money on health care - you can turn those yearly tax savings into a reinvestment into your overall health by being able to cover those preventive screenings like yearly physicals, eye tests, blood screenings and more.

So keep that doctor appointment you have on the calendar, you may just help save yourself thousands down the road.

Want to purchase guaranteed FSA-eligible items? Click here!

Source: Brad Bortone of FSAStore.com

Employment Practices: Liability Insurance

From hiring new workers to assigning duties, each of your decisions affects employees in a unique way. Although these actions are critical to running your business, they also create exposures that could lead to costly claims by employees or governmental regulators. Even if they are not warranted, claims for wrongful employment practices can disrupt operations, damage your business’s reputation, hurt employee morale and negatively impact your bottom line.

How drug coupons could affect your out-of-pocket costs

As October comes to a close, open enrollment programs are kicking off nationwide and employees at companies large and small will make pivotal benefits decisions.

Speaking to millennials at open enrollment

Raise your hand if this sounds familiar. You spend hours preparing for a company meeting on employee benefits. But when it's time to share information, some employees are visibly less interested. By the end of the meeting, eyes have glazed over, and attention has disappeared.

Do You Need Stop Gap Coverage?

Employees injured on the job may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits without regard to fault. In return for these benefits, the injured employee agrees not to sue his or her employer. Generally workers’ compensation is the sole remedy for an employee injury; however, in some instances, the employer may still be liable and sued for injuries to employees. Stop gap coverage covers potential litigation face by employers.

DOL Proposes to Amend Employee Tip Regulations

OVERVIEW
On Oct. 8, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed rule to amend employee tip regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This proposed rule has been issued, in part, to incorporate legislation approved by Congress in 2018. The rule also incorporates guidance the DOL has published over the years about tipped wages.

Some expect the proposed rule will “provide employers greater flexibility in determining pay practices for tipped and non-tipped workers.” These individuals also expect that the proposed rule “may allow for a reduction in wage disparities among employees who contribute to the customers’ experience.”

ACTION STEPS
The DOL is inviting the public to comment on this proposed rule. Employers and individuals who wish to comment must submit their remarks by Dec. 9, 2019.

In addition, because the rule offers a departure from current practices, affected employers should become familiar with this proposal and monitor DOL activity regarding the rule.

Minimum Wage, Cash Wage and Tip Credit
The FLSA requires covered employers to pay their employees’ wages at a rate that is at least equal to the federal minimum wage rate, which is currently set at $7.25 per hour. However, the FLSA also allows an exemption for tipped employees. Tipped employees under the FLSA are individuals who are engaged in an occupation in which they “customarily and regularly” receive at least $30 in tips per month. 
 
Under the tipped employee exemption, employers can pay their tipped employees a lower wage—also known as a cash wage—of $2.13 per hour, as long as the employee’s tips are sufficient to make up the difference between the cash wage and the federal minimum wage rate. The difference between these two rates is known as a tip credit. Based on the current federal minimum wage rate and cash wage, the current tip credit is $5.12 per hour. 
 
Using the tip credit is permitted only when, among other things, employers allow their employees to retain all of their tips.

Tip Pooling
The FLSA also allows employers to collect all the tips employees receive into a common employee tip pool. This practice enables the employer to then redistribute wages among tipped employees in an equitable manner. However, under the law, employers that use a tip credit to calculate their employees’ wages are permitted to redistribute pooled tips only among tipped employees.

But the law didn’t explicitly address whether this restriction also applied to employers that do not use a tip credit. As a result, in 2011, the DOL revised its tip regulations to extend tip pooling restrictions to all employers, regardless of whether they use the tip credit. This meant that pooled tips could only be redistributed among tipped employees, and not shared with non-tipped employees, such as dishwashers and cooks.

The Proposed Rule
In 2018, Congress amended section 3(m) of the FLSA in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). Among other things, the CAA overturned the DOL’s authority to extend the restriction on tip-pooling to employers that do not use the tip credit. The DOL is issuing the current proposed rule to harmonize FLSA standards with the CAA. The rule, if finalized, would also codify long-standing DOL guidance on how employers should handle tip wages.

If adopted, the new rule would:
*Prohibit employers from keeping their employees’ tips and specifically prohibit managers and supervisors from keeping any portion of employee tips, including tips from a tip pool;
*Limit an employer’s control over employee tips to:
o    Distributing tips to the employees who received them;
o    Implementing mandatory tip pools in compliance with FLSA regulations;
o    Redistributing pooled tips to employees in the pool;
*Use the executive exemption’s duties test to determine whether an employee is a manager or supervisor (managers and supervisors would not be allowed to keep any portion of an employee’s tips);
*Remove the restrictions on an employer’s use of employees’ tips when the employer does not take a tip credit (this would allow employers that do not take an FLSA tip credit to distribute pooled tips to a broader group of workers, such as cooks or dishwashers);
*Require employers to redistribute pooled tips at least as often as when they pay wages (this aligns the policy for cash tips with the current policy for tips paid via credit card);
*Incorporate new civil money penalties, as required by the CAA (current penalties cannot exceed $1,100). These new penalties would be imposed when an employer unlawfully keeps tips. The DOL would only assess these new penalties when the violations are repeated or willful;
*Require employers that do not take a tip credit to keep records of those employees who receive tips and the tip amounts they receive; and
*Allow employers to use the tip credit when they pay employees who perform tipped and non-tipped activities, but only if non-tipped activities are performed “contemporaneously” with tipped activities. Contemporaneously would also include activities that are performed at a reasonable time immediately before or after performing tipped activities or duties.

Finally, the new rule would also harmonize FLSA requirements with Executive Order 13658 (Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors) and withdraw the DOL’s 2017 proposed rule on tip credit regulations (the 2017 proposed rule has been superseded by the CAA).

Source: Zywave, 2019.

DOL Issues New Salary Limits for Overtime Exemptions

On Sept. 24, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new final rule that updates the salary thresholds that some individuals must meet in order to qualify for a minimum wage and overtime exemption under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2020.

Best Practices for Contracting With Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

While working with a managed service provider (MSP) can be efficient and cost-effective, it’s important to carefully consider the organization that you plan on working with and get a holistic view of its operations and security. Because an MSP has direct access to sensitive systems and information, working with one is not to be taken lightly. While doing so puts your IT infrastructure in the hands of experts, it also comes with its own risks. For example, MSPs may be a target for cyber criminals, as compromising one MSP potentially compromises every organization that it works with.

Pay or Play Penalties Will Increase for 2019 and 2020

On Sept. 11, 2019, the IRS updated their Questions and Answers (Q&As) on the employer shared responsibility rules under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to include adjusted penalty amounts for 2019 and 2020. According to the FAQs, the penalty amounts will be increased as follows:

Using an FSA to cover prescription medicines

If you have any prescription medications you take on a regular basis, you probably have a routine - go to the pharmacy, wait in line, hand over your insurance card and pay for the prescription with your debit or credit card.

3 Risks Associated With Removable Media Devices

Portable hard drives, USB flash drives, memory cards and other types of removable media are vital for the quick storage and transportation of data. For many businesses, removable media can be used as backup storage for critical digital files or even free up additional storage space for work computers.

Employers Are Expected to Spend More on Health Care and Wellness in the Next Year

According to Optum’s Wellness in the Workplace study, more than 80% of employers plan to spend more on health care and wellness in the next year than in previous years.

How FSAs can benefit you and your dog

As someone who recently adopted a dog, I can admit that I fall prey to the "dog mom" stereotype. Whether it's splurging on high-quality dog food, buying doggie t-shirts or even rushing my pup to the veterinary office when she ingested a raisin (true story), it's safe to say that I consider my dog a member of the family ... and I have the receipts to prove it.
(To me, she's worth the expense.)

8 Common Car Insurance Myths

Auto insurance can be complex and difficult to understand. With all the information available to policyholders, it can be challenging to decipher the facts from myths. Knowing what’s covered under your auto policy and the factors that determine your premium is crucial. What’s more, not understanding your coverage may lead you to believe you’re covered when that may not be the case.

Deadline Approaching: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15

Each year, Medicare Part D requires group health plan sponsors to disclose to individuals who are eligible for Medicare Part D and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the health plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable. Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2019.

Can I pay for transportation expenses with my FSA?

While you likely have a primary care physician and hospital in your local area, there may be times when you need to travel farther from home to see a specialist for diagnosis and/or treatment.

Unfortunately, these types of travel expenses can take a toll on your wallet. Thankfully, your FSA can be used for many of them.

5 First-aid Tips for Common Injuries

Although workplace injuries are extremely common, a survey from the American Heart Association found that only 45% of employees receive first-aid training. Review these tips for five common injuries to ensure that you’re able to provide first aid in the event of a sudden injury or illness:

Preventive Care and Your Health Care Costs

If you’re not going to your annual health checkup or physical, you may be missing out on potential health care cost savings.

It's never too early to map out your open enrollment

Sitting down and looking through mounds of paperwork and websites, and reading confusing jargon isn't the most exciting thing in the world. But you shouldn't let open enrollment wait until it's too late to make a smart decision. Start by considering how your health plan affects you and your family.

Addressing Workplace Harassment

Harassment in the workplace can take many forms, such as hurtful jokes, slurs or stereotypes. These harmful acts can also lead to more serious incidents, such as violence or sexual harassment. To establish and maintain workplace relationships with your co-workers, it’s important to know the signs of workplace harassment and the best practices to address it.

CDC Urges Consumers to Stop Vaping After More Than 215 Hospitalized

On Friday, Aug. 31, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory warning consumers of the dangers of vaping after over 215 cases of mysterious lung disease have occurred. The advisory also urges consumers to refrain from purchasing cannabis and e-cigarette products off the street, and stop modifying vaping devices.

Know Your Insurance: Calculating Your Renters Insurance Needs

Unexpected events like theft, vandalism or fires can wreak havoc on your personal belongings and cost you a fortune. Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect your belongings from losses—losses that can be far more costly than you may expect.

The Payroll Process

Setting up a payroll system maximizes your ability to stay on top of your federal, state, and local withholding and tax requirements. This section breaks down the basics of the payroll process.

Can I pay for fertility treatments with my FSA?

One of the benefits of an FSA is that you can use it for preventive treatments. But there are some health care needs that aren't easily classified as either health maintenance or preventative care, which makes it difficult to know whether they're eligible.

Know Your Auto Insurance: Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Premium

If you’ve ever wondered why your auto insurance premium differs from what your family and friends pay, it’s because auto insurance policies are not one-size-fits-all. Factors like your personal driving history, how often you drive and where you live can all affect the cost of your auto policy. Below are some of the main factors that can have an impact on your auto insurance premium.

Hospitals to Publish Retail Prices Under a New Proposed Rule

In July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed rules that would require all Medicare-participating hospitals to post their negotiated prices for standard health care services.

What you need to know about adoption and your FSA

The process of adopting a child is both exhausting and exhilarating. But above all, it's life-changing. We've talked a lot about FSA-eligible items for children and even how to use your dependent care FSA (DCFSA) to save money on child care, but we haven't talked as much about adoption and how it relates to your FSA.

8 Ways to Save On Auto Insurance

Rising premiums may leave you wondering what you can you do to save money on auto insurance. While you can’t control all of the factors influencing your premiums, there are a number of cost-saving strategies you can use:

Open Enrollment: What’s Changing in 2020?

To prepare for open enrollment, group health plan sponsors should be aware of the legal changes affecting the design and administration of their plans for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Employers should review their plan documents to confirm that they include these required changes.

Hey millennials, retirement planning is important to you, too!

When I was in my 20s, all I cared about was making more money so I could spend it on travel, books and CDs (this was all pre-digital music downloads and streaming). Now that I'm little bit older and (supposedly) wiser, I realize that taking care of my future is equally as important.

Buying Used Vehicles & Parking Lot Safety

Buying Used Vehicles 

Buying a used vehicle can be a great way to get on the road while saving money. However, you need to be extra careful when looking at these vehicles so a defect or maintenance problem doesn’t catch you by surprise.

The invisible perk your employees actually need

Pawternity leave, unlimited vacation and margarita Fridays — these are the perks that so many employers use to compete in today’s talent war. Sure, perks can create hype, but they fail to address employees’ greatest need: care.

Why your FSA doesn't let you stock up on products

An FSA is a "use-it-or-lose-it" plan, which means if you don't spend all the funds in the account before the end of the year, you lose that money. So, what happens if it's December and you still have a lot of money left in your FSA account? Can you stock up on eligible products to make sure that you don't lose those funds?

Making a Home Inventory

Your homeowners or renters insurance policy is there to protect you from losses like fires and burglaries, but an important part of this coverage is documenting your possessions. Insurance carriers are much more likely to reimburse you if you can show them a lost item’s value and condition. Plus, a completed home inventory can help you determine if you have enough insurance coverage.

Be a Wise Health Care Consumer: 25 Ways to Reduce Your Health Care Costs

Many Americans will hunt for a coupon that saves them 50 cents at the local supermarket. However, when it comes to health care—a far more complex and expensive service—we rarely ask questions or consider all the options that could save us time and money. This list Learn to shop for value when it comes to health care.

1.    Make a deal. Ask your doctor, hospital or dentist if they will accept less. Studies show that the majority of individuals who bargain succeed.

2.    Know how much it costs. You’ll be more prepared to negotiate discounts when you know the real costs of care. You can find rates on the websites of large insurers like UHC, Cigna and Aetna.

3.    Pay in cash. You can routinely save up to 10% on your bill by paying in cash up front, and often much more than that. Doctors lose thousands of dollars every year on credit card processing fees, unpaid bills and collection fees.

4.    Look at your bill closely. You will often find mistakes. Keep track of your visits, tests and medications, and compare them against your bills. Request a corrected bill if you find an error and notify your insurance company.

5.    Follow instructions. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for medications. Ignoring instructions could result in additional prescription costs, extra trips to the doctor or even hospitalization.

6.    Visit a retail health clinic. Retail health clinics are growing in number. They are popping up in high-traffic retail outlets in metropolitan areas around the country. While these clinics lack the personal nature of seeing a family physician who knows your complete medical history, they offer convenience and low prices.

7.    Stay in-network. Your medical costs can increase greatly when you visit a provider who is not in your plan’s network. Make sure your primary care doctor and any specialists you may need to see are in your network whenever possible.

8.    Ask before you go. If you must see a specialist who isn’t within your network, call your insurance company’s pre-certification department and explain why you must use an out-of-network specialist. You can often get your insurance company to agree to pay in-network rates in order to avoid the expensive appeal process. If that doesn’t work, ask your specialist to accept the in-network rate.

9.    Understand what treatment your plan covers. Check your insurance company’s website or call their customer service line to make sure you aren’t needlessly paying for health care that is covered by your insurance.

10.    Stay insured. Despite its costs and limitations, health insurance offers you significant discounts on most health care services, as well as protection from astronomical health costs, should you or a dependent suffer a major health event. If you lose your employer-based health insurance, understand your options for retaining health coverage. First, you may be able to extend your current policy through COBRA, which allows you to keep your current coverage for up to 18 months by taking over the employer’s portion of the premiums. Secondly, you may become eligible to enroll in an individual health plan through the Marketplace as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which carries the possibility of several discounts depending on your income.    

11.    Fight back. If your claim has been denied, start with a phone call to customer service. If that doesn’t work, follow your plan’s appeal process. Remember to document everything and keep copies.

12.    Choose your health plan wisely. Choosing the plan with the lowest premiums or sticking with the same plan year to year may not be the smartest option. Anticipate your family’s medical expenses and look closely at each plan option to find the most appropriate and cost-effective one for you.

13.    Consider an HSA. Health savings accounts (HSAs) are growing in popularity. They are combined with a high deductible health plan. The high deductible policy protects you from the cost of a catastrophic illness or prolonged hospitalization. You control the savings account and use it for small and routine health care expenses. Although you own and manage the account, employers will often make contributions to HSAs as well. Funds you don’t use grow tax-free and can be rolled over from year to year. 

14.    Take advantage of flexible spending accounts. A flexible spending account, or FSA, is an employee benefit program that allows you to set aside money on a pretax basis for certain health care and dependent care expenses. That means you keep more of your money. Your employer may also contribute to your FSA account. 

15.    Don’t skimp on preventive care. Be sure your child gets routine checkups and vaccines as needed, both of which can prevent medical problems (and bills) down the road. Also, adults should get the preventive screenings recommended for their age in order to detect health conditions early.
16.    Look for free services. Look for free health screenings and vaccinations in your area. With a little research, you could find free or reduced-price flu shots, Pap smears, prostate exams, cholesterol screenings and more.

17.    Visit a dental school. Look into local dental schools where you will be treated by dental students who perform the dental treatment while closely supervised by their instructors. Expect to pay about 20 to 60% of what you'd pay for the same treatment by a private dentist. Check this list from the American Dental Association to see if there’s one near you.

18.    Don’t forget to floss. Studies have demonstrated that those who floss regularly have a decrease in bad breath, cavity incidence and the risk for periodontal disease. The cost of periodontal disease treatment can range in the thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the conditions.

19.    Look for discount contact lenses. Discount websites and stores can provide the contact lenses prescribed by your eye doctor, in factory-sealed packaging, at a cost that is up to 70% off what you would pay at the retail level.

20.    Chill out. According to WebMD, up to 90% of doctor visits are for stress-related conditions. Studies show that relaxation techniques are effective in controlling anxiety, enhancing the immune system and reducing conditions such as high blood pressure, substance abuse and chronic pain.

21.    Quit smoking. Under the ACA, health insurers are allowed to charge smokers 50% higher premiums for new polices sold to individuals and smaller employer groups. Plus, if you quit smoking you can expect to save approximately $2,000 a year on the cost of cigarettes alone.

22.    Live a healthy lifestyle. Focus on eating nutritiously, cutting down on fast food and getting more physical exercise. Striving toward a healthier lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can drastically reduce future medical conditions and diseases.

23.    Wash your hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand hygiene is the most important factor in preventing the spread of germs. In fact, health experts estimate that 80% of common infections are spread through hand contact. 

24.    Get a second opinion. Save thousands of dollars a year on cutting-edge medical tests, which usually are not covered by insurance, by following the guidelines recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 

25.    Think twice about the emergency room. Don’t go to the emergency room (ER) when your regular doctor or an urgent care visit would suffice. If you or your child is feeling ill on Friday, get into the doctor that day to avoid overpaying at the ER during the weekend.

Source: Zywave, 2019. 

Can I use my FSA for learning disability testing?

When it comes to flexible spending accounts (FSAs) the lion's share of the coverage goes to general health products. And that's understandable, considering how great they are for providing your family with wellness products, tax-free.

But one area that may deserve more coverage is the FSA-eligibility of mental and behavioral well-being. There might be some confusion about the subject, so let's find out how your FSA can benefit anyone in your family currently experiencing learning disabilities.

7 Tips For Avoiding Heat Illnesses This Summer

The hot summer months can cause your body temperatures to rise without warning, especially when combined with activities like sports or yard work. And, while it’s tempting to spend as much time outside as you can during the summer, you need to take measures to avoid heat illnesses.

Healthy couples should still expect climbing medical costs

Just a few weeks after we reported on FSAstore.com that most people approaching retirement age are planning to stay in the workplace (mostly because of necessity) now we're seeing that healthy couples are likely to still pay exorbitant medical bills thanks to the same pattern of rising costs.

Yes, even the couple that jogs together daily and spends much more to eat right. They're still likely to feel the sting of inflation. Let's see what Lee Barney of PlanSponsor has to say about it.

Can I use my FSA to get my child braces?

One of the great things about an FSA is that it can be used to cover a wide range of medical expenses. But there are so many FSA-eligible items and services, some people miss out on saving for some major expenses.

Well, here's a reason to smile -- if an orthodontist recently recommended braces for your child, you can use your FSA to pay for them.

Seven Insurance Policies for Small Businesses

With so many different types of insurance to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine what type is best for your small business. Better Business Planning, Inc. is here to help explain the types of insurance policies available and how they can help protect you, your employees and your business’s bottom line.

IRS Expands Preventive Care for HDHPs to Include Chronic Conditions

On July 17, 2019, the IRS released Notice 2019-45 to add care for a range of chronic conditions to the list of preventive care benefits that can be provided by a high deductible health plan (HDHP) without a deductible.

Are we really ready for a digital health care system?

Not a week goes by where we don't hear about another digital, robotic, AI-enhanced development in health care. Whether it's telehealth chats with a doctor, or new ways to analyze test results, we're all well-aware of the changes happening in our medical routines.

But being aware of the changes doesn't necessarily mean we're happy about them. As we learn in this week's headline, while advancements like telehealth may be inevitable, there are some things that take a little longer to accept… especially when it comes to our health.

Initiatives for Stress Management

Stress is a leading contributor to many health problems, and the workplace can often be a major source of stress. Lowering stress can lower the risk of medical conditions and can help employees feel better on a day-to-day basis. You can implement various activities to help reduce employee stress, which can improve health and morale—and productivity.

Employer-sponsored savings programs could be the future of financial wellness

For 43% of hourly workers who report having less than $400 in savings set aside for emergencies, an accident or unexpected expense can be financially devastating.

But employer-sponsored savings programs could be a viable solution. Low- and middle-income employees who are more financially secure have been shown to be less stressed and more productive when they have an employer-sponsored savings program, which may lead to lower healthcare costs, better customer service and stronger attendance, a new survey from nonprofit organization Commonwealth finds.

The national survey of 1,309 employees earning less than $60,000 a year found that employers offering workers savings interventions at the time of raise, can positively impact their employees’ personal finances. Three-quarters of hourly employees surveyed believe that if their employer offered savings options at the time of a raise, they would be less stressed and more confident about their finances.

“There's a lot of talk about financial stress, but when you're really living paycheck-to-paycheck, that stress is about being able to pay your bills on time,” says Commonwealth’s executive director Timothy Flacke. “It's about cash flow, and that's a particularly acute form of anxiety.”

The report analyzes the potential effects of savings programs including split direct-deposit paychecks, low-interest loans and savings accounts — and compares how those programs alleviate employees’ financial stress. Workers surveyed believe if their employer provided savings tools they would be happier and more productive. Moreover, the survey found individuals with more in savings were less likely to have financial worries than those with little savings.

One of the companies partnered with Commonwealth to link raises with savings is Minnesota-based education company New Horizon Academy. In the beginning of the year, the company piloted a new savings program that gives its employees the option to have the raise diverted through the payroll system to a savings account each pay period, instead of having it go into their normal checking account.

“Through this, our employees are beginning to build up some financial reserves in case of an emergency, or life circumstances that requires them to dip into a savings account,” says Chad Dunkley, CEO of New Horizon Academy. Although it’s too early to state results from the pilot program, the company hopes it will have a positive long-term impact on the financial health of its employees, Dunkley says.

“This is just one of those additional ways [to] stabilize our employees, so they can come into the classroom without the financial stress that certain situations cause when you're not prepared for an emergency, whether it's new tires on your car or health issues,” he says.

Source: Evelina Nedlund of Employee Benefit News, 2019

How your FSA can lead to better sleep

Getting enough sleep can be a constant battle. If you struggle, you know how much it impacts every day of your life. It can mess with everything from your hormones to brain function. Sleep problems may even contribute to major health problems like obesity and depression.

Lack of sleep may cause a lot of havoc, but luckily, there are ways to try and fix it. If you are worried about the money, consider using your flexible spending account (FSA). It's a great way to spend tax-free dollars on getting some shut-eye. Here are four FSA-eligible options you may not have considered.

Employee engagement: Why it matters for workers enrolling in benefits

Employees are struggling to select their benefits. Jargon, lack of communication and poor understanding are some of the issues that plague workers when deciding on 401(k)s, health plans and other benefits, says Rebecca Ray, executive vice president of human capital at the Conference Board. To make it easier for employees to pick their packages, it is crucial employers figure out a way to communicate benefits effectively, she adds.

So how do employers do this adequately? Employee Benefit News spoke to Ray about strategies companies can use to boost their benefits engagement.

Smart budgeting for single parents

Making a budget can be daunting, and even more for single parents. So you need to make sure you're making smart budgeting choices to have enough money to take care of your child's needs. And a big part of creating that budget is to utilize all the tools available to you to the fullest extent - including your HSA.

You probably think of your HSA simply as money you set aside to use when you need to pay for medical expenses, but did you know that you can also use it as a budgeting tool?
With a few savvy strategies in place, you can use your HSA to put tax-free dollars towards qualified medical expenses (including everyday health needs), as well as save for the future.

I'm young and healthy … why would I want an FSA?

A flexible spending account (FSA) might sound something more suited for older people or individuals with chronic health conditions, but the truth is that people of all ages and health statuses might be able to benefit from opening an account.

But when I mentioned this to a former coworker he laughed in response. "You're young and healthy. You don't need one of those," he said.

I shrugged off his comment, but here's the deal—whether you're a 25 or 55, medical concerns and health problems don't discriminate. But even beyond that, it's always a good idea to save money (especially when you're young!).

Here's why it might be a smart move to open an FSA even when you're in the prime of your life.

Preventing Employee Burnout

The World Health Organization (WHO) now considers burnout to be a syndrome. In previous editions of the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), burnout wasn’t considered a serious condition, and its only listed symptom was exhaustion.

The WHO’s decision to upgrade burnout to a syndrome and provide a detailed set of symptoms communicates its serious stance on the dangers of burnout. Additionally, the WHO clarified in a public statement that burnout is an “occupational phenomenon” resulting “from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

President Trump Signed Executive Order Inteded to Increase Health Care Price Transparency

On Monday, June 24, 2019, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to increase pricing and quality transparency in health care. The president’s executive order is the latest move that the Trump administration has taken to address rising health care costs.

In May 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a rule that would require drug companies to disclose the price of prescription drugs on TV ads. In addition, Trump delivered a speech in which he laid out a blueprint for combating surprise medical billing.

Wage Up! 3 lesser-known eye care expenses covered by your HSA

For those with eye care concerns - even if they're less serious - using funds from your account can save you some much needed cash. Some of these less-common expenses may even be eligible without a prescription.

Safety Focused for June 2019

Emergency Preparedness During National Safety Month
It’s always important to take a proactive approach to safety in the workplace, but sometimes an emergency can arise at a moment’s notice. Taking some time to plan before an incident takes place can help you take action quickly and ensure the safety of yourself and your co-workers. And, because the National Safety Council organizes National Safety Month every June, it’s a great time to review emergency preparedness in various workplace settings.

Wall Street dads find parental leave easier to get than to take

When JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay a landmark $5 million to settle a discrimination claim from a new dad, it looked like a turning point for Wall Street parents. Men who work for the biggest U.S. bank can take up to 16 weeks of parental leave, the bank emphasized, and said it would do better at making sure they know it.

HHS Identifies HIPAA Liability for Business Associates

OVERVIEW

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a new fact sheet that identifies specific HIPAA violations that business associates can be directly liable for. Key areas of liability include a business associate’s failure to:

Future Healthy: 5 easy ways to get a jumpstart on retiring in your 30s

If you're a young professional, there's a good chance retirement is still decades away. But the sooner you start focusing on your savings, the easier it will be to leave the workforce when you're ready to -- not when your finances allow it. To get started, here are five simple things we've seen work to hit the ground running.

That's Eligible?! A clearer view of sunglasses and FSAs

Yes, we're talking about sunglasses on a site about FSAs. Just so there's no confusion, let's be clear from the outset -- regular, garden-variety, discount-store sunglasses are not FSA-eligible. Even those $500 Aviators you got at the mall, with the 40-page instruction manual? Also not FSA-eligible. That is, unless those frames are fit with prescription lenses.

House passes $19B disaster relief bill with 4-month NFIP extension

After months of political battles, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $19 billion disaster relief bill (H.R. 2157) late Monday night, providing aid to areas hit by hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and other natural disasters in recent months.

Mental health first aid in the workplace is about a culture of wellness

For benefits professionals and human resource officers, employees' mental health is often a top concern.

But how can you convert your workforce into a self-serving support system?

Why aren't diet and health foods FSA-eligible?

A few months back, we talked about maintaining healthy seasonal activity. But that article has continued to bring about deeper questions about food, diet and overall health
.
We know that eating well and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of many conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even strokes. Since eating well is such an essential component of overall health, some people with FSAs believe that health or diet foods are (or should be) eligible for reimbursement. But a good chunk of diet and health food items are not FSA-eligible expenses.

My brand new car was totaled. Now what?

You spent weeks looking at reports and ratings online and visiting various dealerships before deciding on what make and model of new car you want. You’ve had your old car for almost 20 years, and it had well over 200,000 miles on it, so it was time for a change. You finally decided on a bright red, sporty Lexus RC F coupe. The kids are out of the house, but it does have back seats for passengers in a pinch. You love it. You look for places to go so you can zip around in your hot little red car.

HSA Use for Family and Friends

The question people with HSAs often ask is whether or not they can use their account to pay for the expenses of family and friends.

The answer is "yes" when it comes to specific family members, and a big "no" when it comes to friends. (Well, just to keep things interesting, there is one exception to that rule.)
But first, let's take a quick look at the ways in which the IRS lets you use your HSA to pay for the healthcare costs of those closest to you.

Flex-Ed: Think before you "double dip" with your FSA!

Whether you're new to flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or consider yourself to be a tax-free wizard, you've probably been warned about "double dipping." And if you've read the fine print on any claim you've submitted, you may have already stated you won't double dip.

Basically, double dipping is being reimbursed for the same expense twice, which can happen a lot of ways when managing your FSA. While it's not technically illegal, it's highly unethical and could get you in serious trouble with your employer.

Why? Because by claiming FSA reimbursement you're unable to seek payment for things already paid for pre-tax, or things you intend to pay with another tax-free health account. This can happen without even knowing it.

Can I use my FSA for travel immunizations?

Travel season is coming! And those vacation days you've been saving up all winter are ready to use. It's time to get on a plane and go somewhere fun while the sun is shining and the weather is warm.
Though you can't use your flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for the trip itself, you can use it to cover the costs of necessary travel vaccines for your summer vacation, no matter where your journey takes you.

Tax Facts: Who can I cover with my HSA?

You already know that an HSA is a great way to save for future healthcare costs. You can make tax-free HSA contributions as long as you have coverage under a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP).

Then you can withdraw the money to spend on IRS-approved medical costs — still tax-free — or you can just let it keep rolling over, from one year to the next. The money earns interest along the way, and eventually using it as an emergency fund, or as an extra retirement account, to cover your long-term care costs.

But people might be a little fuzzy on whose medical care you can pay for with tax-free HSA money. They don't have to be covered under the same health insurance policy you have, and in some cases you can't use your HSA funds to pay for medical care for a person who is covered under your policy. Let's take a look at how this works.

A quick overview

In Publication 969, the IRS clarifies that you can withdraw tax-free money from your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses for:

• Yourself
• Your spouse (regardless of whether you file taxes jointly or separately)
• Any dependents you claim on your tax return (your children, or a qualifying relative dependent) and any children who are claimed on your ex-spouse's tax return
• Anyone you could have claimed as a dependent, but weren't able to because he or she
  • filed a joint tax return (for example, your married teenage kid who files a joint return with his or her spouse)
  • earned more than $4,150 (in 2018), or you (or your spouse, if you file jointly) could be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.

As long as the person is in one of the above categories, you can reimburse yourself for the cost of their qualified medical expenses with tax-free money from your HSA. It doesn't matter whether the person was covered under your HDHP, or even whether they had health coverage at all.

Let's clarify with some examples:

Spouse on Medicare, young adult child on parent's HDHP

You're 60, your husband is 66, and you've got a 25-year-old daughter. You've kept your daughter on your health insurance, because the coverage that her employer offers is more expensive. You've got an HDHP through your employer, which covers you and your daughter. Your husband is on Medicare.

You're allowed to contribute the full family amount to your HSA, because your HDHP is covering both yourself and your daughter. But you can only use your HSA funds to pay for your own medical care and your husband's. You can't use it to pay for your daughter's care, because you can't claim her as a dependent.

This is a good example of how the tax rules (which pertain to HSA contributions and withdrawals) are separate from the insurance rules (which pertain to who is allowed to be covered under your plan).

It's also worth noting that your daughter can open her own HSA, since she's covered by your HDHP but files her own taxes. (She would not be able to contribute to her own HSA if she were still your tax dependent.) She can contribute the full $6,900 to her HSA, since she's covered under a family HDHP.

And if you want, you can make contributions to her HSA on her behalf. She would then be able to withdraw funds from her own HSA to cover her own medical expenses.

Spouses have separate health plans, dependent child covered under university insurance

You and your wife each have coverage through your own employers. You have an HDHP that just covers yourself, while your wife has a non-HDHP for her own coverage. You have a 20-year-old son who is a full-time college student.

He's enrolled in the non-HDHP health insurance plan that his college offers. You and your wife file a joint tax return, and claim your son as a dependent (as long as he's a student, you can claim him as a dependent until he turns 24).

You can contribute $3,500 to your HSA in 2019, since you have self-only HDHP coverage. But you can use the money in your HSA to pay for qualifying medical expenses for yourself, your wife, and your son.

Divorced mom who supports elderly parents and does not have custody of her daughter

You and your ex divorced a few years ago, and your ex, who has primary custody, claims your daughter as a tax dependent. Your elderly parents live with you and you claim them as qualifying relative dependents.

Your parents are enrolled in Medicare, your daughter is covered under your ex's health plan, and you have a non-HDHP plan through your current employer. But your previous employer offered an HDHP, and you stashed away some money in an HSA while you worked there.

You can't contribute any more money to your HSA, unless you switch to another qualified HDHP. But you can use the money that's left in your HSA to cover qualified medical expenses for yourself, your daughter, and your parents (parents are only eligible if qualifying relative dependents, like we mentioned above).

Even though your daughter is not your tax dependent, the IRS considers her to be your dependent (because she qualifies as a dependent for whom you could have claimed) for the purpose of being able to use your HSA funds to cover her medical expenses.

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when it comes to paying for family healthcare with HSA funds. And you should definitely contact your HSA administrator if you have any questions about your own family situation. But know that a little research can result in a lot of security down the line.

Want to purchase guaranteed HSA-eligible items? Click here!

Source: Louise Norris of HSAStore.com 

Moving Forward in the Mainstreaming of Autonomous Vehicles

A few years ago, autonomous vehicles were as much a wild idea as anything, even though automakers were promising fully autonomous vehicles (AV) by 2020.

Here it is, 2019, and while fully autonomous vehicles may not hit the streets next year, they are not far off.

Improving Your Well-being May Help Lower Your Health Care Costs

Health care costs continue to rise, and it can feel as though there is nothing you can do to combat the expenses—but there is. Taking control of your overall well-being can greatly lower your health care costs.

Cyber Risks & Liabilities--Cyber Security for Small Businesses

High-profile cyber attacks on companies such as Target and Sears have raised awareness of the growing threat of cyber crime. Recent surveys conducted by the Small Business Authority, Symantec, Kaspersky Lab and the National Cybersecurity Alliance suggest that many small business owners are still operating under a false sense of cyber security.

What happens to your HSA if you're 65 and still earning income?

When you hit the milestone age of 65, there are a number of financial considerations you'll need to work out. Mostly, assessing your retirement income and making adjustments to your budgets accordingly.

As for your health savings account, the entire HSA landscape changes once you hit 65. We'll go over the shifts that happen with your HSA, and what you'll need to keep in mind if you're still working during your retirement years.

Real Money: Keeping your health in place when it's time to move

As someone who moved four times in the last three years, I know all too well the stress that follows when it comes to preparing to live in a new place. There's packing, forwarding your mail, learn about your new neighborhood … and health care.

That's right. I'm not just talking about how to not pull your back when moving boxes (though that's important, too). It has to do with making sure your entire family is prepared. Here's what to do to keep your health on point when life gets turned upside down.

Changes are coming to paid leave. Here’s what employers should know

A growing number of states and local governments are enacting their own paid leave policies. These new changes can be difficult for employers to navigate if they don’t understand the changes that are happening.

Trump Announces Plan to Combat Surprise Medical Billing

On May 9, 2019, President Donald Trump delivered a speech criticizing the practice of surprise medical billing. He announced a general plan of attack and hinted at a few specifics for curbing the trend.

Benefits education could lead to longer-tenured employees

Education about employee benefits needs to start a lot earlier, to make the choices clearer for workers, and to keep them happy long after they sign on the dotted line.

Flex-Ed: Using your FSA card the right way

Waiting to get reimbursed from your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for an FSA-eligible item is tedious—filing paperwork with your FSA administrator, waiting for approval and paying out of pocket in the meantime. Luckily, the FSA debit card streamlines the process.
The FSA debit card allows you to electronically access pre-tax contributions you've allocated to your FSA. Instead of going through the process of administrator reimbursement, you'll be able to use your FSA debit card to purchase eligible items you need without having to wait.
The reason? The FSA debit card is linked to directly to your FSA. But here's the deal—FSA debit cards are slightly different than standard debit cards and come with their own set of rules.
Here's what you'll want to keep in mind.

Live Well, Work Well--Health Concerns Following a Hurricane or Flood

A natural disaster can be one of the most devastating events in a person’s lifetime. Families can be uprooted and entire neighborhoods can be destroyed in the blink of an eye. If you ever have to endure such a crisis, it is important to know what resources can help you in the wake of a disaster.

While many people are concerned with preparing for a crisis, the aftermath can be overlooked. Coping with the effects of a disaster are as important as preparing for the crisis itself.

President Trump Says Vote on GOP Health Care Plan to Come After 2020 Election

On Monday, April 1, 2019, President Donald Trump stated in a series of tweets that a vote on a Republican Party (GOP) replacement health care plan for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) won’t take place until after the 2020 elections.

Future Healthy: Could telehealth slash your health care costs?

In the era of two-hour Amazon Prime and instant movies on Netflix, we've grown to expect a certain level of convenience. These services are affordable and make our lives easier. Is it reasonable to expect the same from our health care? Telehealth says yes. If you aren't reaping the benefits of the latest in health care technology, you probably will be soon.

Bomb Threats, Suspicious Items and How To Respond

Each year, thousands of businesses, schools and other establishments are mailed suspicious items (e.g., unmarked packages) or are the target of bomb threats. These threats can be made via phone calls, letters, social media channels, emails or other similar means.

Bomb threats and suspicious items are often used to cause alarm, panic, disruption or, in extreme cases, direct harm. However these threats are made, organizations of all kinds need to take them seriously and know how to respond appropriately.

Can you use an HSA for a domestic partner?

Non-traditional family finances aren't easy to navigate and health care is no exception. Let's face it — when health savings accounts (HSAs) launched back in 2004 — inclusivity wasn't top of mind for legislators.

As a result, many families have questions about HSAs and the best ways to use their pre-tax money for medical expenses. To get a better understanding, we took a look at how the IRS interprets the law.

Does your auto insurance cover your rental car anywhere in the U.S.? How about in foreign countries?

When Larry Lipparelli rented a car in Dublin recently, he took his online travel agency’s word that the price included all required taxes and fees.

And it did — except for one.

Measles Outbreak Expands: What You Need to Know

More than 465 people from 19 states—the majority of whom are children—have been infected by the measles in the United States this year. This outbreak is now the second-highest total number of cases since the disease was declared eliminated in the United States almost 20 years ago, and it’s only April. 

Think your employee is faking sickness? Here’s what you can do

Your employee’s gout flared up, so they took the day off using intermittent medical leave. Later on, a photo of the same employee sliding into home base surfaces on social media that day. How do you find out if the employee was misusing FMLA leave?

Illinois Civil Union and Domestic Partnership Laws

A domestic partnership is an interpersonal relationship between two adults (of the same sex or opposite sex) who live together and share a domestic life but are not married to each other. At the federal level, there are no laws that provide legal rights to unmarried couples in domestic partnerships. Although a domestic partnership is similar to marriage in many respects, federal law does not give domestic partners the same rights and responsibilities that are provided to married couples.

Flex-Ed: The most-common FSA card misconceptions

FSA cards make life easier. With an FSA debit card, you no longer need to remember to file paperwork and wait for your purchases to be approved. Instead, you can access the money in your flexible spending account when you need it.

Here's how it works—you've been shopping online for qualified health related items and are finally ready to checkout. With an FSA card, the process is easy. You enter your FSA debit card information like you would with any other debit card and the funds are automatically deducted from your account. It really is that simple.

But here's the deal: even though FSA debit cards are easy to use, there are still some misconceptions about how to use them. Here are six of the most-common FSA card misunderstandings and how to avoid them.

Return to Work Wages

What do I pay a worker on modified duty?

Handling a DOL Audit with Ease

At any given time, your organization may be selected for a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) civil investigation (commonly known as an audit) to ensure that your employee benefit plans are in compliance. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) establishes standards governing the operation of employee benefit plans and grants the DOL investigative authority.

Traditionally, DOL audits of employee benefit plans have focused primarily on retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans. However, now that the DOL has started enforcing compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health plan audits are on the rise.

Depending on the complexity of your plan design, availability of documents, degree of cooperation between the DOL and your plan administrators, and the number of potential violations, an audit can take anywhere from several weeks to over a year.

To improve healthcare, employers must move beyond the bottom line

WASHINGTON — When Mark Ganz, president and CEO of Cambia Health — a nonprofit healthcare company — took to the stage at the National Business Group on Health’s annual conference, he had a message for the benefits managers in the audience: Pay more attention to employees, and less to the bottom line.

Excess Flood Coverage for Homeowners

Floods are one of the most common and costliest home hazards, as even minor water damage can destroy a property. While the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can help cover flood damage, it may not cover all of your flood risks.

Purchase Eligible Products on Amazon with Your HSA or FSA

Online retailer Amazon recently announced that you can now use your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase eligible medical products on its site. Amazon’s FSA and HSA stores enable you to add your respective health payment card to the site and shop for your eligible products as you would shop for any other item.