Celebrate 19 Years of Health Savings Accounts
December 8th is a special day! It’s the 19th birthday of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and they have been a game-changer in healthcare. They are one of the most powerful tools available to employers, employees, and their families when saving on healthcare costs. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 replaced the […]
5 Reasons to Give Thanks for Employee Benefits This Thanksgiving
The turkey’s in the oven, the family’s on their way, and you’re all set for a day of feasting and fun. But before you sit down to enjoy your well-deserved feast, we wanted to take a moment to remind you of all the things you have to be thankful for at work – namely, your […]
Stay Healthy This Winter by Using Your HSA
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it’s important to take extra care of your health. And one way you can do that is by using your health savings account (HSA). With an HSA, you can set aside money tax-free to cover eligible medical expenses. So, if you have an HSA through […]
FSA vs. HSA: Which camp are you?
For a long time, many believed you were either for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or you were for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), but you couldn’t be for both. The very nature of HSAs prevented employees from also participating in a General Medical FSA . Over time, employers and employees alike came to realize that HSAs […]
Investors Look to HSAs to Help Save for Retirement
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are becoming a popular way for investors to save for retirement. HSAs allow you to save money tax-free to use towards medical expenses. In addition, HSAs can be used to help fund your retirement. The money contributed to an HSA is not subject to federal income tax, and the money in […]
Pre-Tax Benefits Don’t Have to be Scary
It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler, and ghosts, goblins, and witches are getting ready to come out and play. But, there’s one thing that doesn’t have to be scary this Halloween —your pre-tax benefits! Commuter benefits, flexible spending accounts, dependent care, and health savings accounts […]
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 […]
The Pros and Cons of EMV Credit Cards
In recent years, credit cards with a chip have become increasingly popular. This is because they are seen as more secure than traditional credit cards. While this is true, there are also some disadvantages to using credit cards with a chip. In this blog post, we will take a look at the pros and cons […]
HSAs Provide a Recession-Resistant Approach to Benefits
HSAs are a great way to prepare for the future, especially during tough times. They provide critical benefits that can help you save money and continue living life on your own terms – no matter what happens with our economy! Becky Seefeldt, BRI’s VP of Strategy, wrote about the several ways HSAs can help during […]
How to avoid penalties on an HSA withdrawal
There are right ways and wrong ways to use the money in a Health Savings Account (HSA). In most cases, people use an HSA card that only permits them to pay for eligible purchases. No risk of penalties there. But what about when people take cash out of an HSA and use it (either intentionally […]
Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle At Work
During the week, we spend a lot of our time at work, which can make it a bit challenging to follow consistent healthy habits. Finding a way to incorporate wellness into your entire daily routine will allow you to improve your overall well-being in and out of the office. Experts say that maintaining a healthy […]
Eligible Expenses to Help Beat the Heat
As the weather heats up, so do the prices on many summertime necessities. Beat the heat this summer by taking advantage of your FSA or HSA to purchase eligible items. Many people don’t realize that their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) can be used on various health-related purchases beyond doctor visits […]
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 […]
Are HSAs Recession-proof?
Following a few turbulent years brought on by the pandemic, a growing chorus of economists and financial experts are predicting that the country is headed for a recession. This is not only due to a slower economy, but as we reach two sequential quarters with a significant, pervasive decline in economic activity. While this may […]
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: […]
HSA 2023 Contribution Limits
Find details on the HSA 2023 contribution limits for individuals and families and HDHP requirements here! Note: If you are age 55 or older, you can continue to make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. For employers and individuals currently in a plan set at or near the minimum deductible limits, you will need to make […]
Find a Wellness Account That Works With You
Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of promoting employee wellness. A Wellness Account is a type of personalized Specialty Account that provides employees with funds or reimbursement for activities like fitness courses, yoga sessions, and more! Although many companies offer wellness benefits of some kind, a Specialty Account for wellness and fitness allows employers to […]
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 […]
Going Back to the Office (As Told by The Office)
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the idea of having to go back to the office, don’t worry. We will get you through it. Returning to the office, a moment of joy for some. Others would prefer to stay home. We’re coming to terms with the fact that life goes on, even though we have […]
Help Employees Use Pre-tax Funds to Save for a New Baby
The cost of having a baby can be overwhelming, even if you have insurance. However, there are ways for employees and employers alike to help make it more affordable. BRI’s VP of Strategy, Becky Seefeldt recently shared her thoughts with BenefitsPRO. It can be hard to manage the things needed to welcome the newest family […]
BRI is Your “Lucky Charm” for Great Benefits
Here at BRI, there are a few things that many of us enjoy. (A lot.) Health and Wellness, Schitt’s Creek…and obviously celebrating St. Patrick’s Day! As you prep your corned beef and cabbage, let’s take a brief moment to reflect on a few things we’re lucky to have. Our Clients, Partners, and most of all…our […]
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 […]