Benefits Buzz October 2025 | VA Employee Benefits Group

Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2025 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 … Continued

What Brokers Should Be Doing Now to Get Clients ACA-Ready | Virginia Employee Benefits Agents

How to position yourself as a trusted ACA compliance advisor For brokers and benefits advisors, Q4 planning doesn’t start in October. It starts now. September marks a critical moment in the annual ACA compliance cycle, when employers begin thinking about year-end strategies, benefits renewals, and how to avoid last-minute reporting panic. That makes now the perfect … Continued

Benefits 101: A Guide to PPO Plans | Virginia Benefits Advisors

When navigating the world of health insurance, you will likely encounter the term PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). A PPO plan – whether medical or dental – is about balancing the cost and convenience of care.  With a PPO plan, you get the flexibility to see a wide range of doctors. You’ll save money by staying … Continued

2026 Medical Cost Outlook | VA Benefits Team

PwC’s latest annual analysis forecasts that group health insurance costs will increase by 8.5% in 2026—the third straight year at this elevated trend. This sustained rise means health care expenses are now similar to those seen 15 years ago, after a brief dip post-pandemic. Researchers gathered data from actuaries at 24 major U.S. health plans, … Continued

Mastering Open Enrollment: A Step-by-Step Guide | Virginia Employee Benefits Consultants

Open enrollment doesn’t have to be a stressful administrative task. When planned well in advance, it becomes a valuable opportunity to review and enhance your benefits offerings, demonstrating your commitment to your team’s physical, mental, and financial well-being. A well-executed open enrollment can boost employee morale, improve retention, and ensure your workforce is supported. Use … Continued

Health Insurance Terms You Should Know | Virginia Benefits Consultants

Health care terms, medical bills, and forms can be hard to understand. Here are some common health care terms, and what they mean. Allowed Amount This is the maximum payment the plan will pay for a covered health care service.  May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.” For example, if you … Continued

Upcoming Changes for Employee Benefits | VA Employee Benefits Advisors

Employers will see several changes to their health and welfare benefits due to comprehensive new tax and spending legislation. This includes notable improvements to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangements (DCFSAs), and employer-provided student loan payments, as well as the introduction of some new fringe benefit choices. These updates introduce significant changes … Continued

Benefits Breakdown Newsletter July 2025 | VA Benefits Consultants

U.S. Prescription Drug Spending Rose 10.2% in 2024 A new report from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists revealed that prescription drug spending in the United States reachednearly $806 billion in 2024, up 10.2% from 2023. The increase was largely driven by the demand for weight loss medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. GLP-1 medications … Continued

ACA Update: Enhanced No-Cost Cancer Screenings for Women Coming in 2026 | Virginia Benefits Advisors

Big changes are coming to women’s preventive care coverage!  Starting with plan years on or after December 31, 2025, group health plans and health insurance issuers must expand their no-cost coverage for women’s preventive care. This expansion includes additional breast cancer imaging or testing needed to complete an initial mammogram, as well as patient navigation … Continued