A DOL Audit Can Happen to You | Virginia Benefit Brokers

Summary plan descriptions (SPDs) are required for all retirement, health, and welfare plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). However, misconceptions about this requirement are widespread. ERISA attorney Stacy H. Barrow, partner with Marathas Barrow Weatherhead Lent LLP, had a chat with ThinkHR about the importance of having proper ERISA … Continued

Price Shop Healthcare | Virginia Benefit Advisors

As the costs of health care soar, many consumers are looking for ways to control their medical spending. Also, with the rise of enrollment in high deductible health plans, consumers are paying for more health care out-of-pocket. From medical savings accounts to discount plans for prescriptions, patients are growing increasingly conscious of prices for their … Continued

Ask the Experts: Electronic Delivery of ERISA Notices | Virginia Benefit Advisors

Q. Can we provide summary plan descriptions (SPDs) electronically? A. Yes. However, just sending them is not enough to meet ERISA requirements; you must ensure the intended recipients are actually getting them. Specifically, ERISA requires SPDs to be furnished using “measures reasonably calculated to ensure actual receipt of the material” via “methods likely to result … Continued

Ask the Experts: Gathering Race and Ethnicity Information for the EEO-1 Report | Virginia Employee Benefit Advisors

Question: What is the best way to get ethnicity and race information for each employee for the EEO-1 report? Answer: Self-identification is the preferred method for gathering the required information for the EEO-1 report. As an employer, you are required to ask employees to self-identify if they wish; however, employees are not required to self-identify. If … Continued

2018 HSA Family Contribution Limit Reduced by $50 | Virginia Benefit Advisors

On March 5, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a reduction in the maximum annual contribution allowed for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in 2018. The change does not affect people whose HSA contributions are based on self-only health coverage, but it does affect those with family coverage under a qualifying High Deductible Health Plan … Continued

Benefits of an Annual Exam | Virginia Employee Benefits

Have you ever heard the proverb “Knowledge is power?” It means that knowledge is more powerful than just physical strength and with knowledge people can produce powerful results. This applies to your annual medical physical as well! The #1 goal of your annual exam is to GAIN KNOWLEDGE. Annual exams offer you and your doctor … Continued

Benefits Easy: Intro to Self-Funding | Virginia Benefit Advisors

As we head into the second month of 2018, companies have already begun the arduous task of submitting budgets and finding ways to cut costs for the new year. One of the most effective ways to combat increasing health care costs for companies is to move to a Self-Funded insurance plan. By paying for claims out-of-pocket instead … Continued