News & Events

Benefits Check-up: 6 Compliance Issues Affecting Your Clients’ Health | VA Employee Benefits Group

A health plan is more than a product or service; it’s a relationship. All productive and healthy relationships—especially in the benefits space—rely on trust. When an employer extends trust in a broker or insurance carrier to purchase something as critical as healthcare—for people as critical as their workers and families—we’re obligated to raise all factors … Continued

Protect Your Mental Health with an EAP | Virginia Employee Benefits Partners

Mental health isn’t just the absence of illness. It’s a continuum ranging from severe symptoms such as panic attacks and major depression to excellent mental strength and well-being. Sometimes you’re not ill, but you aren’t well either – and you need help.  If you’re feeling down about work or a problem in your life and … Continued

Benefits Buzz May 2024 | Virginia Benefits Agents

Prescription Drug Report Is Due by June 1, 2024 Group health plans must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the federal government. This reporting is referred to as the “prescription drug data collection,” or the “RxDC report.” The next RxDC report is due by Saturday, June 1, 2024, covering … Continued

Benefits 101: What Is Hospital Indemnity Insurance? | Virginia Benefits Group

No matter whether it is anticipated or unexpected, a hospital stay is expensive.  According to HealthCare.gov, the average 3-day hospital stay in the United States costs around $30,000.  Health insurance will cover some of the costs if you are admitted to the hospital, but you may have other out-of-pocket costs.  Hospital Indemnity Insurance can help … Continued

8 Unique Employee Perks That Don’t Require a Big Budget | Virginia Employee Benefits Consultants

Free and low-cost employee benefits are perks that don’t cost you much financially. These perks are often simple to provide and help enhance an existing employee benefits package. Including non-traditional benefits in a job offer shows employees your values; they’re a promise to both current and potential employees that you’ll support them and treat them … Continued

Benefits Buzz April 2024 | Virginia Benefits Firm

DOL Releases ERISA Enforcement Results for 2023 The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released the results of its Employee Benefits Security Administration’s (EBSA) enforcement actions during fiscal year (FY) 2023. The DOL has broad authority to investigate or audit an employee benefit plan’s compliance with ERISA. EBSA handles audits of employee benefit plans for … Continued

Health Insurance Basics | VA Employee Benefits Partners

Does a Health Plan Typically Pay for Services from Any Doctor? Not always. Some types of plans encourage or require consumers to get care from a specific set of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical service providers who have entered into contracts with the plan to provide items and services at a negotiated rate. The … Continued

Health Insurance Basics: Part 3 | Virginia Benefits Team

Insurance Costs Consumers typically pay the following types of costs when they have insurance. Premium: The premium is an amount of money a consumer pays for a health insurance plan. The consumer and/or their employer usually make this payment bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly. The premium must be paid regardless of how many services, if … Continued

Benefits 101: Personal Leave | VA Employee Benefits Advisors

A better work/life balance is at the top of the list for many employees.  However, with the absence of nationwide paid leave regulations for American workers, employers typically determine the extent of paid time off for their employees.  In an increased effort to remain competitive and improve employee attraction and retention, a new survey found … Continued

Benefits 101: Embedded vs. Non-Embedded Deductibles | VA Employee Benefits Group

Everyone needs health insurance but many people don’t fully understand it.  One important concept to understand is your deductible.  A deductible is the amount of money that must be paid for covered services before the health insurance company begins paying for expenses. For an individual plan, the deductible is straightforward.  But family plans are a … Continued