Blog listing
What the Marijuana Executive Order Means for Employer Policies
Cannabis policy remains uneven across states, creating uncertainty for employers with evolving workforces. The real risk is not the law itself, but policies that are outdated or applied inconsistently. Clear, well-aligned policies help reduce confusion, support fair decision-making, and prevent issues from surfacing later during claims, disputes, or renewal conversations.
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ICHRA Deserves a Serious Look Right Now
As cost volatility continues, employers are looking for ways to bring more discipline to benefits spending without limiting employee choice. ICHRA is gaining traction because it offers budget clarity, flexibility for modern workforces, and a more predictable planning framework. When structured and supported well, it creates alignment between employer intent and employee experience.
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Why DEI Rollbacks Are Raising New EPL Concerns
A lot of employers are making quiet changes to DEI programs right now. Some are scaling back. Some are keeping things in place and hoping they hold. This article looks at why either path can create EPL exposure, how enforcement and litigation are starting to show up, and what brokers should be paying attention to before a claim forces the conversation.
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How to Lead the PEO Conversation Without Losing Control of the Client
PEO conversations are happening earlier and more often, sometimes without the broker in the room. We lay out how brokers can stay in control by introducing PEO proactively, setting clear evaluation triggers, and leading the process with confidence. The focus is not selling PEO, but guiding the decision so the broker remains the constant, regardless of the outcome.
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Legislative Uncertainty Isn’t New. The Right Questions Are.
Uncertainty is nothing new in benefits. What’s different heading into 2026 is the pace of change and the pressure on employers to act before guidance is fully settled. Dive in as we reframe uncertainty as a moment for stronger process, clearer roles, and better documentation. We outline the questions brokers should ask now to help clients stay defensible, consistent, and confident.
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The Compliance Gray Areas That Keep Showing Up
The biggest compliance missteps often start with small assumptions—like calling a plan “voluntary” or tweaking classes without testing for discrimination. Gray zones around ERISA, 105(h), and plan documentation can quietly turn into audits or penalties. Staying aligned means reviewing, documenting, and asking the right questions before every change
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Back in Session: What the Government Reopening Means for Healthcare Compliance
The government may have reopened, but compliance deadlines never stopped. With filings, ACA reporting, and MHPAEA audits back in motion, employers should clean up documentation, verify submissions, and reset calendars through 2026. Amid political noise over ACA subsidies, steady communication and proactive organization remain the keys to staying audit-ready.
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Making Sense of Taxability in Long-Term Disability Plans
Long-term disability coverage can quietly fall short when taxes take a bite out of benefits. A simple gross-up adjustment (taxing premiums upfront) turns taxable payouts into tax-free income when it matters most. It’s a smarter structure that keeps the promised 60% intact and offers stronger protection without added cost.
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Level-Funded Plans in 2026: Compliance Responsibilities Employers Must Manage
Level-funded plans are gaining ground as costs climb, but they come with hidden compliance work. From ACA filings to COBRA rates and HIPAA safeguards, Misty Baker highlights what employers must manage and how brokers can help them avoid last-minute penalties
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Stop Losing Clients to PEO: Why Brokers Must Act Now
Employers are frustrated with renewals that never change the story. PEO partnerships can reset the conversation by simplifying HR, payroll, and benefits while keeping brokers at the center. Explore how to spot the right clients, address hesitation, and strengthen relationships before competitors step in
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GLP-1s in 2026: What Brokers Need to Know
GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic are now linked to heart health, not just weight loss, and that shift is changing benefit strategy. Learn how 2026 renewals will test plan design, compliance, and cost control—and what conversations to start with clients before coverage questions hit
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Preparing for Open Enrollment: Guiding Clients Through New Rules
Six weeks, high stakes. This year’s open enrollment comes with new OBBBA provisions, updated ACA affordability thresholds, and tighter compliance enforcement. From COBRA notices to transparency requirements, employers need clear guidance to avoid costly missteps. This checklist-style article helps you keep clients on track.
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