How to Make the Most Out of Your FSA at Year-End | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

As 2017 comes to a close, it’s time to act on the money sitting in your Flexible Spending/Savings Account (FSA). Unlike a Health Savings Account or HSA, pre-taxed funds contributed to an FSA are lost at the end of the year if an employee doesn’t use them, and an employer doesn’t adopt a carryover policy. … Continued

Benefits of Secondary Health Insurance | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

Secondary health insurance is a type of policy that is used to cover medical expenses that have not been covered by your primary insurance plan. Typically, a person will have secondary medical insurance by being covered as a dependent under another family member’s plan. Secondary health insurance is usually optional and can provide several benefits … Continued

Preston Rutledge to be Nominated as Next EBSA Head | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

President Trump has announced his intent to nominate Preston Rutledge as Assistant Secretary of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). The position as head of the EBSA has been vacant since Phyllis Borzi stepped down in January 2017. The White House announcement includes highlights of Mr. Rutledge’s career which clearly demonstrate his knowledge and experience … Continued

IRS Releases Final 2017 ACA Reporting Forms and Instructions | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

The IRS has finalized the forms and instructions that employers will use for 2017 reporting under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Applicable large employers (ALEs) will use the following: 2017 Form 1094-C (transmittal to IRS). 2017 Form 1095-C (statement to individual). 2017 Instructions for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C (instructions). Employers that self-fund a minimum essential … Continued

Emergency vs. Urgent – What’s the Difference in Walk-In Care? | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

We’ve all been there – once or twice (or more)—when a child, spouse or family member has had to gain access to healthcare quickly. Whether a fall that requires stitches; a sprained or broken bone; or something more serious, it can be difficult to identify which avenue to take when it comes to walk-in care. … Continued

6 Reasons People Don’t Buy Life Insurance (and Why They’re Wrong) | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

Let’s face it. Most people put off buying life insurance for any number of reasons—if they even understand it Take a look at this list—do any of them sound like you? 1. It’s too expensive. In the ever-burgeoning budget of a young family, things like day care and car payments and possibly student loans eat … Continued

The Risk of Being Uninsured (and the Hidden Bargain in Addressing It Now) | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

With all the expenses of everyday living, it’s tempting to think of insurance as just another cost. What’s harder to see is the potential cost of not buying insurance—or what’s known as “self-insuring”—and the hidden bargain of coverage. The Important vs. the Urgent We’ve all experienced it: the tendency to stay focused on putting out … Continued

IRS Releases Drafts of 2017 Forms 1094 and 1095 | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

The IRS has released drafts of the forms and instructions that employers will use for 2017 reporting under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is expected that when the IRS releases final versions, the material will be virtually identical to the drafts. Applicable large employers (ALEs) will use the following: Draft 2017 Form 1094-C (transmittal … Continued

Employer Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before October 15 | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

Are you an employer that offers or provides group health coverage to your workers? Does your health plan cover outpatient prescription drugs—either as a medical claim or through a card system? If so, be sure to distribute your plan’s Medicare Part D notice before October 15. Purpose Medicare began offering “Part D” plans—optional prescription drug … Continued

Breaking News: Costly Overtime Rule Struck Down | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

On August 31, 2017, Federal District Court Judge Amos Mazzant overturned the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Final Overtime Rule that would have doubled the annual salary level to qualify for exemption from overtime from $23,660 to $47,476. The same judge issued an injunction stopping implementation of the final rule nine months ago, and the … Continued