It’s Open Enrollment Time! | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

Fall.  With it comes cooler temperatures’, falling leaves, warm seasonal scents like turkey and pumpkin pie, and Open Enrollment.  It goes without saying; employees who understand the effectiveness of their benefits are much more pleased with those packages, happier with their employers, and more engaged in their work. So, as your company gears up for … 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

President Directs Federal Agencies to Consider ACA Changes | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

On October 12, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Treasury to develop new rules to allow some exemptions from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Order indicates the Administration’s priorities although it has no immediate effect since any rule changes must first … Continued

How to Add a Step Child to a Health Insurance Plan | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

The addition of a stepchild to your family brings a variety of rewards and challenges. The task of adding your stepchild to your health insurance should be a relatively easy process. The addition of the stepchild might have occurred after a marriage or with a change in custody. According to Insurance Lawyers, most health insurance … Continued

PCORI Fee Increase for Health Plans | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

On October 6, 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2017-61 to announce that the health plan Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee for plan years ending between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2018 will be $2.39 per plan participant. This is an increase from the prior year’s fee of $2.26 due to … 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

Life Insurance for a Family of One | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

We spend a lot of time talking about how couples, families and businesses can protect their financial futures with life insurance. But what about if you are single—do you need life insurance, too? There are those people who have no children, no one depending on their income, no ongoing financial obligations and sufficient cash to … 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

Federal Employment Law Update-September 2017 | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

Revised EEO-1 “Component 2” Stayed Effective Immediately On August 29, 2017, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) notified the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that it is initiating a review and immediate stay of the new EEO-1 pay reporting requirements (Component 2) that were scheduled to take effect with the next filing cycle in … Continued