We’re passionate about helping our clients and their employees get the most out of their employee benefit plans. To help you navigate some of the more common questions you might have, our team has pulled together our frequently asked questions and answers. If you have questions that are specific to your plan, or a situation that’s not shared below, we’re happy to help! Just email [email protected] and we’ll find the right answers for your unique situation.
Question: We have an HSA plan. What are the 2019 HSA minimum deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and contribution limits?
Answer: Keeping in mind that these are the minimums and maximums for all plans, and that your plan may fall somewhere in between, here are the updated numbers for 2019:
HDHP minimum deductibles: Individual $1350; Family $2700
HDHP Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Individual $6750; Family $13,500
Contribution Limit: Individual $3500; Family $7000; Age 55 or older catchup $1000
Answer: Keeping in mind that these are the minimums and maximums for all plans, and that your plan may fall somewhere in between, here are the updated numbers for 2019:
HDHP minimum deductibles: Individual $1350; Family $2700
HDHP Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Individual $6750; Family $13,500
Contribution Limit: Individual $3500; Family $7000; Age 55 or older catchup $1000
Question: Am I allowed to have both a Flex Spending Account and a Health Savings Account?
Answer: Yes. If you have a Health Savings Account, you can have a Limited Flex Spending Account which allows you to pay for dental, orthodontia, and vision expenses only – your FSA cannot cover medical expenses. You can also use your Flex Spending Account to set money aside for a FSA Dependent Care.
Answer: Yes. If you have a Health Savings Account, you can have a Limited Flex Spending Account which allows you to pay for dental, orthodontia, and vision expenses only – your FSA cannot cover medical expenses. You can also use your Flex Spending Account to set money aside for a FSA Dependent Care.
Question: We termed an employee off our group policy, but they are still showing up on our bill. What’s going on?
Answer: Great question. Most insurance carrier invoices are generated around the 5th of the month. Employers typically receive their invoice around the 15th of the month. Depending on when the termination was processed, it may not show up on your invoice until the following month.
Answer: Great question. Most insurance carrier invoices are generated around the 5th of the month. Employers typically receive their invoice around the 15th of the month. Depending on when the termination was processed, it may not show up on your invoice until the following month.
Question: I forgot to offer benefits to an employee I recently hired. Can I get them enrolled now?
Answer: It depends on his/her date of hire, the new hire waiting period you set up with the carrier and how much time has passed since their effective date. For instance, if their date of hire was 11/15/2018 and your waiting period for new hires is the 1st of the month following a 30-day waiting period, their effective date was 01/01/2019. Most carriers only allow a grace period of 30 days after a new hire effective date to get them enrolled. In this case, they will not be able to get coverage and will have to wait until your benefit open enrollment OR a qualifying life event e.g. marriage, divorce, loss of coverage, etc.
Answer: It depends on his/her date of hire, the new hire waiting period you set up with the carrier and how much time has passed since their effective date. For instance, if their date of hire was 11/15/2018 and your waiting period for new hires is the 1st of the month following a 30-day waiting period, their effective date was 01/01/2019. Most carriers only allow a grace period of 30 days after a new hire effective date to get them enrolled. In this case, they will not be able to get coverage and will have to wait until your benefit open enrollment OR a qualifying life event e.g. marriage, divorce, loss of coverage, etc.
Question: I have a new employee and need to get them enrolled. What’s the easiest way to do this?
Answer: Each of our clients has access to a personalized onboarding system that includes a customized video and employee packet for your company’s benefit options to simplify onboarding for new staff. Once your new employee fills out their information, you send it to us and we take care of the enrollment. Reach out to [email protected] if you need your video link or employee packet.
Answer: Each of our clients has access to a personalized onboarding system that includes a customized video and employee packet for your company’s benefit options to simplify onboarding for new staff. Once your new employee fills out their information, you send it to us and we take care of the enrollment. Reach out to [email protected] if you need your video link or employee packet.
Question: I’d like to offer a more comprehensive benefit package to attract and retain great employees. What do you recommend?
Answer: All of our benefits packages are customized to your company’s specific needs, and we’re happy to make recommendations based on your goals. Reach out to [email protected] and we can schedule a free consultation with our team to pull together the best options for you and your employees.
Answer: All of our benefits packages are customized to your company’s specific needs, and we’re happy to make recommendations based on your goals. Reach out to [email protected] and we can schedule a free consultation with our team to pull together the best options for you and your employees.
Question: I’m working on my budget for next year. When will plans and rates be released?
Answer: Typically, new plans become available in October for the upcoming year. If you’re already a client, we’ll schedule some time to go through all of your options once plan information is available for the upcoming year. If you’re not a client, email [email protected] and we’ll get you the information you’re looking for as soon as it’s available.
Answer: Typically, new plans become available in October for the upcoming year. If you’re already a client, we’ll schedule some time to go through all of your options once plan information is available for the upcoming year. If you’re not a client, email [email protected] and we’ll get you the information you’re looking for as soon as it’s available.
Question: My employees want better telehealth options. How can I make that a priority in our benefits package?
Answer: Most of today’s plans have some kind of telehealth option included, but many of our clients are layering on a separate, more comprehensive, and cost-effective telehealth package to give their employees better coverage for health, dental, and even identity theft protection. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, reach out to [email protected] and we can send you a few options.
Answer: Most of today’s plans have some kind of telehealth option included, but many of our clients are layering on a separate, more comprehensive, and cost-effective telehealth package to give their employees better coverage for health, dental, and even identity theft protection. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, reach out to [email protected] and we can send you a few options.
