TASC Landmines for HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs

Recently, MIBS hosted a seminar presented by Nancy Dantzman, Vice President at TASC and Craig Sayers, MIBS' regional director with TASC. It was a very informative and lively event. Nancy jumped right in discussing Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) which offer variability when setting them up. FSA Flexible Spending Account An FSA is an account employees can use to pay certain out-of-pocket health care costs not paid by other health plans, pretax. The FSA can be set up with the employer and/or the employee contributing. When employees contribute pretax, this lowers the payroll taxes that the employer has to pay so both parties experience savings on their tax liability.   In groups with high employee contribution, the employer’s payroll tax savings may be enough to pay for any administration charges for the FSA.   Employers are not required to make contributions but certainly can. The IRS sets the contribution limit each year and the limits for 2019 are: FSAs are known for their use it or lose it provision, however, groups may offer participating employees more time through either a carryover option or the grace period option to use any funds [...]

Unum Update for Ancillary Products

Do you have groups with 10 or more enrolled? Consider Unum for their ancillary products! In 2019, Unum’s dental and vision networks were increased by 8% making them one of the top 10 best networks. Their goal is to become one of the top 3 networks, which they are successfully working towards. Unum also offers the EyeMed network which includes Lens Crafters, but their regular vision network offers more Big Box names: Sears, Target, Walmart, Vision works, etc. Also, in 2019, Unum can offer discounts for their dental products when bundled with another product line. A great selling feature with the long term disability product, is the EAP Program (Employer Assistance Program). For members enrolled in this product, they will have assistance from a skilled negotiating team that will work with the provider to get a discount on any balance (minimum $400) not paid by the health insurer. This can also be added onto the life product as well. Employee Assistance Program Flyer Employee Assistance Program Medical Bill Saver Flyer Medical groups renewing this year mostly are receiving minimal increases and even some decrease in premium. [...]

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