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4 considerations when choosing employee benefits for the first time

WEX Inc.

To take advantage of an HSA, you need to participate in an HSA-eligible health plan (or high-deductible health plan). HSA-eligible health plans typically have lower premiums but higher deductibles. Assess your ability to cover the deductible before choosing this plan.

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What Workers Need to Know About Group Life Insurance

InterWest Insurance Services

Voluntary group life insurance is offered to employees as an optional benefit, and often employers will pay the small premium as an employee retention tool and to provide workers some peace of mind for their families. Internal Revenue Code Section 79 governs the taxation of this employer-provided life insurance.

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Four High Deductible Health Plan Mistakes to Avoid

InterWest Insurance Services

With more than half of all private sector employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans , it’s important that employers have in place certain protocols to ensure that they are a success. Other voluntary benefits like critical illness insurance can fill in the gaps when employees have a high deductible.

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Make the Most of Free Money

Money Talk

Life Insurance - This is money transferred to a beneficiary via a deceased person’s life insurance policy. Like inheritances, life insurance is generally not subject to income tax. Tax Refund Adjustments - Sometimes people miss a tax credit, deduction, or adjustment and need to file an amended tax return.

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Voluntary Benefits Demand Surges as Employees Seek to Defray Costs

InterWest Insurance Services

According to the report, in 2023: Group term life insurance premiums increased 10% from the 2022 level. Group universal life and whole life were up 9%. Critical illness insurance premiums were up 7%. Hospital indemnity premiums were 6% higher.

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Flexible Benefit Plans Give Employees More Options

InterWest Insurance Services

Employers fund these flexible benefit plans with funds that are deducted from their employees’ salaries on a pre-tax basis. Options can include: Health insurance, Voluntary benefits premiums (like vision and dental), Life insurance, 401(k), and. Flexible spending account.

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What are voluntary benefits?

WEX Inc.

Examples of voluntary benefits are: Supplemental life insurance Critical illness Pet insurance Voluntary benefits are additional perks that an employer can offer at a discounted group rate, with the employee either fully or partially paying for the benefits through a payroll deduction.