Coronavirus protection/PPE is FSA eligible. Medical protective surgical masks, hand sanitizer gel on white table. Reimbursement accounts just had their eligibility list expanded to include personal protective equipment (PPE) to help fight against the spread of COVID-19. Under Announcement 2021-7, issued by the IRS, PPE is now FSA eligible through December 31, 2022. Additionally, PPE… Continue reading PPE is FSA Eligible; HSAs and Some HRAs Also Affected
American Rescue Plan Act: COBRA Subsidy
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which includes a new COBRA subsidy. The Act will impact qualified COBRA beneficiaries and provide more relief for Americans impacted by COVID-19. Employers will be required to act swiftly. Here is a summary of everything you need to know about… Continue reading American Rescue Plan Act: COBRA Subsidy
How to Use Your FSA Before the 3/15 Grace Period
The 3/15 grace period deadline is approaching but don't panic. Whether you have a significant balance remaining or just a few dollars left, the below tips can help you exhaust your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and make the most of your plan. 3/15 Grace Period Review First, let's review what a grace period is. An optional… Continue reading How to Use Your FSA Before the 3/15 Grace Period
LifeStyle Benefit Plan: New Year, New Benefit Option?
A woman works out and gets reimbursed for her gym membership through her employer's lifestyle benefit plan. A LifeStyle plan is a flexible benefit option that packs a lot of perks into one plan no matter what your goals are. Are you looking to add to your company’s benefit offerings? Or maybe you want to… Continue reading LifeStyle Benefit Plan: New Year, New Benefit Option?
FSA Changes Provided in COVID Relief Bill
As the pandemic continues, more help is available for FSA participants with the latest FSA COVID relief bill. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, new options are available for employers to adopt to their 2020 or 2021 FSA plans. While these options are not mandatory, they can help participants from losing funds, among other… Continue reading FSA Changes Provided in COVID Relief Bill
Four Things Every 2021 FSA Participant Should know
Woman sitting on steps outdoors using laptop to review her 2021 FSA. Welcome, Flexible Spending Account Participants! As an FSA plan holder, you can save significant dollars on IRS approved expenses. As you begin or continue to use your account more, here are four things every FSA participant should know for 2021. OTC Expenses are… Continue reading Four Things Every 2021 FSA Participant Should know
Happy Holidays & Cheers to 2021!
2021 is coming to a close and, with that, a sense of hope for a year that brings peace, healing and more joy to all. While this year looked different to many of us, we persevered, nonetheless. P&A is continually appreciative of our clients and partners – for your trust in us to deliver a… Continue reading Happy Holidays & Cheers to 2021!
Thank You from P&A Group
As I write this, the world around us is changing and yet it feels like much of our lives are temporarily paused. The good thing about pauses, though, is that it provides time for reflection, which feels right as we approach Thanksgiving. And so, with turkey day almost here, I’m writing to say thank you. … Continue reading Thank You from P&A Group
P&A Group’s Regional Director Distinguished as 401 Top Retirement Adviser
Congratulations are in order for Daniel L. Halle, AIF, RPA, P&A Group’s Retirement Plan Services Regional Director who was named by the Financial Times as a 401 Top Retirement Adviser in its 2020 edition. The list recognizes the top financial advisers who specialize in serving defined contribution (DC) retirement plans across the U.S. Applicants for… Continue reading P&A Group’s Regional Director Distinguished as 401 Top Retirement Adviser
HSA or FSA: What Should You Choose?
HSAs and FSAs are both great savings vehicles that can help you reduce medical expenses. When it comes to determining which account is right for you, it’s important to weigh the benefits of each account. Let’s review! What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? A Flexible Spending Account, also known as an FSA, gives you… Continue reading HSA or FSA: What Should You Choose?
Building a Successful Virtual Open Enrollment Campaign
If you’re re-imagining the Open Enrollment experience this year, you’re not alone. Many employers are transitioning to a completely virtual Open Enrollment, using creativity and relying on fresh digital strategies to augment their Open Enrollment. P&A Group can help create and deliver an Open Enrollment campaign that keeps your employees informed and engaged. Consider three… Continue reading Building a Successful Virtual Open Enrollment Campaign
Use Your Health FSA to Get Back-to-School Ready
School is just around the corner. Whether students will be back in the classroom or will continue virtual learning, preparations for the start of the new academic year are underway for many families. As you stock up on back-to-school essentials, save some money by using your Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) on eligible expenses. Consider… Continue reading Use Your Health FSA to Get Back-to-School Ready
COBRA Extensions in the Time of COVID-19: Three Key Deadlines
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, more and more Americans are going on COBRA for their group health plans. With over 5 million Americans who lost insurance coverage this spring, that number isn't expected to go down anytime soon. In fact, studies are projecting that number to reach 10 million by December. Under Notice 2020-01, the… Continue reading COBRA Extensions in the Time of COVID-19: Three Key Deadlines
Virtual Open Enrollment: 3 Tips When You Enroll in a Flex Plan
For many of us, the normal workplace landscape has changed significantly this year. With many employers opting to host a virtual Open Enrollment, employees will need to keep an eye on their inbox for updates. When it comes to your Flexible Spending Account (FSA), here are three tips to consider during Open Enrollment. Know Your… Continue reading Virtual Open Enrollment: 3 Tips When You Enroll in a Flex Plan
Changing Your FSA Election During the Coronavirus Crisis
Some FSA participants may be allowed to change their FSA election(s) during the coronavirus pandemic. Recently, there have been many changes happening in the benefits industry to help provide relief for Americans impacted by COVID-19. Under IRS Notice 2020-29, employers can allow for mid-year changes to 2020 Health FSAs and Dependent Care FSAs. Employers can… Continue reading Changing Your FSA Election During the Coronavirus Crisis
P&A Group’s SmartFlex Program: How to Increase FSA Participation
P&A Group's SmartFlex e-mail program keep your workforce connected during Open Enrollment. Many employers and employees have quickly adapted to working from home during the coronavirus pandemic. As the country continues to rebuild and operate in a COVID-19 era, many employees are still working remotely. With more employees home, communicating with your workforce is more… Continue reading P&A Group’s SmartFlex Program: How to Increase FSA Participation
2020 FSA Changes: 5 Things Employers Should Know
The IRS has announced 2020 FSA changes employers can make to provide relief during COVID-19, including the option to allow election changes mid year.
2021 HSA Contribution Limits Announced
On May 21, 2020, the IRS announced the 2021 HSA contribution limits for Health Saving Accounts (HSA). The following increases are effective January 1, 2021: 2021 HSA Contribution Limits Individuals with single HDHP coverage will see a $50 increase in the annual contribution limit, bringing the maximum limit to $3,600 for 2021. Families with family… Continue reading 2021 HSA Contribution Limits Announced
5 OTC Items You Can Now Buy with Your FSA or HSA
OTC items purchased with a Flexible Spending Account no longer require a prescription for reimbursement. Under the new CARES Act, millions of account holders can now use their spending accounts to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) items. Consumers were previously prohibited from using their FSA or HSA to purchase OTC items without a doctor's prescription under the… Continue reading 5 OTC Items You Can Now Buy with Your FSA or HSA
CARES Act: Changes to Retirement Plans
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, contains important changes to retirement plan vehicles, including changes to defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans. Americans can expect the following changes to retirement plans. Early Withdrawals Waived for Coronavirus-Related Distributions Under Section 2202 of the CARES Act, the 10% early withdrawal penalty is… Continue reading CARES Act: Changes to Retirement Plans
2020 CARES Act: Employee Benefits Update
President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act or CARES Act on Friday, March 27. This bill is intended to help Americans by providing some financial relief as we continue to face the coronavirus pandemic. We are especially happy to see these legislative changes provide greater flexibility for account holders. Employees enrolled… Continue reading 2020 CARES Act: Employee Benefits Update
Coronavirus Testing & Treatment Identified as Preventative Care for HDHPs
Coronavirus testing is considered a preventive service for individuals under high deductible health plans (HDHP)s. On March 11, 2020, the IRS released guidance concerning the widespread COVID-19 coronavirus as it relates to the testing and treatment of individuals enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP). The decision came swiftly due to the public health… Continue reading Coronavirus Testing & Treatment Identified as Preventative Care for HDHPs
California FSA Notice Requirement
Are you familiar with the new California FSA notice requirement for employers? If not, keeping reading. Here’s everything you need to know about the new rule that went into effect on January 1, 2020. What is the California FSA Notice Requirement? Under Assembly Bill 1554, California employers must notify all FSA participants of their plan’s… Continue reading California FSA Notice Requirement
Employer Savings Case Study: How to Increase Your FSA Participation
P&A Group helps grow your FSA plan with educational tools for participants. With rising healthcare costs, companies are taking a closer look at employer savings strategies. For example, one area worth examining is Flexible Spending Accounts. Yes, that’s right – Flex plans offer significant saving opportunities, especially for medium to large size employers. Here’s what… Continue reading Employer Savings Case Study: How to Increase Your FSA Participation
Benefits Card: Five Things to Know Before You Swipe
Card terminal at a local physician's office where patients can use their Benefits Card for expenses. When your employer partners with P&A Group, your benefit plan will more than likely come with a P&A Group Benefits Card. Your benefit plan may also cover your dependents' expenses – and they can have their own Benefits Card,… Continue reading Benefits Card: Five Things to Know Before You Swipe
FSA Grace Period & Other Rules to Know
FSA participant reviews her company's FSA plan rules online to see if her plan offers the FSA grace period. Whether Open Enrollment is already over or you’re in the middle of your plan year, it’s helpful to know if your FSA plan offers special provisions like an FSA grace period. Understanding how your plan works… Continue reading FSA Grace Period & Other Rules to Know
FSA Login & Other Tools for First-Time Users
Whether you’re trying to get your FSA login or you need to submit a claim, we're here to help you navigate your plan. Here are five things that will help you manage your account. FSA Login In order to log into your FSA account, you must first create your login credentials. To establish your FSA… Continue reading FSA Login & Other Tools for First-Time Users
5 Things We’re Thankful for this Thanksgiving
November – a time of reflection and gratitude; an appreciation for our blessings and our setbacks (for they sometimes offer the best lessons). While many people are in the middle of Open Enrollment, or in the home stretch of finishing what is usually a busy time of year, Thanksgiving is, suddenly, here. Before we’re filled… Continue reading 5 Things We’re Thankful for this Thanksgiving
IRS 2020 Contributions Limits: What’s Changing
The IRS 2020 contribution limits were released on November 6, 2019. Here's what's changing for certain employee benefit plans beginning January 1, 2020. 2020 Contribution Limits for FSAs Health FSA For 2020, the Health Flexible Spending Account annual maximum contribution will increase by $50 to $2,750 per plan year. Adoption Assistance FSA The maximum amount… Continue reading IRS 2020 Contributions Limits: What’s Changing
P&A’s Mobile App Adds EZ Scan Eligibility Checker
Use EZ Scan to scan the barcode of any product to see if it's eligible or ineligible under IRS guidelines. Determining product eligibility just got a little easier thanks to the latest enhancement with P&A's mobile app. Using EZ Scan, participants can scan the barcode of any product to see if it's an eligible or… Continue reading P&A’s Mobile App Adds EZ Scan Eligibility Checker
Adoption Assistance FSA: Save Money as Your Family Grows
Enrolling in an Adoption FSA can save you significant money on adoption expenses. One of the biggest challenges facing families who are considering adoption is the cost. According to sources, parents can expect to spend at least $40,000 adopting one child. Luckily, resources like an Adoption Assistance FSA can help reduce expenses. If you're not… Continue reading Adoption Assistance FSA: Save Money as Your Family Grows
FSA Open Enrollment: 5 Ways to Reach Employees
An employee communication strategy is important to a successful FSA Open Enrollment. FSA Open Enrollment is in full swing for many employers and employee communication is more important than ever. Effective employee communication impacts employee satisfaction by reducing uncertainty and confusion. But, that’s not all. How well benefits are communicated to workers is key for… Continue reading FSA Open Enrollment: 5 Ways to Reach Employees
NJ Commuter Benefits to be Offered for Workers in 2020
In 2020, most New Jersey employers will be required to offer a pre-tax parking and transit plan. How to get to and from work can be challenging and expensive for many workers. In order to ease the financial burden of commuting, many employers offer a pre-tax commuter benefits program for employees - also known as… Continue reading NJ Commuter Benefits to be Offered for Workers in 2020
6 Reasons to Partner with P&A Group
Do you find yourself swamped with participant complaints and questions? Are employees’ accounts not accurate, leaving you with extra work to do? Do your phone calls and e-mails to your vendor go answered? If the company you’re using isn’t working with you the way it should, then it’s time for a change. Partnering with the… Continue reading 6 Reasons to Partner with P&A Group
FSA Savings 101: 5 Ways to Save
For many parents, back-to-school means juggling a new routine, extracurricular activities, and new school expenses: supplies, field trips, lunch money. The costs add up quickly, but luckily there’s savings available –in unexpected places – if you look hard enough. Take, for instance, your Flexible Spending Account or FSA. Here are five ways to experience FSA… Continue reading FSA Savings 101: 5 Ways to Save
3 Reasons To Offer a P&A Group Flex Spending Account
Flex Spending Accounts are a value-added plan to any employee benefits package. Typically, most companies perform an annual review of their benefits package. During this time, HR departments and business owners evaluate the components of their benefits package. They consider factors like utilization rates, costs and overall value. These factors help guide business decisions for… Continue reading 3 Reasons To Offer a P&A Group Flex Spending Account
Health Reimbursement Arrangements: Why Employers Are Giving Them a Second Look in 2020
The IRS announced two new Health Reimbursement Arrangement options will be available in 2020. You may have heard the exciting news last month about Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) – or did you? Recently, the IRS announced that employers will be able to offer two new variations of HRAs – the Individual Coverage HRA and the… Continue reading Health Reimbursement Arrangements: Why Employers Are Giving Them a Second Look in 2020
P&A Group Mobile App: Built Just for You
Manage your plan(s) easily with the P&A Group mobile app - now available on the App Store and Google Play! You're a busy person and your time is valuable. That's why we built an app specifically with you in mind - one that's helpful and easy to use. The P&A Group mobile app offers easy… Continue reading P&A Group Mobile App: Built Just for You
Why Wait? P&A Group Offers a Mid-Year Plan Takeover
June is here and before we know it the busy fall season will be upon us. But, as we try to savor the summer months, remember you can still make changes now ahead of annual Open Enrollment. P&A Group, a Third Party Administrator or TPA, welcomes clients all year round – even if you’re in… Continue reading Why Wait? P&A Group Offers a Mid-Year Plan Takeover
Hilary Grace Foundation Receives $10,000 Donation from P&A Group
P&A Group presents donation to the Hilary Grace Foundation in May 2019. From left to right: Sandra White, Michael Rizzo, Dr. Thomas White, Lizzie White. Not pictured: Joe Priselac. P&A Group first began supporting the Hilary Grace Foundation (HGF), a non-profit organization based in Buffalo, NY, last year. The foundation is especially meaningful to our… Continue reading Hilary Grace Foundation Receives $10,000 Donation from P&A Group
How to Upload a Claim & Submit Documentation
As a P&A plan participant, there may be times when you need to upload a claim or submit documentation for an existing claim. Here are helpful guidelines on how to upload a claim accurately - and get your reimbursement faster! First, let's review how to log into your account. Step 1 - Log into Your… Continue reading How to Upload a Claim & Submit Documentation
LifeStyle HRA: New Year, New Benefit Option?
A LifeStyle HRA is a flexible benefit option that packs a lot of perks into one plan no matter what your goals are. Are you looking to add to your company’s benefit offerings? Or maybe you want to help improve your employees’ health overall? A LifeStyle HRA may be the solution you need. Here are… Continue reading LifeStyle HRA: New Year, New Benefit Option?