choutz

Every year, once open enrollment wraps up, I hear the same thing from employees: “I thought I understood everything… but now I’m not so sure.”  And honestly, that reaction makes sense. Enrollment periods are short, information is dense, and decisions are often made quickly while people are balancing work, family, and everyday life. Once enrollment ends and benefits actually start being used, questions surface — sometimes weeks or even months later — and many employees aren’t sure what they...

For years, the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace helped offset rising premiums through expanded tax credits. Many individuals — including small business owners and their employees — relied on those subsidies to make coverage affordable. But as those enhanced tax credits have been reduced or eliminated, the financial impact didn’t disappear . It shifted. And small businesses were the ones who took the hit. The Reality: When Marketplace Credits Went Away, Costs Didn’t When federal tax...

Not a week goes by without someone asking: “Does our plan cover Ozempic? “What about Wegovy or Mounjaro?” If you're a small business owner, you’re probably hearing the buzz too. GLP-1 medications—first created for diabetes—have become increasingly popular for weight management and are being discussed as potential long-term health tools. But the real question is: Should your plan cover them? Before we dive in, here’s an important clarification: “Clinical decisions always belong between the...