Group Health Insurance
Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement
Beginning in 2020, some employers will have the option of reimbursing employees’ health insurance premiums by using an ICHRA as an alternative to providing a group health insurance plan. This change will provide a great deal of flexibility for both employers and employees, letting employers control costs while letting employees find a health insurance plan that will fit their lifestyle.
What Is an ICHRA?
An individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement, or ICHRA, is an employer-funded health benefit used to reimburse employees for healthcare expenses. With an ICHRA, businesses of any size can provide their employees with a monthly allowance of tax-free money that can be used to pay for approved health care services, including individual health insurance.
The Pros and Cons of ICHRAs
As with traditional employer-sponsored health insurance, ICHRAs have their positives and their drawbacks. If you’ll be purchasing health insurance using an ICHRA in 2020, talk to a health insurance agent for guidance.
Pro: ICHRAs are Tax-Free
The ICHRA is a formal IRS-approved benefit, meaning that neither the business nor its employees have to pay payroll tax on the money put into it. On top of that, the employee doesn’t pay state or federal income tax on it.
Con: Employees Aren’t Eligible for Premium Tax Credits
Part of what makes individual health insurance affordable, even for those with low income, is the premium tax credits that participants may be eligible for. However, if you’re an employee participating in the ICHRA, you are ineligible for those tax credits. On the flipside, if you qualify for tax credits and health insurance would be unaffordable even with the HRA allowance, you have the option of opting out of the ICHRA and using your premium tax credits.
Pro: It Provides More Options for Employees
When your employer is determining which health insurance plan they’ll offer to employees, chances are that your personal health needs aren’t factored in. With an ICHRA, you get to select a health care plan that provides the coverage that you and your family needs, rather than being stuck with whatever plan your employer opted for on a given year.
Con: It Doesn’t Provide Health Insurance Benefits to Everyone
Companies that offer health coverage through ICHRAs are unable to provide benefits to uninsured employees, those who are on their spouse’s health insurance plan or those who participate in a healthcare sharing ministry plan. Only those with individual health insurance and Medicare can participate in the ICHRA.
Nevada Insurance Enrollment Is Here to Help
If your employer will offer an ICHRA and you’ll be purchasing individual health insurance for the first time, you have access to free help. At Nevada Insurance Enrollment, we’ll help you find the best coverage for you and your family. Our health insurance agents help you review your health needs, determine your budget and find a plan that will fit your lifestyle. Our professional assistance comes at no cost to you, making it the simplest and most cost-effective option for finding great health insurance.
Recent Posts
Waiting Period for Dental Insurance Explained
If you have recently signed up for dental insurance, you may notice that your plan has a waiting period. Understanding what services are covered right away and what services you must pay for entirely out of pocket can help you make informed decisions about getting necessary work done.
Does Health Insurance Cover Hair Loss?
If you are experiencing hair loss due to an underlying medical condition, then there is a good chance that your health insurance will cover treatment for the condition, either completely or at least a portion of the cost. To be sure, you’ll want to check your “Agreement of Coverage” document.
Health Advice From Centenarians
Gardening has been shown to positively impact our moods, reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, studies have shown that the benefits of this hobby may extend even beyond promoting a sense of contentment and well-being.
Search This Website
Most Popular Pages
By page visits (this month)
#1) Health Insurance Subsidy Chart
#2) Health Insurance
#3) Health Insurance WITH a Subsidy
#4) Insurance Blog
#5) Request a Quote
Top 5 Most Popular
By page visits (this month)
#1) Health Insurance Subsidy Chart
#2) Health Insurance
#3) Health Insurance WITH a Subsidy
#4) Insurance Blog Posts
#5) Request a Quote
Recent Posts
Does Health Insurance Cover Sex Change?
Gender reassignment surgery in order to be considered medically necessary, certain criteria must be met, such as if a qualified mental healthcare professional provides a referral and medical or mental health concerns are present.
Catastrophic Health Insurance Explained
Like major medical health insurance plans, catastrophic health insurance covers the 10 essential health benefits outlined in the Affordable Care Act. However, if you have this type of plan, your out-of-pocket costs for services are considerably higher than with regular health insurance.
Health Insurance Requirements For Small Businesses
On the employer’s end, providing health insurance can be costly and complicated. However, it can also be a reliable way to bring in new hires, improve productivity and boost morale and job satisfaction. Small businesses that want to provide this benefit have options that let them do so affordably.
Health Insurance For Snowbirds
Finding a health insurance plan that covers your preferred healthcare providers and necessary medications can be a challenge, especially if you split your time between two states or travel frequently.