IRS Raises 2027 ACA Affordability Rate
The IRS has raised the ACA affordability rate for 2027 to 10.22% of household income, up from 9.96% and above 10% for the first time since the employer mandate took effect. Here’s what the new safe harbor limits mean for your contribution strategy.
How to Design ICHRA Classes: Real-World Examples and Guardrails
One of the biggest advantages ICHRA has over group health plans is the ability to use employee classes. Instead of offering the same health benefits to everyone, you can use 11 employee classes to tailor your benefits strategy around your workforce.
Direct Primary Care and Your Benefits Stack: What Employers Need to Know
As employers search for new ways to rein in rising healthcare costs, direct primary care (DPC) has emerged as another lever to pull. By shifting primary care to a flat-fee membership model, DPC can create more predictable expenses, reduce unnecessary claims, and improve everyday access to care for employees.
How ICHRA and QSEHRA Work with Premium Tax Credits
What happens to an employee’s premium tax credit eligibility when they get offered ICHRA or QSEHRA dollars? Learn more about how each HRA coordinates with premium tax credits and things you should consider as an employer before you implement a plan.
Connecticut Passes ICHRA Tax Credits. Here’s What Other States Are Doing
As federal efforts to codify ICHRA stalled in Congress, several states have begun pursuing their own solutions. Connecticut has become the latest state to adopt a state-level ICHRA tax credit. Here’s a look at the states leading the way and those worth watching.
Creating a Workplace Culture That Actually Supports Mental Health
This post breaks down what really supports mental health at work: a healthy culture, PTO people can actually use, leaders who care about employees’ lives, genuine specific appreciation, and real chances to give feedback and improve how work gets done.
Yes, You Can Start an ICHRA Mid-Year. Here’s How.
Wondering if you can start an ICHRA mid-year? You can. Learn how notice periods work, how a special enrollment period is triggered, and how to transition from group coverage without disrupting your employees’ benefits.
ACA Update: How Enrollment Fared for 2026
CMS’s latest data shows 2026 ACA enrollment declines were far more modest than experts predicted after enhanced premium tax credits expired. While some drop-off occurred, the individual market proved more resilient than expected. Here’s what the numbers reveal.
ICHRA and End-of-Year Tax Compliance [CHECKLIST]
Tax season is when ICHRA compliance gets tested. Use our benefit compliance checklist to stay organized, meet key filing requirements, and keep your ICHRA program compliant and audit-ready.
9 Frequently Asked Questions About Switching to an ICHRA
Switching from group health to an ICHRA comes with questions. This article breaks down the 9 employers ask most, covering start dates, contribution strategies, employee classes, compliance basics, and timelines for making the switch.
A Deeper Dive into ICHRA Contribution Strategies
Designing your ICHRA starts with defining how much to contribute and whether to include out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. This guide breaks down your options and how Benafica helps you model a contribution strategy that fits your business and budget.
How ICHRA Fares Heading into 2026
As ACA subsidies face uncertainty and group plan renewals keep rising, employers are rethinking their health benefits strategy for 2026. Explore how ICHRA remains a flexible, cost-stable option amid market volatility — and why getting an ICHRA quote now can help you plan ahead.