Benefits Industry Basics (U.S.)
Get back to benefits basics with introductory resources, educational opportunities, and tools. Whether you're new to the benefits industry or looking to update your skills in a certain area, this toolkit is here to help.
Courses
Retirement Plan Basics
Health Benefit Plan Basics
Basics of Employee Benefits Administration
Investment Basics
E-Learning
Fundamentals in Health Benefits
Fundamentals in Retirement Plans
Overview of Retirement Plans
Introduction to Group Health Plans
Articles
Benefit Basics: Navigating Health Plan Funding Options
Benefits Magazine, March/April 2025
As the average annual premium for employer-sponsored health plans continues to rise, many employers and plan sponsors may explore self-insured and hybrid models as alternatives to fully insured plans. What are some tips for employers considering a switch from fully insured plan to self-insured plan or level funding arrangement? Conduct a financial risk assessment, obtain leadership buy-in, evaluate stop-loss coverage options, partner with a knowledgeable broker or consultant and engage employees early. The key to success in any health plan funding arrangement lies in proactive management, employee engagement and a commitment to cost-saving strategies.
Benefit Basics: Complying With ACA Affordability Requirements
Benefits Magazine, September/October 2024
As required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) annually announces what is considered affordable in terms of the maximum employee contribution for at least one health insurance option that offers minimum essential coverage of minimum value. Applicable large employers (ALEs) should check annually to confirm that a health option that offers minimum essential coverage and minimum value and has the lowest employee contribution will meet the affordability test they currently use. If not, they must determine whether to change the test or change the employee contribution—or both—to avoid paying the employer mandate penalty tax.
Back to the Basics: HIPAA Compliance 101
Benefits Quarterly, Third Quarter 2024
Cybersecurity and compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have become hot topics for the health insurance industry as the number of health care breaches continues to climb. The industry has embraced technology to make administration more efficient and become more consumer friendly, but this increased use of technology brings a heightened cybersecurity risk. What can health plan advisors or sponsors do to mitigate risk? Strategies that health plans should consider to help them remain in compliance with HIPAA includes knowing the basics, building out HIPAA policies and procedures, using multifactor authentication, obscuring PHI and ePHI, and running penetration testing.
Additional Resources
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS)
Enroll in the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS) program and earn the most respected designation in the benefits industry. You'll learn from health and retirement curriculum—streamlined core courses, laser-focused content and less breadth and more depth mean now you can learn more in less time. - Retirement 101
- Legislative Tracker
- Regulatory Updates
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