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Every November, National Family Caregivers Month honors the millions of family caregivers across the country who care for loved ones. These caregivers provide support to children, seniors, individuals with disabilities or those with chronic conditions to maintain a quality of life.
National Retirement Security Week is held annually during the month of October. Its purpose is to raise awareness and help individuals to take the next steps toward a secure retirement. It also is a reminder for individuals to assess their retirement saving goals and take steps to ensure that they are on the right track to a financially secure retirement.
Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates and brings awareness to American workers with disabilities, with the purpose of promoting inclusion and equality in the workplace.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in October. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, supporting those affected and contributing to the fight against breast cancer.
Fall Prevention Week, running September 23 – 27, is an important reminder to focus on ways to reduce the risk of falls, especially for older adults. While falls can lead toserious injuries, many falls can be prevented with some proactive measures.
September 11 is National Day of Service and Remembrance, a day to come together in unity and service in honor of the lives and services of those we lost on September 11. Americans of all backgrounds and ages come together to join volunteering events in their community to commemorate the sacrifices made that day and work together to make the world a better place for all.
Grandparents Day is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day. It is a day to recognize the important role that grandparents play in their grandchildren’s and family's lives, as well as appreciate the older generations of our families.
September is National Yoga Awareness Month, a time to recognize the physical and mental benefits of yoga. This month is the perfect opportunity to explore how yoga can enhance your overall wellbeing.
National Pickleball Day is on August 8 each year and celebrates the game of pickleball. In 2022 pickleball had 8.9 million players in the United States with a growth rate of 158.6% over the last three years (2020-2022). It is the fastest growing sport in the country.
While traveling is a passion for many, it can hold unique benefits and joy for older adults. Whether it’s exploring a new culture, spending time with loved ones or reconnecting with nature, there are many advantages of traveling in the golden years.
July is Social Wellness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of social connections and community engagement in our lives. While social wellness is important for all ages, it is especially important for older adults.
Deafblind Awareness Week is held annually to raise awareness about the unique needs, challenges and abilities of individuals who are both deaf and blind. Deafblind Awareness Week aims to increase empathy and understanding toward individuals who are deafblind, while highlighting the various methods and technologies that enable them to communicate and engage with the world.
National Hydration Day is celebrated annually on June 23 in the United States, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of staying hydrated and promoting healthy hydration habits for all ages. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining overall health and well being. Water is vital for various bodily functions such as regulating body temperature, lubricating joints and transporting nutrients.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an international observance held annually on June 15. It is dedicated to raising awareness about the mistreatment and abuse of older adults. The day aims to promote a better understanding of this issue and encourages individuals, organizations and communities to take action to prevent and address elder abuse.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of brain health, the impact of neurological disease and the ongoing research for treatment and cures.
Pride Month is observed throughout June, and dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, plus (LGBTQ+) community. For older adults who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Month is an important time to celebrate their identities, reflect on their journeys, promote intergenerational understanding and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is held annually on the last Wednesday of May. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of staying healthy and active as we age, promoting physical activity and overall wellness among older adults.
Public Service Recognition Week is recognized the first week of May to celebrate individuals who dedicate their careers to serving the public. It is a time to express gratitude and appreciation to those who serve our nation at federal, state, county, tribal and local levels.
Every May, Older Americans Month is observed across the United States, led by the Administration of Community Living. This national holiday, established in 1963 is a time to acknowledge the contributions of older persons in America.
May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, dedicated to promoting health and fitness while encouraging organizations and employees globally to prioritize their wellbeing within the workplace.
News
Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (HCFSAs) are important because they provide a tax-advantaged way for employees to manage out-of-pocket medical expenses. By allowing pre-tax contributions and reimbursements, FSAs reduce taxable income, which can lead to significant savings.
Both HSAs and FSAs offer tax benefits when managing medical expenses, but differ in eligibility contributions and rollover options. Understanding these helps align with financial goals.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are increasingly valuable in today’s economic landscape, primarily due to their triple tax advantages: contributions are tax-deductible, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free.
One thing a majority of U.S. employers and employees agree on: employee benefits are key to attracting and retaining good hires, and they are high on the list of priorities for good hires to accept and remain in a job.
Passed in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes major changes to Part D intended to control prescription costs, cap maximum retiree out-of-pocket costs and simplify coverage for Medicare enrollees. This strengthening of Part D offers improved coverage for retirees as well as new risks and opportunities for thousands of public sector employers who sponsor group Medicare Part D plans for their former employees.
Since its passage in 2006, the HELPS Act has allowed retired public safety officers to benefit from an annual pre-tax distribution of up to $3,000 from the government when used to pay for healthcare or long-term care insurance.
Employers and plan sponsors that offer retiree healthcare coverage are challenged with many variables and obstacles to keep their plans affordable, compliant, manageable and most importantly, offer value to the participants. The strategy needs to consider the overall benefit design (deductible, copays, out-of-pocket maximums, coinsurance, visit limits, covered expenses, etc.), funding design (fully insured or self-funded) and covered populations, which all combine to represent the overall cost of the plan.
Plan sponsors and participants are both under increasing financial pressure. Costs are on the rise. As the nation experiences the effects of inflation on fuel, food and housing, retired Americans on fixed incomes especially feel the pinch.
SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH, March 20, 2023 — Shopping for and comparing Medicare prescription drug plans has saved retirees using Via Benefits’ Coverage Checkup, its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) and Part D prescription drug price comparison tool, over $50 million over the past five years.
ARLINGTON, VA, October 11, 2022 — Pressured by rising costs, U.S. employers are looking at alternative ways to provide healthcare benefits to their retirees over the next three years. And some employers plan to replace their traditional group retiree medical benefits for pre-Medicare retirees with individual insurance through private marketplaces. These are among the findings in a new survey by leading global advisory, broking and solutions company WTW (NASDAQ: WTW).
Press
The Inflation Reduction Act, a United States federal law passed in 2022, includes major changes to Medicare Part D intended to control prescription drug costs, cap maximum retiree out-of-pocket costs and simplify coverage for Medicare enrollees. This strengthening of Part D offers improved coverage for retirees as well as new risks and opportunities for employers that sponsor group Medicare Part D plans.
Sara Taylor, senior director of employee spending accounts at the benefits consultant WTW, suggests taking a close look at your past medical expenses before deciding how much to contribute to your F.S.A. “It’s hard to do, for some people,” she said. But looking at your “explanation of benefits” for last year — the forms that describe what treatments you had and what share of the cost you owe — can help you come up with a reasonable number.
As working arrangements continue to evolve, employers are reevaluating how to meet their employees' wellbeing needs and attract and retain talent with competitive benefits. One benefit that a growing number of employers are expressing interest in is the Lifestyle Savings Account (LSA).
As employers consider how to meet the needs of a diverse workforce—while also attracting and retaining talent in a strong job market—it’s no surprise that offering competitive benefits is a top strategy. But with so many potential offerings—and the costs that go along with them—employers are also trying to identify benefits that offer flexibility and appeal to a wide range of workers. One newer type of benefit, lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs), are becoming more popular because they do just that.
“This account allows you as the employee to choose what type of expenses best meet your needs, and employers have the flexibility to determine the benefit level,” says Sara Taylor, senior director of employee spending accounts at WTW. “The flexibility and personalization of this benefit is what’s so attractive.”
Priorities for contributions. When employees have both a 401(k) and an HSA, where should they contribute first? Kevin House, managing director, head of Via Benefits, WTW’s individual health-care marketplace business, in Detroit, generally recommends contributing first to the 401(k) up to the match, then to an HSA, then any extra money into the 401(k).
Beware the Ides of March. The FSA grace period extends through March 15, 2024. Some employers offer a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), enabling employees to contribute to a personal fund to pay for out-of-pocket healthcare or dependent care expenses.
As healthcare costs rise, businesses are looking for new ways to provide medical benefits for their retirees, and one option of interest is replacing group benefits with individual insurance through private marketplaces for retirees who aren’t yet eligible for Medicare, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson.
Employers grappling with surging health care costs are embracing new tech-driven care arrangements and alternative payment models to cushion the financial blow to their workers.
Employers want alternative ways to provide medical benefits to their retirees over the next three years, with some looking to replace their traditional group plans for Pre-Medicare and Medicare-eligible retirees with individual insurance coverage through private marketplaces, according to a survey by Willis Towers Watson.
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Broadcast Retirement Network
Rivka Liss-Levinson PhD, Director of Research for the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE), discusses why public sector organizations looking to provide the best coverage and value to their retirees while mitigating costs should consider moving to a Medicare marketplace.