Healthcare News & Blog

CHOICE Arrangements explained to employers: what employee friction is and how to manage it.

CHOICE Arrangement reimbursements are 100% tax-deductible and exempt from payroll taxes — making them more tax-efficient than a traditional group plan or a cash stipend. This article breaks down five ways North Carolina employers can reduce their tax liability while offering better, more flexible health benefits to their employees.

Restaurants, multi-state employers, construction companies, and startups thrive with a CHOICE Arrangement. Older, stable workforces may not. Here's how to tell the difference.

Seven proven strategies to close the coverage gap between CHOICE Arrangements and group health plans — from over-funding to dependent subsidies and supplemental benefits.

CHOICE Arrangements and Medicare work together seamlessly, offering significant advantages for employers with Medicare-eligible workers. This guide explains what expenses qualify for reimbursement, how to structure contributions, and the tax benefits for both employers and employees.

Freelancing offers freedom and flexibility, but it also means finding your own health insurance. This guide covers all your coverage options and what self-employed workers need to know for 2025-2026.

Understanding how Medicare coordinates with employer coverage is essential for maximizing benefits and avoiding penalties. This guide explains primary and secondary payer rules, enrollment timing, and the pros and cons of dual coverage.

A job change doesn't have to mean a gap in health coverage. Here's how to transition your health insurance smoothly when switching employers.

A CHOICE Arrangement offers employers predictable costs and employees' personal choice—a combination that traditional group health insurance can't match. Here's why adoption is accelerating.

Finding the right health insurance plan starts with finding the right person to help you. Our Find an Agent tool lets you choose which licensed agent works with you based on specialties, reviews, and availability.

When employees turn 65, questions about Medicare and employer coverage come to HR. Our licensed Medicare agents help NC businesses provide accurate answers.

In September 2026, CMS and the SBA renamed the ICHRA the CHOICE Arrangement. The rules haven't changed, so you'll still see both names used.
CHOICE Arrangements—formerly called Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs)—are transforming how employers provide health benefits, offering a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional group health insurance. Introduced as ICHRAs in 2020 under regulations from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, CHOICE Arrangements allow businesses of all sizes to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses.
What is a CHOICE Arrangement?

QSEHRAs are surging in popularity among small employers with fewer than 50 employees. These tax-advantaged plans reimburse workers for individual health insurance and medical expenses, offering cost predictability, employee flexibility, and simplified administration.

IRS announces 2026 HSA limits: $4,400 for self-only (+$100) and $8,750 for family (+$200). Minimum deductibles rise to $1,700 (self) and $3,400 (family), with out-of-pocket caps at $8,500 and $17,000. North Carolinians, maximize tax-free savings with Health Plans of NC. Contact us for HSA guidance!

Group health insurance covers employees or organization members at lower premiums through shared risk and employer contributions. It often includes family coverage, dental/vision options, and strong protection against medical costs.