Healthcare News & Stories

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

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

ICHRA 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.

ICHRA 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 2025, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) are transforming how employers provide health benefits, offering a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional group health insurance. Introduced in 2020 under regulations from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, ICHRAs allow businesses of all sizes to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. 
What is an ICHRA?
An ICHRA is a tax-advantaged health benefit plan that enables employers to reimburse employees for premiums paid on individual health insurance policies, typically purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, as well as other eligible medical expenses, such as copays, deductibles, or prescriptions. Unlike Qualified Small Employer HRAs (QSEHRAs), which are limited to businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees, ICHRAs are available to employers of any size. They can be offered alongside group health plans or as a standalone benefit. Employees must enroll in ACA-compliant individual coverage (or Medicare, if eligible) to receive reimbursements, which are tax-free for both parties.

In 2025, 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.

In North Carolina, employees of small businesses often face a critical decision: accept a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) or purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov). Both options aim to provide affordable access to healthcare, but they differ in terms of structure, cost, flexibility, and their impact on financial assistance. This 800-word article compares QSEHRAs and the Marketplace in North Carolina for 2025, with a focus on employees with significant medical needs, such as pregnancy, to help individuals make informed choices.
What is a QSEHRA?
A QSEHRA is a tax-advantaged arrangement that enables small employers (with fewer than 50 full-time employees) to reimburse workers for individual health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses, including copays, deductibles, and prescription medications. In 2025, the IRS sets maximum annual contributions at $6,250 for single employees (approximately $520.83 per month) and $12,600 for family coverage (roughly $1,050 per month). These limits are prorated for partial-year coverage.

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.