Author: D&S Agency

  • Navigating Health Plan Options: A Quick Guide

    Choosing a health insurance plan can feel a lot like solving a puzzle—there are many moving pieces, and the best fit depends on how they come together for your unique situation. With so many options and acronyms—HMO, PPO, POS, EPO, HDHP—it’s easy to feel unsure about where to start. This guide breaks down the most…

  • The Great Stability: Why Employees are “Job Hugging” in 2026 | Virginia Benefits Agency  

    As we move through 2026, the workforce is sending a clear message: Stability is the new priority.   New research from the Adecco Group shows that employees are putting a premium on job security, fair pay, and long-term stability—much more than chasing the next opportunity. Many have embraced “job hugging”, choosing to stay where they are rather than jump…

  • Filing Form 5500 | Virginia Benefits Consultants

    If your company provides an employee benefit plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), you are likely obligated to file Form 5500. This annual report discloses key details about your organization’s benefit offerings, such as welfare benefit plans (including medical, dental, life, and disability coverage), retirement plans, fully insured plans, and self-funded…

  • ACA Update: IRS Announces 2027 Cost-Sharing Limits| VA Employee Benefits Agents

    On January 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officially released the maximum cost-sharing limits for the 2027 plan year. These figures represent a significant 13.2% increase over the 2026 limits, marking a substantial shift in potential out-of-pocket expenses for plan participants. 2027 Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limits For 2027, the maximum annual…

  • Educating Your Workforce: Unlocking the Power of Voluntary Benefits | VA Benefits Team 

    Offering voluntary benefits is an excellent way to strengthen your overall benefits package, stand out from competitors, and enhance employee satisfaction—all with minimal impact on your budget. However, while employers often provide a wide range of voluntary benefits designed to offer value and convenience, many employees may not fully understand what these benefits are or…

  • 2026 ACA Reporting Guide: Key Deadlines and Compliance Requirements | VA Employee Benefits Group 

    Employers must prepare for Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting covering the 2025 calendar year. Staying ahead of these deadlines is critical for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) and providers of self-insured health plans. Who is Required to Report? Reporting obligations under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056 fall into two main categories: Note for Self-Insured…

  • 5 Employee Wellness Trends to Watch in 2026| VA Benefits Advisors 

    Modern employees expect more from their employers than just standard health benefits. We have entered a new era of wellness defined by personalization, priority, and purpose. Driven largely by younger generations entering the workforce, wellness has transitioned from a fringe “perk” to a core business strategy. In 2026, forward-thinking organizations are expanding their support systems…

  • Pulse Check: 4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Heart Health | VA Employee Benefits Agents

    February is often filled with symbols of love, but it’s also the perfect time to focus on the most important heart of all—your own. American Heart Month serves as a vital reminder that cardiovascular health is the foundation of a long, vibrant life. Heart disease remains a leading health challenge globally, but the good news…

  • Educating Employees on Increasing Healthcare Costs | Virginia Benefits Agency  

    Health care costs in the United States continue to rise, increasing pressure on both employers and employees. Organizations that provide health benefits must balance growing expenses with transparency and trust from their workforce. Clear, compassionate communication is key to helping employees understand and navigate these rising costs. Consider these strategies: Employers have a unique opportunity…

  • Compliance Guide: New 2026 Rules for HSA Expansion | VA Benefits Team

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, introducing significant updates to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Following this, the IRS released Notice 2026-5 to provide specific guidance on how these changes expand HSA eligibility and usage. The OBBBA broadens HSA availability through the following key provisions: 1. Permanent…