Blog

  • Online Safety Basics | VA Benefits Team 

    Protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime. While you can never be “hackproof,” you can become resilient in the online world. At the heart of online safety are four essential behaviors we at the National Cybersecurity Alliance call…

  • 7 Change management to-dos for HR | Virginia Benefits Group 

    Change management is a necessity in today’s workplace. Digital transformation, hybrid work and automation are forcing people to adapt, learn new things and evolve. HR professionals are uniquely positioned as both architects and ambassadors of change. Discover guidance for navigating these transformations: 1. Assess the preparedness of the workforce Whenever big change is coming, organizations must determine how ready their people are…

  • Mastering Open Enrollment: A Step-by-Step Guide| Virginia Employee Benefits Agency

    Open enrollment doesn’t have to be a stressful administrative task. When planned well in advance, it becomes a valuable opportunity to review and enhance your benefits offerings, demonstrating your commitment to your team’s physical, mental, and financial well-being. A well-executed open enrollment can boost employee morale, improve retention, and ensure your workforce is supported. Use…

  • What Brokers Should Be Doing Now to Get Clients ACA-Ready| VA Benefits Team 

    How to position yourself as a trusted ACA compliance advisor For brokers and benefits advisors, Q4 planning doesn’t start in October. It starts now. September marks a critical moment in the annual ACA compliance cycle, when employers begin thinking about year-end strategies, benefits renewals, and how to avoid last-minute reporting panic. That makes now the perfect…

  • 2026 Medical Cost Outlook | VA Benefits Group 

    PwC’s latest annual analysis forecasts that group health insurance costs will increase by 8.5% in 2026—the third straight year at this elevated trend. This sustained rise means health care expenses are now similar to those seen 15 years ago, after a brief dip post-pandemic. Researchers gathered data from actuaries at 24 major U.S. health plans,…

  • Benefits 101: A Guide to PPO Plans | Virginia Benefits Agency

    When navigating the world of health insurance, you will likely encounter the term PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). A PPO plan – whether medical or dental – is about balancing the cost and convenience of care.  With a PPO plan, you get the flexibility to see a wide range of doctors. You’ll save money by staying…

  • Upcoming Changes for Employee Benefits | Virginia Employee Benefits Agents 

    Employers will see several changes to their health and welfare benefits due to comprehensive new tax and spending legislation. This includes notable improvements to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangements (DCFSAs), and employer-provided student loan payments, as well as the introduction of some new fringe benefit choices. These updates introduce significant changes…

  • Navigating Your Health Plan: A Guide to Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) | VA Benefits Advisors

    Ever found a confusing document in your mailbox after a doctor’s visit, wondering if it’s a bill, especially with an “amount you owe” at the bottom? You’re not alone! That document is most likely an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your health insurance company. It’s crucial to remember: an EOB is NOT a bill. Think…

  • ACA Update: Enhanced No-Cost Cancer Screenings for Women Coming in 2026 | Virginia Employee Benefits Team

    Big changes are coming to women’s preventive care coverage!  Starting with plan years on or after December 31, 2025, group health plans and health insurance issuers must expand their no-cost coverage for women’s preventive care. This expansion includes additional breast cancer imaging or testing needed to complete an initial mammogram, as well as patient navigation…

  • Health Insurance Terms You Should Know | Virginia Benefits Group

    Health care terms, medical bills, and forms can be hard to understand. Here are some common health care terms, and what they mean. Allowed Amount This is the maximum payment the plan will pay for a covered health care service.  May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.” For example, if you…