Category: Health Insurance

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Breaking Down Your Benefits: Understanding Key Terms | Virginia Benefits Agency

    Selecting the right health insurance plans for your family is a critical process that requires careful attention from start to finish. Navigating health insurance becomes much simpler when you understand its terminology. Making sense of these terms empowers you to better understand your costs, benefits, and even estimate the price of a doctor’s visit. Premium:…

  • Gag Clause Attestation Deadline | VA Employee Benefits Consultants

    As the year comes to an end, a crucial compliance deadline looms for employers with health plans. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), health plans and insurance issuers must submit a Gag Clause Compliance Attestation by December 31, 2024. Since its enactment in 2020, this regulation prohibits health plans from including gag clauses—provisions that limit…

  • Understand Your Spending Power: What You Can Buy with Your FSA, HSA, or HRA | VA Employee Benefits Agents  

    Medical expense accounts can help you save on all kinds of healthcare costs. Here are some you may not know about yet. HSA, FSA, and HRA can typically be used for: Expenses that might be covered, but check your plan: Important Considerations: Additional Tips: By understanding the nuances of HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs, you can…

  • Benefits 101: What Is an HDHP? | Virginia Employee Benefits Advisors

    In today’s world of complex health insurance options, High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) have become increasingly popular. But with a name like “high deductible,” it’s natural to have questions. Let’s break down the basics of HDHPs: What is an HDHP? An HDHP is a health insurance plan with a higher deductible than traditional plans. This…

  • Health Insurance Basics: Part 3 | Virginia Benefits Group  

    Insurance Costs Consumers typically pay the following types of costs when they have insurance. See Appendix A for examples of how cost sharing works. Tips to Know: Appendix A Examples of Health Insurance Cost Sharing This appendix provides some examples of how health insurance cost sharing works for consumers. These examples show different outcomes depending…

  • Health Insurance Basics: Part 2 | VA Employee Benefits Team

    Does a Health Plan Typically Pay for Services from Any Doctor? Not always. Some types of plans encourage or require consumers to get care from a specific set of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical service providers who have entered into contracts with the plan to provide items and services at a negotiated rate. The…