Benefits decisions, answered before you talk to anyone.
Each guide starts with the answer, then lets you check it on your own numbers. Figures carry the plan year they apply to.
Level funding can cost less in a normal claims year, but refunds come late, part may belong to employees, and a bad year shows up at renewal.
- ICHRA
ICHRA vs group plan
An ICHRA fixes your cost per employee, but with 50 or more full-time employees it must be affordable for each employee, not for the group on average.
- PLANNING
Open enrollment timeline
Start the renewal review 120 days before the plan year: for January 1, 2027, September 3, 2026. Past that date, start now and hold enrollment to November 17 to December 1.
- LEAVING A PEO
PEO benefits vs your own plan
Compare premiums and the PEO fee, which is charged on every employee, including those who waive coverage.
- SECTION 125
Pre-tax premiums
Employees keep more of each paycheck, and you skip up to 7.65% employer FICA on each pre-tax dollar.
Looking for COBRA costs and notices? Worklio HCM covers them in its COBRA glossary entry.
Worklio Insurance Services LLC is a licensed insurance agency. Its producer is licensed in all 50 states and DC, and the agency license is active in 6 states, with the rest applied for. See insurance licenses. The guides are planning estimates, not quotes, plan designs or tax advice.