Whether you’re just getting away for a long weekend or spending a few weeks out of the house, it’s important to ensure your home is safe while you’re gone. Follow these tips to help prevent break-ins, fires, and water...

Read More

It’s an unfortunate fact that life expectancy in the US has dropped recently. This has led many people to examine whether or not they should have a life insurance policy and, if so, how much coverage they should have....

Read More

It seems like every day on the news that we hear stories about a hurricane, flood, or wildfire creating massive damage in the U.S. and putting people out of their homes. Have you thought about how your family would...

Read More

With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s...

Read More

Having a new puppy join your household can change your life. The snuggles and kisses make getting up in the middle of the night for potty breaks worth it, but in the whirlwind of change, it’s easy to forget some...

Read More

A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera...

Read More

If you’re looking around for home or auto insurance, you may find the process confusing, especially if you’re new to buying coverage and aren’t familiar with the terminology. Here are five essential things you should...

Read More

Grilling food is a fun pastime, and it’s ideal on those summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. But every year, there are accidents and home fires because people don’t grill safely. Follow these tips to...

Read More

No one likes the thought of having pests in their home, whether they be rodents, cockroaches, ants, or any other common household pests. If pest activity is common in your area, it is important to take steps to prevent...

Read More

You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order...

Read More

Water damage is one of the worst problems that homeowners can run into. Not only can it be incredibly expensive to repair, depending on the extent of the damage, but it can also create the potential for mold and mildew...

Read More

Spring is a common time for people to take on all of the cleaning tasks that they put off during the winter. With the weather getting warmer, it's the perfect time to tackle jobs both inside and outside your home. While...

Read More

You may not give the windows on your home much thought, but they can actually make a big difference not just in your comfort level, but also in the value of your home. You'll have a wide range of options to choose from,...

Read More

If you're like most people, you like to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. However, running your heater or air conditioner constantly uses a lot of energy, and your electric and gas bills...

Read More

Today's modern appliances are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors, and some are even better than the rest. When shopping for appliances, you'll likely be overwhelmed by choice, so it is important to know...

Read More

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for any home, so you should ensure that your house is equipped with them. You should have detectors in the main living areas on each floor, including in every bedroom...

Read More

No one likes to think about the possibility of a fire in their home, but this is one situation where it definitely pays to be prepared. This is especially true if you have children or pets in your home. Read on to learn...

Read More

Solar panels can provide clean electricity for your home, helping you to save money on energy costs while also doing your part to help the environment. However, not all homes are suited to solar energy. Here's what you...

Read More

When it comes to buying insurance, you have two primary options available to you: independent agents like us, and captive agents. While both can provide insurance services, these two types of insurance agents are not...

Read More

More and more people these days are choosing to add dash cams to their vehicles, and for good reason. These small cameras can be highly useful to you, especially in the event that you get a traffic ticket or are...

Read More

Summer is here and people are flocking to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...

Read More

In today’s digital world, slander and libel lawsuits are more common than you may think. Comments made in haste or anger on social media can have lasting and far-reaching effects on a person’s reputation or character,...

Read More

Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can...

Read More

Sometimes a basic homeowners policy just isn’t enough. So as your career advances and your income increases, it’s important to keep your insurance protection up to date. This helps you avoid expensive gaps in coverage...

Read More

Shopping online. Visiting the doctor. Buying gas. In nearly all of the things we do from day to day, there’s the risk of identity theft. You could unknowingly give your information to a fraudster thinking you’re...

Read More

If you have a homeowners policy, you probably expect it to cover all the costs of rebuilding your house in case it’s damaged or destroyed by a covered hazard. But are you certain you have enough coverage? Read about two...

Read More

It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this...

Read More

Unless you’re headed to a warmer climate for the winter - or you live in one already - fall is the time to start preparing your RV for winter (as long as you’re done using it for a while, that is). And just because you...

Read More

Fall is a wonderful time - if your home is ready for it. So enjoy the last few weeks of warmer weather, but do a little preventative maintenance while you’re at it. You’ll fix small problems before they become big, and...

Read More

We’re not quite sure where summer went, but if you haven’t noticed, the new school year is upon us. And as you get your kids organized and ready, consider doing the same thing for something else - your home. It won’t...

Read More

What would you do without power tools? Well, you’d probably take on fewer home-improvement projects — and probably have a lot more calluses on your hands. Thankfully, you don’t have to do without. But you do have to use...

Read More

Water damage can be disastrous to your home. Imagine discovering that your entire basement is filled with brown water and sewage from a backed-up water main or other pipe. It’s not only disgusting and potentially...

Read More

It doesn’t take a massive remodel, or a big budget, to make your house feel a little more like home to you. Inside or out, small improvements can make a significant difference - and whether you’re handy or not, you can...

Read More

Congratulations! After weeks of research, comparing makes and models, and taking test drives you finally bought that brand-new car you wanted. But before you take that well-deserved road trip, check one more item off...

Read More

A safe home, a regular routine, a soft bed – the things that bring you comfort bring your pet comfort, too. It’s so important to give some advance thought to how you’d handle your pet responsibilities during and after a...

Read More

Let’s spare a moment for something most of us use every day yet probably take for granted: our service lines. We rely on them for access to water, electricity, gas, Internet connection, and more, but only think about...

Read More

Carrying a minimum amount of auto insurance is required by state laws, so you can’t legally drive without it. Yet while the minimum amount keeps your premiums lower, it can also put you at great risk if you have an...

Read More

Every year, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (not linked to fires) sends 20,000 people to the emergency room and causes more than 4,000 hospitalizations. And, you might consider them the fortunate ones. CO...

Read More

If you’ve ever been stuck on the side of the highway with an RV issue, you know what a life saver roadside assistance can be. Whether you need a battery charged, a tire changed, or a tow you’re often back on the road in...

Read More

The collector car market evolves with each generation. While the Silent Generation started collecting cars, it was Baby Boomers who really got it rolling. They fell in love with the Chevrolet Bel Air, the Ford Mustang,...

Read More

Decluttering is having a moment these days. Organizing guru Marie Kondo has her own show on Netflix, people everywhere are going through their things and asking, “Does this bring me joy?” and many are even exploring the...

Read More

Fall is here, and there are still plenty of motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is “see.” People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because they’re not...

Read More

Group riding is a favorite activity among many motorcycle riders. Whether you’re part of a riding club, a social event, a charity ride, or out for a leisurely cruise with friends, group riding can be a rewarding way to...

Read More

There’s perhaps no organizing task more daunting than the garage-it’s often the dumping ground for the stuff that has no other place in the house, or the things you don’t use but just can’t bring yourself to toss. How...

Read More

Summer is here, which means it’s time to think about family vacations! (If you haven’t been thinking about them all year, that is.) The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You...

Read More

With spring in full bloom and summer just on the horizon, prime boating season is upon us. And you might notice more people on the water than ever, because sales of recreational boats have been growing at a steady clip...

Read More

April 22 marked the 49th annual Earth Day, when more than 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries were expected to take part in what the Earth Day Network calls “the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.”...

Read More

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle the monumental spring cleaning chore, read on for some helpful...

Read More

Back in the early days of home security “systems,” around the end of World War I, it was common for homeowners to hire “door shakers”-night watchmen who would literally walk around and check doors to make sure they were...

Read More

Whether it’s a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life. However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or a fire or some other...

Read More

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters. All are common issues in homes across the country, and they’re not just annoying-they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher bills. The U.S....

Read More

You’re not just imagining it—a lot of people are traveling with their pets these days. According to a TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,000 travelers, 53% of those responding said they take their pets on vacation, and...

Read More

Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up-whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it’s almost certainly going to require time...

Read More

Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now-as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time. That’s why we...

Read More

For many of our neighbors, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard – often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly. Each year about 400,000 people are treated for...

Read More

Did you know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States commute to work by bicycle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau? That’s a lot of cars off the road each day, a lot of gasoline saved and a ton of...

Read More

If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone with a boat), you’ve probably thought about spending some evenings on the water - especially in the summertime. It’s a great thought, of course. But,...

Read More

Summer’s almost here. The sun will come out of hiding, and people will, too. As crowds swell at the beach, in parks, and even on roadways, it all makes for some challenging driving conditions. More people are out and...

Read More

As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of your home isn’t something you use daily. And it isn’t something flashy you show off to friends. It’s your homeowners insurance policy, and it protects you in more...

Read More

You probably don’t think your dog would ever bite someone, let alone cause a serious injury. But dog bites are more common than you might realize-4.5 million occur every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for...

Read More

In an unusual turn of events, the IRS announced yesterday that the family contribution limit for HSAs has decreased to $6,850 from the previous amount of $6,900. This does not impact the individual contribution limit,...

Read More

Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of people in the U.S. die from carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning-and the invisible, odorless gas sickens thousands more. The numbers seem...

Read More

A ring from a loved one. A bracelet handed down through generations. A watch or necklace marking a special occasion. Every reason you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason it should be insured. However, calling...

Read More

You’ve heard all the talk about driverless cars - but unfortunately, we’re still years away from living in a world where you just tell your car where to go, kick back and relax with a book (or, more likely, your phone)....

Read More

From building materials to furnishings, many of the things in your home likely aren’t as flame-resistant as those from yesteryear. A fire in a modern home is a “perfect storm,” according to safety consulting and...

Read More

It’s easy to lower your insurance costs - especially if you have a great driving record, or don’t mind having higher deductibles. Who doesn’t want to pay less for car insurance? Billions of dollars are spent on ad...

Read More

One of the most certain things in life is uncertainty. Your dog could bite the neighbor’s kid. Your teen driver could hit a cyclist. A guest could fall down your stairs. A rainy morning commute on worn-out tires could...

Read More

That oh-so-covetable experience of taking a dip in your very own pool? Millions of American households enjoy it, at least when the weather’s nice. With the summer heat ratcheting up, you may be coming down with a...

Read More

As a busy homeowner, it's easy to fall into the trap of pushing off tasks that maintain the long-term value of your home in favor of more pressing problems. That’s OK, to a point, as certain house-cleaning projects...

Read More

Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry. Spring rainstorms are a fact of life in many...

Read More

Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can...

Read More

The IRS set new limits for Health Savings Accounts for 2018. The contribution limits are rising: For individual accounts: rising by $50 to $3,450 (from 2017's $3,400) For family accounts: rising $200 to $6,900 (from...

Read More

Apartment living can have many advantages: low maintenance, close to work and entertainment, and ease of changing residence. But, if you're a dog owner, apartment living can present some difficulties. You probably won't...

Read More

On April 13, 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued final regulations to help stabilize the individual and small group markets. These final regulations, effective June 19, 2017, do not...

Read More

In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies. So why worry about umbrella coverage? Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered? Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits. Large damages can be...

Read More

Talking to Your Teen About Safe Driving When teens begin to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, the sobering statistics start to pile up:Car...

Read More

You’ve heard all the talk about driverless cars. Yet we’re still years away from living in a world where you can just tell your car where to go and then kick back and relax with a book or your phone. Even still,...

Read More

No matter how safe you are behind the wheel, you’ve probably done things like: Shift into drive while the car is still rolling backward. Ride the brakes on steep hills. Roll into the gas station on empty. Guilty? If so,...

Read More

It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this...

Read More

Technology has made home alarms of all kinds — from security to smoke, radon to radiation — more accessible than ever. Many of them can be configured to work together, and some even alert you to trouble through your...

Read More

It seems everyone these days has a smartphone. Or a smart TV, a tablet, or an ebook reader. Or all of the above – and more. When you add it all up, you may find you have thousands and thousands of dollars tied up in...

Read More

Have you ever noticed that, with roadway anger, it’s always the other guy’s fault? And, it very well could be. The thing is, you can’t control how other people drive. But, you can control how you respond to situations...

Read More

When the sun is out and the weather’s warm, people flock to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for...

Read More

The family summer vacation is a time-honored tradition, and it often includes a trip to one of our country’s incredible amusement parks. But, while the rides and other attractions at these parks are typically safe, it...

Read More

Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items you have in your...

Read More

A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each one. So, which is...

Read More

The IRS announced the 2017 HSA limits today. We are especially excited to see they raised the Individual contributions as it has not changed in 2 years. Here are the details: Out of pocket maximums are unchanged at $6,...

Read More

It’s just rain — how much impact can it really have on your driving? The answer: a lot. You’re likely to experience lower visibility, reduced traction and increased difficulty in handling your car both during and after...

Read More

What’s the most important number for you this tax season? The amount of your refund? The amount you owe? The number of hours spent poring over all the other numbers? All of those are pretty important, but none of them...

Read More

Freezing temperatures, gusts of wind, patches of ice – winter can be a horrible time to be on the road, especially if you’re on vacation and aren’t used to driving in winter conditions. And, it’s an even worse time to...

Read More

About 2 million times every year, animals and cars collide on U.S. roadways — often causing serious and even fatal injuries to drivers and passengers, along with about $1 billion in damage, according to the U.S....

Read More

It's not unusual, when you set out on that holiday trip, to look back at the house a little nervously. Sure, you remembered to lock the doors, but just how secure are things? What might happen while you're away?One way...

Read More

It's become almost as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and football: Black Friday, the morning-after (or in some cases evening-after) shopping spree. It's the biggest shopping day of the year, an event in its own...

Read More

Resident fur-baby Zoey recently visited the Employee Benefits office and we couldn't help but share!

Read More

Fall brings more than just changing leaves and shorter days. In many areas, it also comes with a shift in weather conditions that can have a serious impact on your home. And, don’t forget, winter is right around the...

Read More

It's back-to-school time, and, if you have school-age children, your household is likely bustling with activity and filling up with books and backpacks. There are other households and school districts in your community,...

Read More

Two thirds of households in America have air conditioners, according to the U.S. Department of Energy — and they spend a total of $11 billion each year running them. Our guess is that most of those households (which may...

Read More

This Wednesday, our Employee Benefits team took some time out of our day to give back to the community by volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank. The simple gesture of volunteering a few hours of time enables the Food...

Read More

Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but Independence Day is when the season truly kicks into high gear. July 4 is a holiday that has something for everyone, whether you like to host (or attend)...

Read More

The Supreme Court has spoken on the King v. Burwell case. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled the Affordable Care Act (ACA) federal tax credits for eligible United States citizens will remain in force. In...

Read More

There are plenty of great reasons to bike to work: Commuters who ride save money on gas and car insurance, stay fit and help the environment (they don't get stuck in traffic, either). And they even have fun - as long as...

Read More

Spring is here, and you're ready to get out on the water. But is your boat ready? Even if you've kept it properly stored for the winter and protected from the elements, there are still a number of things you need to do...

Read More

Spring is a time for rejuvenation, and, as the weather gets warmer here in Los Gatos, California, and the days grow longer, there's a positive energy in the air. Many people decide it's the perfect time for reorganizing...

Read More

Today commences our Benefits office's Walk Across the U.S. Wellness Challenge! The day also corresponds with the American Heart Association's National Walking Day. The average person walks only 900 - 3,000 steps per...

Read More

From genetically modified crops to the environmental and health effects of pesticides, more and more California residents are questioning whether they should grow what they eat. Wherever you stand on the issues...

Read More

A qualified HR expert's ear and compliance tools are not only appreciated but necessary. That's why Integra continues to provide our Employee Benefits clients with complimentary access to ThinkHR Workplace. ThinkHR is...

Read More

Slippery sidewalks. Freezing temperatures. Power outages. Winter isn't always a wonderland. If you regularly lend a hand to a senior friend or family member here in California, it may be a good time of the year to...

Read More

Less than a month ago, Blue Shield announced that they were unable to come to an agreement with Sutter Health. The termination which began January 1, 2015, affected all Independent Provider Associates, Medical Groups,...

Read More

It's easy to forget about your tires when it comes to vehicle safety. But with winter weather already in many parts of the country, tires are an important aspect you should keep in mind. Your tires can be the difference...

Read More

Our pets are like family, so let's make sure they enjoy the holidays with us while staying safe. As a general rule of thumb, always keep pets on a regular routine, even during the holiday season. Don't let regular...

Read More

The holidays can be a great time to get out of town to visit family you rarely get to see, hit the slopes or flee to the beach. Regardless of how you spend your time away, you need to ensure your house stays safe while...

Read More

The IRS released the annual inflation adjustments for 2015. Effective January 1, 2015, the maximum for the Health Care FSA will increase to $2,550. 2015 Transit/Parking will stay the same at $130 Transit and $250...

Read More

If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone who does), you've probably thought about spending some evenings on the water - especially in the summertime. It's a great thought, of course. But,...

Read More

Stanford Health Care (formerly known as Stanford University Medical Center) and Anthem Blue Cross have been engaged in contract negotiations for a few months. Unfortunately, an agreement to arrive at reasonable...

Read More

Yes, it's already time to start thinking about school again. Getting a head start can pay big dividends for you and your kids as they head back to class. But, it's not just what they need for school that matters. It's...

Read More

We were perusing our twitter feed and noticed a fantastic announcement from Blue Shield of California for the technologically-inclined. Members now have the ability to connect with Blue Shield's customer support online....

Read More

Fantastic news has swept the insurance industry and we couldn't be more excited for companies with less than 50 employees! Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1446 (SB 1446 DeSaulnier) which provides small employers...

Read More

On March 5, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service released the two final rules on ACA health coverage reporting requirements. The new rules are intended toprovide the IRS with information necessary to administer other ACA...

Read More

The IRS announced the maximum contributions to health savings accounts for 2015. The figures will jump slightly, as they have historically, $50 for individuals and $100 for families. The 2015 HSA limits will be $3,350...

Read More

On April 1, 2014, President Obama signed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act retroactively effective to March 2010 in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Act adds provisions to preserve the...

Read More

There has once again been another delay for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced yesterday that the ACA's health coverage Employer Mandate will be...

Read More

Commonly referred to as ObamaCare and certainly misunderstood, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is officially in effect with the new year. With ACA comes numerous changes to health care as you know it. First, ObamaCare isn’...

Read More

It’s been a while since we’ve blogged and for good reason: Health Care Reform is keeping us super busy! The Affordable Care Act (ACA) or as you may be more familiar, Obamacare, is in full swing. October 1st brought the...

Read More

SHOP Exchange Notice All employees must receive a notice, regardless of their full or part-time status, and whether or not the are currently enrolled under your health plan. This includes employees that are not even...

Read More

The end of summer in California means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and ... the start of football! But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra...

Read More

On August 29, 2013, the IRS issued a ruling which states that same-sex couples legally married in jurisdictions which recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes. Click here to read...

Read More

End of DOMA Directly Impacts Employee Benefits On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This action indicates that same-gender marriages must now be recognized...

Read More

By now you’ve read or heard about the Supreme Court of the United States ruling regarding marriage. Basically, the Court said that denying recognition to same-sex couples who are legally marriedunder state law is...

Read More

On May 8, 2013, the Department of Labor (DOL) provided temporary guidance and model notices that employers may use to inform their employees about the Exchanges, which will be available January 1, 2014. Please note that...

Read More

On May 2, 2013, the IRS released the new Health Savings Account (HSA) index figures for 2014. The IRS provides this early release to help plan sponsors and participants budget for the upcoming year. The 2014 index...

Read More

The IRS and Social Security Administration have released cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments that apply to dollar limitations set forth in certain IRS Code Sections. The Consumer Price Index rose enough since the third...

Read More

For those of you who use public transit, you will see your annual tax savings increase significantly... if you participate in an Employer-Provided pretax transit program. Congress extended parity for pretax transit and...

Read More

Blue Shield of California recently published some great pieces on healthy grocery shopping and eating. Since it’s that time of year when everyone refocuses on their health and wellness as an essential part of daily life,...

Read More

First, a very happy new year to all of you! Now that we find ourselves on day 2 of 2013, I’m sureyou’ve already briefed yourself on the latest and greatest in Health Care Reform right? No? Read on. Beginning January 1,...

Read More

Beginning in January 2012, Blue Shield is reducing the amount of paper they are sending to their members. Subscribers with claims showing no share cost will receive their Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) online, instead...

Read More

The US Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) today, or what you might be more familiarly acquainted with as Obamacare. In a narrow margin of 5-4 votes, the...

Read More

To kick off National Women’s Health Week take 3 minutes out of your day to watch & read the following video from Sutter Health. Yes, I realize I posted about this two weeks ago but it’s important. And not just for...

Read More

The IRS has announced adjustments that affect health savings accounts in 2013. HSA contribution limits and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) out-of-pocket maximums will increase slightly. For the first time in three...

Read More

It seems only appropriate that Mother's Day, May 13, 2012, kick off National Women's Health Week. So often, women take care of their family, friends & careers, forgetting to be their own advocate and take care of...

Read More

A healthy company starts with healthy employees. When employees are healthy, productivity increases, absences decrease and premiums may even be reduced. - This year, Anthem is offering seven 30-minute webinars, ranging...

Read More

You may or may not have seen the ribbon with colorful puzzle pieces on car bumpers and pondered the meaning. I personally did not quite know until I typed it into Google. The puzzle pieces signify the mystery and...

Read More

Did you know that Limited Use FSA's are the perfect complement to your Health Savings Account (HSA)? It's true. While the Limited Use FSA differs from a Traditional FSA, they work in the same manner. Employees choose...

Read More

Integra Insurance Services would like to ensure you are aware that the IRS issued revised guidance for form W-2 reporting of group health plan coverage so your business remains compliant. Change to NoticesThe revised...

Read More

Join the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) in their 1st Annual Health & Wellness Fair. This event should prove to be dynamic and interactive. You'll be able to peruse a multitude of vendors with...

Read More

The 2012 IRS Indexed Figures (for the Adoption Credit, Adoption Credit through Section 125 Cafeteria Plans, Commuter Accounts, Health Savings Account and Long-Term Care) have been released and are as follows: Dependent...

Read More

Congress has not acted to extend the monthly allowable transit benefit that was increased as a part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Transit Benefit extension was not included in the Temporary...

Read More

If there's one thing I like, it's food. I get my inspiration from my imagination, perusing the web and of course the Food Network. One show that captures my interest is Restaurant Impossible. I adore Robert Irvine's...

Read More

Health insurance is much like a foreign language in that it really is a completely different lexicon to most. If you do not understand how to translate, the miscommunication could easily cause a panic when it comes time...

Read More

This might seem untimely as Halloween has already passed but Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And if your office is anything like mine, there are definitely remnants of Halloween lingering about the kitchen. The...

Read More

I read an interesting article today from another blog, which touches on an article I wrote back in June about your lifestyle being just as important as any diet out there. What I failed to mention was the US Department...

Read More

Refill and Save Program - United Healthcare's Refill and Save program allows members to receive a $20 discount on their copay when they refill their prescription within a specified amount of time. For a typical 30 day...

Read More

// <![CDATA[ (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];...

Read More

For calendar year 2012, the annual limitation on deductions under § 223(b)(2)(A) for an individual with self-only coverage under a high deductible health plan is $3,100. For calendar year 2012, the annual limitation on...

Read More

As recently as the 1990s, many health insurance plans didn't even cover birth control. Protests, court cases, and new state laws led to dramatic changes. Today, almost all plans cover prescription contraceptives - with...

Read More

Farmers Markets have gained considerable popularity in recent years. With the option to support your local community, obtain fresh fruits and vegetables along with a myriad of other items ranging from flowers to jewelry,...

Read More

You've probably heard that employers will be required to report the cost of employer-sponsored health benefits on W-2 forms. Here are a few questions and answers about W-2 reporting and what employers need to know: - ...

Read More

The thought on most people's minds when summers hits, or perhaps fear, is the ever-looming swimsuit season. How did it arrive so fast this year? Was not it just January? Surely you had more time to change your habits to...

Read More

March 2011 marked the one-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law--and several requirements have changed since it was first enacted. The following summary provides a look at seven key changes...

Read More

There are solutions for people who do not have the availability of insurance coverage continuation through their former employer via COBRA. Remember that COBRA is not an insurance plan. COBRA is a federal law that...

Read More

There are solutions for people who do not have the availability of insurance coverage continuation through their former employer via COBRA. Remember that COBRA is not an insurance plan. COBRA is a federal law that...

Read More

No matter where you turn- whether in the local coffee shop, the nightly news or a Facebook status, the rising cost of health care and the overwhelming effects it is having on individuals and employers alike is on...

Read More

This week, we look at another way to manage your insurance to glean the greatest benefit. Designed especially for individuals who take prescription medications on an ongoing basis, home delivery pharmacy (also known as...

Read More

Learning the best way to utilize your insurance plan will allow you to reap the rewards. A common mistake I think we can all agree we have made at one time or another is choosing to go to the emergency room, when in...

Read More

Employee turnover is a substantial expense for most employers. After all, a great deal of time and money goes into recruiting and training employees. There is also a certain degree of productivity loss from the learning...

Read More

The Department of Labor created a frequently asked questions section regarding employee benefits security administration. The questions and answers have been prepared by the Departments of Health and Human Services (...

Read More

Tax day is rapidly approaching, which also means important deadlines regarding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are also rapidly approaching. Maximize your contribution benefits by contributing the maximum amount for 2010....

Read More

There is a new law regarding premium payments (CA AB 2470) which directly affects your coverage. Simply put, this bill states that premiums are due on the first of the month of coverage and if payment is not received by...

Read More

Every now and again, an insurance carrier creates something useful for its members. Today, we learned about the steps that Health Net took to empower their members: Health Net Mobile and Health Net Beginnings. Health...

Read More

IRS issues PPACA guidance on W-2 reporting - The IRS emphasized that the new reporting to employees is for their information only, to inform them of the cost of their health coverage, and does not cause excludable...

Read More

As Michael Buble says- "it's a new dawn, it's a day...and I'm feeling good." We find ourselves not only feeling good but ecstatic, officially launching our new website design today. In addition to the clean aesthetic,...

Read More

Complying with the many complex provisions of the Patient Protections and Affordable Care Act has been challenging, to say the least. We continue to wait for federal regulations to be released providing guidance and...

Read More