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Just like that, we’ve gone from relaxing beachfront getaways to apple picking at the local orchard. The months are flying by, and before long, we’ll be preparing for the holiday season. But before we get there, there’s a busy road ahead – particularly for employers and benefits professionals.
As the busy season approaches, now is the ideal time to get ahead with your benefits renewal planning. Here are some practical tips to help you stay prepared:
- Connect with your benefits brokers early and begin the renewal process to minimize last-minute complications.
- Analyze your current plan’s performance to pinpoint cost drivers and usage patterns.
- Gather employee feedback to gauge satisfaction and uncover areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with your benefits advisor to evaluate alternative carriers, plan designs, and potential cost-saving strategies.
- Keep up with compliance requirements to ensure you meet all legal obligations.
- Establish a clear timeline that includes key milestones, decision-making checkpoints, effective communication, and enrollment periods.
While benefits renewal can be complex, approaching it with a proactive mindset and expert support can turn the process into a meaningful success for everyone involved.
In Case You Missed It
The U.S. Department of Labor released the New Model CHIP Employer Notice, with information as current as July 31, 2026.
As a reminder, under the Children’s Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA), group health plans in states that provide premium assistance subsidies under a Medicaid plan or a Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) are required to meet the annual notice requirement, regardless of the employer’s location. An employer can choose to provide the notice on its own or at open enrollment.
Employers should start using the updated form accordingly as part of their annual notice requirements.
Current National Headlines in the News
With HR and Employee Benefits topics regularly in the news, staying current on what’s really important can often be challenging. For the most current listing of those articles, read this Acrisure Benefits Weekly Digest.
Upcoming Training Opportunity
On September 17 from 2 PM to 3 PM, Acrisure will be holding Recognize, Respond, Resolve: Addressing Preventing Employee Frustration, Disengagement and Conflict. This training webinar is open to all VLCT members.
In this one-hour session, discover practical approaches and strategies for identifying and addressing employee frustration, disengagement, conflict, and productivity concerns in the workplace. It will provide tools for having constructive conversations; understanding and identifying potential underlying issues; and fostering a healthier, more productive work environment.
This event is a part of Acrisure’s continued education series and free of charge. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up in advance.
Compliance Disclaimer:
This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Employers should consult with legal counsel or other appropriate professionals regarding their specific compliance obligations.