Brokers' Corner

Generally brokers are not payroll experts, nor want to be. But the truth is, payroll and benefits are very connected. Confidence when talking to your clients about payroll helps you prove to be an even stronger trusted advisor. Tune in to learn more about the main connections between benefits and payroll. Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/ Follow us: https://www.lin...

Tune into this week's episode of Brokers' Corner to ensure you're staying up-to-date on important COBRA information. Your groups will follow your lead on any recommendations relating to benefits, so make sure you're being diligent on the latest updates! Our COBRA Administrator: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/ Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/ Attend our annual conf...

It's 1095 season! Which means this is an important time to ensure your groups are staying compliant. Whether it's a group under 50, a group over 50, or regulation changes, we've got you covered with all the information brokers need to be aware of for 1094s and 1095s. Learn how BerniePortal can help with 1095 forms: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/ Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/compan...

In the world of employee benefits, staying compliant with ever-changing regulations is a constant challenge for brokers, who must keep up with updates at both federal and state levels to ensure their employer clients are adhering to the latest rules. Tune into this week's episode to learn more about these changes for 2025. Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/ Follow u...

When it comes to managing employee benefits, employers have a lot on their plates. From recruiting top talent to ensuring compliance, it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the necessary steps. The Benefits Lifecycle includes every step benefits brokers are involved in— from candidate to COBRA. Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/ Attend our annual conference in...

Welcome to Q1! In this episode of Brokers' Corner, Mary breaks down the top priorities every benefits broker needs to tackle for a successful year. From critical compliance deadlines and tax season prep to industry trends, and client engagement we cover it all. Tune in for your guide to owning Q1 and setting the tone for a productive 2024. Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with...

In the final Brokers' Corner episode of the year, Mary shares seven New Year's resolutions for brokers to embrace in 2025. Tune in for actionable strategies designed to drive business growth, strengthen client relationships, and set the stage for a successful year ahead. Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with industry professionals and a keynote speech from The Office's, Andy Bu...

Since its introduction in 2020, ICHRA adoption has increased 29% from 2023 to 2024. ICHRA offers employers a cost-effective, flexible alternative to traditional group health plans, allowing employees to choose their own coverage from the individual marketplace. The episode delves into why ICHRA is especially appealing to both small businesses and large employers, with insights on industry trends,...

As more employees take on roles as caregivers for young children, aging parents, spouses, or children with special needs, the balance between work and personal life becomes increasingly challenging. Tune in to learn how benefits brokers can help employers provide meaningful support for these employees. Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/ Follow us: https://www.linked...

In this episode, we dive into how benefits brokers can leverage data to build comprehensive and tailored benefits packages for employer groups. From understanding employee demographics and health trends to analyzing cost vs. coverage balance, we explore how data can guide brokers in designing benefits that not only attract and retain top talent but also optimize cost efficiency for employers. Tune...

In this episode, Mary dives deep into the world of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and explore strategies to maximize their benefits. Understanding tax advantages, investment opportunities, and smart ways to use your HSA funds are a few things you need to know to make the most of this powerful tool. Whether you're looking to save for future healthcare costs or save for retirement, this episode will...

In this episode of Brokers' Corner, we dive into the game-changing implications of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on employer-sponsored health plans and the broader health care landscape. While the IRA promises relief for Medicare recipients by lowering prescription drug costs, it’s creating significant challenges for employers, brokers, and employees when it comes to rising health care expense...

This episode of Brokers' Corner provides a comprehensive breakdown of the IRS's newly announced limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) for 2025, just in time for open enrollment. The episode explores updated contribution limits for both individual and family coverage, including the continuation of catch-up contributions for those 55 and older. Additionally...

In this episode, host Mary Chauvin dives into the current trends shaping healthcare costs, focusing on the significant rise projected for 2025. This is attributed to the impact of popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Zepbound, examining how their increasing use is influencing employer healthcare spending. Additionally, the emergence of high-cost therapies, including specialty medicatio...

In this episode, Alex and Brian Tolbert, the co-founders of Bernard Benefits, share their journey from cold calling in their townhouse to building a highly profitable brokerage. The Tolberts discuss their strategies for achieving agency valuation, offering valuable insights for brokers looking to enhance their own business models. Join us as they reveal the keys to their success, the lessons learn...

In this enlightening episode, we delve into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its significance in today’s workplace. Benefits brokers can champion DEI initiatives with benefit offerings. A strong DEI framework can enhance employee satisfaction, drive engagement, and improve retention. Join us to discover how brokers can lead the charge in fostering inclusive workplaces that truly reflect...

As Q4 arrives, open enrollment is right around the corner, making effective communication essential for a successful process across all groups. It begins with the open enrollment meeting and extends to the conversations employees have at home with their spouses about benefit options. Clear messaging, opportunities for questions, and a comprehensive platform that consolidates all benefits informati...

Nearly 45% of employees don’t fully understand their benefits packages. That's a staggering statistic, especially considering how much time and resources companies invest in crafting competitive and cost-effective benefits. Tune in to Brokers' Corner to explore the concept of benefits literacy, why it matters, and how organizations can foster a culture of benefits-savvy employees. Read our broker...

Pet insurance is growing more and more popular, with a whopping 67% of reported American households that have a furry family member. Offering pet insurance allows your employer groups to not only be competitive but show their employees they truly care about what is important to them outside of the workplace. Tune into Brokers' Corner to learn more about this benefit you might be overlooking. #peti...

In this episode, you will learn why it's important for you, as a benefits broker to consider offering identity theft protection to your employer groups. The threat of identity theft keeps growing, so your employer groups will thank you for keeping their security in mind. Additionally, this industry is projected to hit MASSIVE growth in the coming years. Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernie...

In this episode, Mary talks about how ancillary benefits can add a lot of revenue to your agency. She dives into which benefits are commonly overlooked, why you should look into these benefits, and the best practices for introducing them to your employer groups. Read our Broker blog: https://brokerblog.bernieportal.com/ Get a BerniePortal demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/

In this episode of Brokers' Corner, we delve into the evolving landscape of employee benefits and what the future holds. As work environments change, so does the nature of benefits. We explore key trends shaping the future, including the shift towards customization and personalization, the importance of simplifying complex benefits packages, and the transformative impact of technology. Discover ho...

With Q4 rapidly approaching, it's important to stay tuned in to key benefit trends that may be impactful for your employer groups. Voluntary benefits have been put on the back burner in the past, but they are now proving to be a force to be reckoned with due to the growing need for employer groups to stay competitive in the market. Read our Broker Blog: https://brokerblog.bernieportal.com/ Source:...

With the upcoming election, there are a few healthcare stances brokers should focus on. When comparing Kamala Harris’s healthcare stances to Donald Trump's, there are several key differences and points of emphasis. Keeping up-to-date with the candidates' views on these stances is important to be aware of and how these stances can impact benefits. Read the broker blog: https://brokerblog.bernieport...

Learn about both the basics of COBRA, and about complexities such as who is and is not eligible and what you should know as a broker. Read our Broker Blog: https://brokerblog.bernieportal.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/