6 Tips for a Successful Open Enrollment Season
Open enrollment is not a single annual event; it is a continuous strategic process. We are your partner in benefits. AUI stands alongside clients through every phase of the employee benefits journey.
AUI Team
The Pitfalls of Benefit Leakage & How You Can Avoid It
What is benefits leakage? This term is often used when a benefits plan is not well managed.
Federal Changes to HRA, HSA, and FSA
The IRS has released the official guidance under Revenue Procedure 2026-24. The guidance establishes updated contribution limits, out-of-pocket thresholds, and plan qualification rules for the 2027 calendar year.
Life Insurance Lowdown
Here is the life insurance lowdown of this very important and valuable voluntary benefit for many small businesses.
The Downlow on Disability Insurance.
Imagine tomorrow one of your key employees, or even you yourself, suffers an accident that prevents working for an extended period. How would the business manage that absence? How would that individual pay their bills? What options do you have to protect your people and your own livelihood from mounting expenses? The last thing you …
What Employee Benefits Your Ohio Small Business Should Offer ?
If you’re trying to figure out what employee benefits a small business in Ohio should offer, you’re not alone. Don’t worry, you are not alone if you feel confused, there is a lot to business benefits. All the confusion is understandable. One article tells you that you’re legally required to offer health insurance, another says …
How to Calculate Contribution Rates for Health Insurance
Calculating contribution rates for health insurance is a foundational financial and strategic task for small business owners. Health insurance impacts both the company operational budget and employee satisfaction, which directly influences talent retention. Establishing these rates means determining how the premium costs are divided between the organization and the staff. Because premium structures and federal …
What Business Owners Need to Know About ACA Compliance in Ohio
If you are looking further ahead to 2027, the IRS has already signaled a rise to $3,780. When you multiply those figures across a mid-sized workforce, the cost of non-compliance quickly outpaces the cost of providing quality coverage. Our team of healthcare brokers at AUI is here to help. In this blog we are going to help you avoid these costly penalties and stay compliant with your coverage.
Maximizing Value: Level-Funded vs. Self-Funded Health Insurance for Ohio Businesses
As a third-generation family-owned broker, we understand that the modern healthcare landscape requires more than just a policy. It requires a data-driven strategy to control costs. If your company is currently stuck in a “community-rated” plan, you are likely to overpay to subsidize the health risks of other organizations. In this blog we are going …
The Deductible Gap: How to Cut Costs Without Cutting Benefits
What is a deductible gap anyway? The “deductible gap” refers to the financial shortfall an employee faces between what their insurance plan begins to cover and what they must pay out-of-pocket. As healthcare costs rise, many Ohio small business owners are shifting toward High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) to keep monthly premiums affordable; however, this often …
The Invisible Compliance Trap: Are Gag Clauses Hiding Your Healthcare Data?
Small business owners in Ohio are currently facing a new regulatory hurdle that many do not even realize exists the “gag clause.” Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), the federal government has launched a significant push for transparency in the health insurance industry. The core of this movement is a mandate that prohibits “gag clauses” …
Health Savings Account Updates for 2026
Did you make adjustment to your Health Savings Account (HSAs) for 2026? There have been some important changes for employees and employers that you might not be taking advantage of. These updates are essential for individuals and families planning their healthcare spending and retirement savings. Legislative changes under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) …
Zero-Cost Retention Strategies for Ohio Small Businesses
Zero-Cost Retention strategies matter for small businesses in Ohio. As small businesses, we often struggle to compete when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. Part of the reason is the benefits packages that larger companies can offer. When small businesses in Ohio cannot afford a 5% raise, what is the next best way …
Strategic Approaches for Ohio Small Businesses to Afford Employee Healthcare
Providing healthcare coverage is one of the most effective strategies for Ohio small businesses to attract and retain high-quality talent. Yet, it remains a significant budgetary hurdle for many small businesses. Fortunately, affordable pathways exist when you understand how to structure benefits effectively. Associated Underwriters Insurance (AUI), serves as a specialized partner for local businesses. …
Navigating Health Insurance in 2026: Trends, Costs, and Rule Changes
Understanding health insurance is crucial in today’s world. As we approach 2026, we are expecting that the health insurance landscape will undergo significant changes.
Telemedicine for Ohio Small Businesses: AUI’s Guide to Affordable Employee Healthcare in 2026
As a small business owner in Ohio, you may have heard about telemedicine before. Maybe, you have even tried it yourself as more providers offer telemedicine services. At AUI, we understand that providing quality, affordable healthcare benefits for your employees is a top priority, but it can also feel like a daunting challenge. Rising costs, …
Tips for Prescription Drug Coverage and Managing Medication Costs
Prescription medications are essential for managing chronic conditions and maintaining overall health. However, rising costs can make them a financial challenge. By understanding your prescription drug coverage and exploring cost-saving strategies, you can reduce your expenses without compromising your care. At AUI, we specialize in helping Ohio small businesses and individuals find benefit plans that …
Creative Alternatives for Small Businesses to Reduce Rising Health Insurance Costs
America’s healthcare insurance costs for small businesses continue to climb. In fact, earlier this year, “insurers had proposed a median 18 percent increase in premiums for next year, citing higher medical costs, a sicker risk pool due to the enhanced subsidy expiration, and other factors” according to the CAP. Which has left small businesses feeling the strain of providing …
