Person calculating contribution rates for healthcare benefits on a calculator

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 the ACA shown with a stethoscope and a file with Affordable Care Act on the cover.

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.

Healthcare cost rising depicted by families holding hands and a stethoscope arrows going up with dollar signs

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 …

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Key Healthcare Changes Under the Trump Administration: Impacts on Businesses for 2026

The Trump Administration has introduced significant changes to healthcare policies, many of which will directly impact businesses and the healthcare options available to them in 2026. From Affordable Care Act (ACA) reforms to drug pricing policies and Medicaid restructuring, these actions are reshaping the healthcare landscape. Below, we explore the key changes and their implications …

Legal compliance for pay to play health insurance options for businesses. Shown with a green stamp that says "Penalty Notice" for a business that was not compliant.

IRS Employer Health Insurance Pay-or-Play Penalties to Rise 15.2% in 2026

The IRS has announced a significant increase in employer shared responsibility penalties for non-compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) starting in 2026. These penalties, often referred to as the “pay-or-play” penalties, are designed to enforce employer obligations to provide affordable health insurance coverage to their full-time employees. The adjustment represents a 15.2% increase from …

Family trying to compare healthcare coverage plans after learning they are losing their Medicaid benefits

Losing Medicaid Coverage? Here’s Why You Should Contact AUI Instead of Navigating the ACA Marketplace Alone

If you’ve recently lost Medicaid coverage, you’re not alone. Many individuals are being transitioned off Medicaid due to eligibility changes or the end of pandemic-related expansions. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace might seem like the logical next step, navigating it on your own can be overwhelming and costly. Instead of taking on this …

A business owner looking at different benefit options including spousal benefits. Show with a person taking spousal benefits block out of a line of options

Employer-Provided Benefits for Spouses: What You Need to Know

As a small business, offering benefits to employees is a critical part of attracting and retaining talent. With great employees their spouses also come. However, the nuances of covering spouses under employer-sponsored benefits can be complex. Employers often wonder: When do I need to provide benefits to spouses? What if a spouse is already covered …

A healthcare penalty notice for non-compliance shown with a stethoscope and a stamped words "Penalty Notice."

Understanding Health Insurance Penalties for Non-Compliance in Ohio

Ohio residents are often unaware of the potential health insurance penalties for failing to comply with the federal and state regulations. Regulations can change with the swipe of a pen and trying to figure out what applies to your small business should not be left up to a chance. We hate to see bad things …

Man frustrated with hand on temples because navigating health insurance without AUI can feel really complicated.

5 Tips for Navigating Health Insurance for Your Ohio Small Business with AUI

As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats, but navigating health insurance does not need to be one of them. From managing day-to-day operations to looking out for your employees, there’s no shortage of responsibilities. One of the most important—and often most challenging—tasks is figuring out health insurance for your team. It …

Open Enrollment in 2025 shown on a form with a person in the background. AUI logo bottom right

Understanding Open Enrollment Period in 2025

The open enrollment period is a critical time for individuals and small businesses alike, as it provides the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to health insurance plans. Depending on when your group plan renews, your time to research and plan for any changes may differ.  For 2025, the individual open enrollment begins on …

Medical professional with open enrollment papers in focus in front of them.

What Has Changed for the 2025 Open Enrollment?

The 2025 Open Enrollment period for health insurance introduces several notable updates, including changes in coverage options, cost structures, and policies that could affect individuals and families seeking coverage.

Healthcare worker pointing at a virtual dot that says 5 factors for healthcare premiums

How Are Healthcare Premiums Set?

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can account for only five things when setting healthcare premiums. Insurance companies use these factors to anticipate the cost to cover an individual with health insurance. Some people need more coverage than others. In this blog we are going to look at all five of the factors …

Healthcare worker holding a pink piggy bank representing ACA Options

ACA Healthcare Options in Ohio

  In Ohio, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides several insurance options for individuals and families. The ACA created a health insurance marketplace where eligible individuals can compare and purchase insurance plans. No matter if you are searching for the perfect ACA healthcare plan for yourself or a business AUI can help you understand your …

human profile with crumpled colored paper representing Mental Health

Mental Health & Your Benefits Packages

  More and more employers are understanding the need for including additional mental health services in their benefits packages, and for good reason. A staggering 83% of US workers report suffering from work-related stress and 42% of employees with access to mental health benefits cite this as a major reason they are inclined to stay …

Self-Funding 101: Level Funding

If you like the idea of self-funding but want a stable payment option level funding just might be your ideal fit.  Level funding can aid employers in their health coverage budgeting efforts. With level funding, employers pay a set amount each month to a carrier. This amount typically includes the cost of administrative and other …

Self-Funding 101: The Basics

As the cost of insurance continues to rise, employers are looking at different ways to attract and retain good employees while curbing their costs.  There are several ways this can be done through alternative benefits.  The most common method is through self-funded plans.  This article will give a brief summary of self-funding and its major …

Alternative Benefits: PEO

This information is a supplement to our webinar on Alternative Benefits.  If you would like to know more about this webinar, please contact us here. Sometimes companies have trouble meeting their human resources needs, especially while also trying to increase profits. To assist in this area, many companies hire professional employer organizations (PEOs).  These organizations …

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