Better Benefits Stronger Business. Health Coverage, Retirement Savings, Work-Life Balance and Growth Opportunities. are around a small business storefront with employees giving each other high fives.

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 …

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.

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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 …

Person jumping over the deductible gap to a HDHP plan

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 …

Man with caution tape over his mouth and hands on his ears representing the GAG CLAUSE hiding hiding in your healthcare plans.

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” …

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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. …

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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 …

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 …

A person looking perplexed at a laptop screen frustrated with all the healthcare options available. They don't know what to pick.

Why You Need a Healthcare Broker to Find Affordable Group Health Insurance

Navigating the world of health insurance can feel overwhelming that is why you need a healthcare broker like AUI. It is especially important when you are trying to find affordable group health insurance plans for your Ohio business. Whether you are a small business owner with a growing team or a solopreneur looking for the …

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 …

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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 …

Sticky notes in a pile the top one says "Voluntary Benefits Packages"

Recruit & Retain with Voluntary Benefits

In 2025, the workplace is evolving faster than ever. Employees’ expectations have shifted, competition for top talent is fierce, today it is important to recruit and retain with voluntary benefits. Voluntary benefits are one of the most effective strategies for meeting these challenges. They offer a diverse range of optional perks that go beyond traditional …

Graph showing funding increases for traditional healthcare, and words "Self-funded Healthcare" in white letters representing an alternative to traditional healthcare options

Why Businesses Are Moving Away from Traditional Healthcare Plans: The Shift Toward Self-Funded Solutions

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are reevaluating their healthcare strategies more than ever. With rising costs and a growing need for flexibility, many businesses are turning away from traditional fully insured healthcare plans and exploring self-funded options. Did you know that the National Health Expenditure (NHE) grew 4.1% to $4.5 trillion in 2022, …

Three people in the service industry that would benefit from voluntary benefits including a cleaning person, a few chefs, and a home inspector

Navigating Voluntary Benefits for American Workers in the Service Industry

Traditionally, offering voluntary benefits for the Service Industry has not been prevalent. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only around 70% of private industry workers in service-providing industries have access to medical care benefits. Today, the service industry, is a cornerstone of the American economy. It encompasses diverse roles from …

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