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Thomas Hart

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Health Insurance Costs Jump 13% for Long Island Businesses

New York small-group health plans spike 13% on average for 2026, with some Long Island businesses seeing increases up to 50%. Premium costs now rival rent payments, threatening business growth and employee retention across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

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Federal Enforcement Targets Benefits Cybersecurity

The Department of Labor shifted its 2026 enforcement priorities to target cybersecurity vulnerabilities, mental health access barriers, and surprise billing in employer benefits plans.

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Health Insurance Penalties Jump to $3,340 Per Employee

The IRS hiked ACA employer mandate penalties 25% for 2026. Companies with 50+ employees now face $3,340 per worker if they don't provide coverage. One mistake could cost $500,000+.

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NY Paid Family Leave Benefits Jump to $1,228 Weekly

New York's maximum Paid Family Leave benefit increased to $1,228.53 per week in January—but many Long Island employers still struggle with PFL compliance basics. Plus: minimum wage hits $17/hour and overtime thresholds climb.

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New HSA Rules Create Hidden Tax Traps for Long Island SMBs

Recent IRS changes expand HSA eligibility but create compliance headaches. Bronze ACA plans now qualify, and HSA funds can pay direct primary care fees - but new rules mean new ways to get penalized if you're not careful.

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Making Your Ancillary Benefits Actually Worth the Cost

You're paying for vision, dental, and life insurance your employees barely use. New 2026 data shows 40% of ancillary benefits go unused at small companies - that's money with zero ROI on retention or recruitment.

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Ancillary Benefits: Why Employees Don't Use What You Buy

Many Long Island employers pay for vision, dental, and life insurance benefits their employees never use. When staff don't understand their coverage, your benefits investment generates zero ROI in retention or recruiting.