ACA Premium Spike Puts Group Plans Back in Spotlight
Individual ACA premiums jumped 26% for 2026, making employer-sponsored group coverage more attractive than ever for recruiting and retaining talent on Long Island.
health-insurance
ICHRA Sounds Simple, But Long Island Employers Should Think Twice
Individual Coverage HRAs promise flexibility and cost savings, but many small businesses discover hidden pitfalls after switching. Employees lose group negotiating power and professional guidance when selecting plans.
HSA Options Expand for Bronze and Catastrophic Plans
Starting in 2026, all Bronze and Catastrophic ACA marketplace plans can pair with Health Savings Accounts, giving Long Island employers new cost-effective options for high-deductible health plans with tax advantages.
New Hospital Price Rules Create Cost Savings for Long Island
Starting January 2026, hospitals must disclose actual negotiated rates, not estimates. Long Island employers can use this data to cut medical plan costs and negotiate better rates with local providers.
Expired ACA Subsidies Drive Employees Back to Group Plans
Enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired December 31, 2025, while marketplace premiums jumped 26%. Long Island employers should prepare for employees switching back to group coverage as individual plans become unaffordable.
Small Group PPO Plans Expand Virtual Care and Cut Rx Costs
New virtual care features and pharmacy network changes reduce employee costs starting January 2026. Learn how these PPO and HMO plan enhancements affect Long Island employers with 10-50 employees.