Partnership Press

Post-AE Checklists

Feel free to copy and paste some of these great post-AE reminders with your clients to help them stay on track after their enrollment window has ended.

Complete these tasks before December 31 📆

▢   Confirm that all carriers have successfully uploaded your employees’ elections.
▢ If employees will not have their ID cards in-hand by January 1, develop a communications plan to ensure they understand how to access their coverage without a card.
▢   Audit your payroll deduction file to confirm it reflects 2025 deductions based on the new rates and contributions and that it loads correctly.
▢ Run a dependent eligibility audit
▢ Send or schedule FSA spending rules communications
▢ Document AE successes for performance review success

The Broker Brief: News You Can Actually Use on Your Next Client Call

Breaking the AI Shame Cycle: 5 Ways To Build AI Confidence

AI tools are transforming HR, but many employees feel guilty or hesitant to use them. Benefits advisors, HR, and IT must collaborate to build AI confidence through training, transparency, and cultural support. Because as many companies have seen, there is a well of productivity to unlock by normalizing responsible AI use.

2 Strategies that Help Gen Z Understand Their Benefits Better

Gen Z are the fastest growing workforce. While they may be the most tech-savvy generation, they’re still confused about benefits. In fact, 50% admit to using social media outlets like TikTok or Instagram to learn about benefits. So how can your clients engage Gen Z if they’re not even going to HR for support?

▢ Go digital-first: Use mobile-friendly, year-round tools and peer-based content to meet Gen Z where they are.

▢ Make benefits relevant: Offer mental health and financial wellness options that align with Gen Z’s priorities.

How HR Can Prove ROI Beyond Cost Control

HR teams are under pressure to prove ROI beyond cost savings, focusing on time efficiency, engagement, and trust. New data shows that automation, decision support, and real-time analytics are helping HR recoup thousands of hours, improve employee engagement, and control premium spend. Check out some of the data here to help strengthen your understanding of how new innovations can deliver measurable value, strengthen retention, and future-proof benefits strategies for your clients.

Get Ahead of Your Clients’ RFP Needs for 2026

As Q1 calendars begin to fill, now’s the time to get ahead of the curve. Don’t wait for the RFP scramble. Carve out time now to align on your clients’ evolving priorities, whether it’s cost containment, employee engagement, or broader benefits strategy. Early conversations set the stage for smarter solutions and stronger outcomes in the year ahead.

Request a time to strategize with us here

November Compliance Updates

IRS Issues Draft Instructions for IRS forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C

The IRS recently issued drafts of the instruction documents for the IRS notices due to be produced in early 2026 for the tax year 2025.

Review the updated draft versions of the instruction documents for more context.

1093-B/1095-B Instructions

1094-C/1095-C Instructions

Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestations are due on December 31

Group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group coverage are required to submit their Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestations (GCPCA) by the end of each calendar year.

Federal regulations prohibit these entities from entering into agreements with health care providers, provider networks or associations, third-party administrators (TPAs), or other service providers that offer access to provider networks if those agreements restrict the plan or issuer—either directly or indirectly—from:

Sharing cost and quality information,

Accessing de-identified claims data (as permitted under privacy laws), or

Sharing such data with business associates.

To comply, group health plans must annually attest that they are not subject to any such gag clauses. This attestation must be submitted to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury, with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) collecting the attestations on behalf of these departments.

For more information, check out the CMS’ GCPCA site.