What's New

Medicare continues to fully cover updated COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to beneficiaries, provided they’re administered by Medicare-approved providers. This includes the latest 2024–2025 vaccines targeting Omicron variants like KP.2 and JN.1 from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax. In-home vaccination support also remains in place, offering additional payments to providers to reach homebound individuals—a key benefit for seniors with limited mobility or in long-term care.

Although CMS ended its vaccine mandate for healthcare staff in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified facilities in mid-2023, facilities are still required to educate and offer COVID-19 vaccines. A new reporting requirement, item O0350 in the Minimum Data Set (MDS), helps track whether long-term care residents are “up-to-date” on COVID-19 vaccines as per CDC guidelines, reinforcing ongoing efforts to monitor vaccine uptake.

However, the broader policy landscape has shifted under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has replaced the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel with members skeptical of vaccine safety. This has led to the withdrawal of CDC booster recommendations for certain groups, raising concerns among health professionals. While Medicare coverage remains unchanged for now, beneficiaries should stay alert to future policy changes and consult healthcare providers for the most current guidance.

Life insurance is more essential than ever, but in 2025 it’s also become a prime target for scammers. With more policies being sold and managed online, criminals are using AI-generated emails, fake websites, and spoofed phone calls to impersonate agents, file fraudulent claims, and steal personal information.

Common schemes include fake policy offers with low premiums and no real coverage, calls from imposters posing as insurers asking for Social Security numbers, and even cases of criminals impersonating beneficiaries to claim death benefits.

Protecting yourself starts with vigilance. Always verify an agent’s license through your state’s insurance department and confirm that your insurer is registered with the NAIC. Be cautious with unsolicited messages, and never click links or share sensitive information without confirming the sender’s legitimacy. If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to your insurer, your state insurance regulator, or the FTC. Life insurance should offer peace of mind—not open the door to fraud.

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) offer a flexible, tax-advantaged way for employers to support their employees' healthcare needs. With recent legislative proposals, HRAs are poised to become even more beneficial.

What Are HRAs?

HRAs are employer-funded plans that reimburse employees for qualified medical expenses and, in some cases, individual health insurance premiums. Two common types include:

• Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA): Available to employers of all sizes, allowing reimbursements for individual health insurance premiums.
• Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA): Designed for employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees, offering a set allowance for medical expenses.

Tax Benefits

• For Employers: Contributions to HRAs are tax-deductible business expenses, reducing overall taxable income.
• For Employees: Reimbursements received through HRAs are generally tax-free, provided they are used for qualified medical expenses.

Why Consider HRAs?

HRAs provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional group health insurance, offering:

• Flexibility: Employees choose the health plans that best fit their needs.
• Cost Control: Employers set defined contribution amounts, aiding in budget predictability.
• Tax Advantages: Both employers and employees benefit from tax savings.

Proposed Legislative Enhancements

With potential legislative enhancements on the horizon, now is an opportune time for employers to explore HRAs as a strategic component of their employee benefits offerings. Proposed federal legislation could offer tax credits to small businesses and allow pre-tax premium payments.