Houtz Insurance LLC

01/05/2026

Small businesses have been feeling the ripple effects of reduced federal health insurance tax credits and many are wondering what comes next.

When those enhanced marketplace subsidies were scaled back, costs didn’t go away — they shifted. Employees faced higher premiums, and small business owners were left carrying more of the burden.

There’s good news, though. Chambers of commerce and nonprofit associations can play a powerful role in helping small businesses regain stability through association-based health strategies, collaborative plans that pool businesses together to create buying power, reduce costs, and bring predictability back to benefits.

These programs help small businesses move away from the uncertainty of the marketplace and toward long-term, sustainable solutions.

DM me if you’re interested in learning more about this!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! Wishing you a healthy, happy, and (hopefully) health-insurance-covered 2026!

12/29/2025

For the millions of Americans who buy Affordable Care Act insurance, there's still time left to enroll for 2026. But premium increases and the expiration of enhanced tax subsidies have led to larger-than-expected costs.

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/12/21/nx-s1-5649902/aca-health-plans-costs-alternatives

Without a fix from Congress, costs for many people who buy health care on the Affordable Care Act marketplace have gone up. Here's what's to know about cheaper choices — and pitfalls to be aware of.

12/25/2025

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄✨

I’m so grateful for the incredible people in my life, friends who celebrate various holidays and traditions this time of year. This season reminds me how lucky I am to know so many wonderful people from different backgrounds and cultures.

However you celebrate (or even if you just enjoy the cookies), I hope your days are filled with peace, laughter, and love. ❤️

12/22/2025

2026 Health Plan Compliance Deadlines Are Here! 📅

Employers, as we head into the new year, it’s time to get ahead of your group health plan compliance requirements. Staying on top of these deadlines helps you avoid penalties, protect your employees, and keep your plan running smoothly.

Here are a few key 2026 compliance reminders:
✅ Feb. 2: File Forms W-2 (including health plan cost reporting)
✅ March 1–31: Submit Medicare Part D disclosures and ACA reporting forms
✅ June 1: File your Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) report
✅ July 31: Pay the PCORI fee and file Form 5500 (if applicable)
✅ Oct. 14: Provide Medicare Part D creditable coverage notices
✅ Dec. 31: Submit your annual gag clause attestation

These are just a few of the many dates employers need to track throughout the year.

At Houtz Insurance, we help businesses stay compliant and on schedule so you can focus on your team, not the paperwork.

Let’s make sure you’re ready for every 2026 deadline.

12/18/2025

Health insurance costs are on the rise and employers are feeling the squeeze. 📈

According to the latest KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey, the average single premium increased 5% this year and the average family premium rose 6%. Over the last five years, family coverage premiums have climbed 26%, nearly keeping pace with wage growth and outpacing inflation.

For many small businesses, these steady increases make it harder to balance affordability with offering strong benefits.

At Houtz Insurance, we help employers navigate these trends, compare plan options, and find smart strategies to control costs without cutting coverage.

12/17/2025

As marketplace tax credits have been reduced, the impact on small businesses has been significant. This article explores how Chambers of Commerce and Nonprofits can provide crucial assistance to small business owners during these trying times. Learn more: https://wix.to/VbXZxwC

For years, the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace helped offset rising premiums through expanded tax credits. Many individuals — including small business owners and their employees — relied on those subsidies to make coverage affordable.But as those enhanced tax credits have been reduced or el...

12/15/2025

Here’s something many business owners don’t realize: you don’t have to wait until your next renewal to make a change. If your current broker or plan isn’t meeting your needs, you can still switch, even midyear, as long as your carrier agreement allows it.

There are plenty of reasons to take another look at your group coverage:
✅ Rising costs that no longer fit your budget
✅ Employee feedback about limited networks or high deductibles
✅ Customer service frustrations or claims issues
✅ New plan options that could save money or improve benefits

At Houtz Insurance, we help businesses review their current plans, compare new options, and make transitions smoothly, any time of year.

If your group plan isn’t working for you, it’s never too early (or too late) to make a change that benefits your team and your bottom line.

12/11/2025

Did you know we offer FREEEEEEEE insurance consultations?

That’s right! At Houtz Insurance LLC, you can book a free insurance consultation to review your coverage, explore your options, and make sure your business is getting the protection it needs (without paying more than you should).

Our personalized consultations are designed specifically for business owners who want clarity, confidence, and real solutions — not cookie-cutter advice.

Ready to make insurance simple and strategic? Visit https://www.houtzinsurancellc.com/book-online?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=org&utm_campaign=December&utm_content=Free+Consultation to book your free consultation now.

12/10/2025

From rising premiums and new plan models to the growing impact of prescription drug costs, we break down what’s changing, what it means for your business, and how to stay ahead.

If you’re a small employer, this one’s worth a read, especially as renewal season wraps up.

Staying informed can help you save money, strengthen your benefits, and keep your employees happy and protected.

Read the post on our blog at

Running a small business is tougher than ever—and offering health insurance hasn’t exactly gotten easier, either. Between rising premiums, new coverage trends, and shifting employee expectations, many business owners feel stuck between doing right by their team and managing the bottom line.The g...

12/05/2025

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12/04/2025

All group health plan renewals for a January 1 start date need to be completed by December 15.

If you haven’t reviewed your plan yet, now’s the time. Make sure your business has the right coverage locked in for the new year and that your employees are getting the best benefits possible.

Reach out today to get everything in place before the deadline!