Benafica

04/01/2026

We're partnering with the St. Paul Area Chamber this month to bring you Small Business Bites. Join us on April 20th to learn more about ICHRA, how it compares to group health, and when ICHRA makes sense for your organization. Hope to see you there!

🚀 Free Webinar: ICHRA 101 - A Modern Health Benefit Strategy for Today’s Employers

📅 Monday, April 20
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Register now: https://f.mtr.cool/vacctffqss

Health insurance costs continue to rise for both employers and employees. If you're exploring alternatives to traditional group health plans or looking to offer health benefits for the first time, this session is for you.

Join us for a high‑level introduction to Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA). Designed for small and growing businesses, this webinar will cover:
✔️ How ICHRA works
✔️ How it compares to traditional group health insurance
✔️ When ICHRA makes sense for an organization
✔️ Where to start if you're considering this option

Attendees will leave with a clear, objective framework to help determine whether ICHRA is worth exploring for their business.

🎤 Featured Speaker:
Benafica is a Minnesota-based benefits partner that helps employers explore compliant, sustainable alternatives to traditional health insurance, including ICHRA and QSEHRA. As both an advisor and administrator, Benafica takes an education-first approach, guiding employers through how ICHRA works, addressing common questions, and outlining key comparisons to group health plans.

👉 Don’t miss out, save your spot today!
https://f.mtr.cool/pqgtmstfhn

03/26/2026

It’s March at Benafica, and our team is busy onboarding a new 60-person employer group with benefits set to go live on April 1.

This kind of mid-year implementation is more common than you might think, but many employers still assume they have to wait until their annual renewal to make a change.

The reality is you don’t have to wait. Read more to learn how.

Wondering if you can start an ICHRA mid-year? You can! Learn how ICHRA notice periods work and how to transition smoothly from group coverage.

03/24/2026

We were talking with a broker using the new BEN360 platform the other day, and one thing stood out—he can see everything he needs instantly, without making calls or waiting for updates:
✔️Platform invite status and enrollment progress
✔️Plan details and premiums
✔️Payroll deductions
✔️Employee and dependent info
✔️PAYMENTS
All in one place. No chasing information. Just clarity, right at your fingertips.

03/17/2026

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Good benefits shouldn’t rely on luck, but it never hurts to have a lucky charm🍀

We’ve got your back with thoughtful, human-focused HRA administration.

Learn more at benafica.com

03/16/2026

Did you know your ICHRA/QSEHRA administrator can make or break your company's experience with HRAs?

When employers say an HRA “didn’t work,” it’s often not the model... it’s the administration behind it.

Not all ICHRA administrators operate the same way. The experience for employers, brokers, and employees can look very different depending on who’s running the program.

A few things we've seen that don't work:
❌ AI chat bots that never actually resolve issues
❌ Support teams who don’t understand the individual market
❌ A hands-off approach with employers

What you should expect:
✅ Real, responsive human support
✅ Licensed counselors who guide employees through their options year-round
✅ A hands-on, transparent partnership with employers

If you want administration that actually supports your people, it starts with choosing the right partner. 💙

03/08/2026

Happy International Women's Day! 💃🏼
Today we’re reflecting on the remarkable contributions of women in our industry and the countless ways they continue to inspire progress, innovation, and positive change. 🩷

03/06/2026

ICHRA isn’t a niche solution. Today, large employers are turning to ICHRAs as a front‑line benefits strategy that delivers flexibility, cost control, and choice at scale.

Learn more at benafica.com/ICHRA

02/26/2026

An interesting article from Employee Benefit News highlights research showing that a majority of workers prefer benefits to feel more “à la carte."

When employees are able to choose the coverage that fits their needs, they may be able to allocate more of their benefits value toward options that matter most to them.

That's where can be a more flexible option.

Read more:

Workers want a more active role in choosing how their benefit dollars are spent, according to a study from Alight.

02/18/2026

Last year, there was no shortage of predictions about what would happen to ACA enrollment once enhanced federal tax credits expired. Some experts forecasted a catastrophe.

New data from CMS tells a more nuanced story... Enrollment declined in 2026 — but not off a cliff. It will take more time for all the data to shake out.

Read our latest blog for the breakdown and what it means for the individual market and ICHRA.

CMS data shows 2026 ACA enrollment wasn’t the catastrophe experts predicted after subsidy changes. Here’s what actually happened.

02/16/2026

From humble beginnings to the highest office in the nation, President Obama’s journey is a reminder that progress is possible and underscores a core American idea: your starting point doesn’t define your future. This Presidents’ Day, we honor that legacy.

02/14/2026

Roses are red 🌹
Violets are blue 🩵
Happy Valentine's Day from Benafica to you!

02/13/2026

Following up on our blog post from yesterday, here is a handy chart to help keep you in compliance with forms and filing deadlines. And while Benafica doesn't complete this work for you, our BEN360 platform makes everything transparent and trackable to make end-of-year filing and tax time a breeze! 🌬️