The ICHRA blog — page 4
Clear, data-backed guides to help employers and employees get the most from an Individual Coverage HRA.
ICHRA in South Dakota 2026: Zero Counties Qualify
South Dakota has zero counties where a 2026 ICHRA estimate beats small group. See why, what 2027 rate filings show, and what to do instead.
For EmployersICHRA in New York 2026: NYC Wins, Six Counties Don't
New York's 2026 individual market beats small group in 41 of 62 counties, including all five boroughs. See where it falls short, and why.
For EmployersOpen Enrollment 2027 Is Shorter: An ICHRA Employer Guide
Plan year 2027 open enrollment runs Nov 1 to Dec 15 on HealthCare.gov, 31 days shorter. What ICHRA employers must fix in their notice timeline before then.
For EmployersICHRA in Kansas 2026: Topeka Wins, Wichita Falls Short
Kansas rates rose an estimated 26.6% for 2026. See which of its 105 counties beat small group with an ICHRA estimate, and why Wichita doesn't qualify.
For EmployersICHRA in North Carolina 2026: Mecklenburg Wins, Most Lag
North Carolina's rates rose an estimated 28.6% for 2026. See which of its 100 counties beat small group with an ICHRA estimate, and why most don't.
For EmployersICHRA Nondiscrimination: The 2026 105(h) Test
Give owners a bigger ICHRA than staff and you may trigger IRS Section 105(h) testing. See the two tests, the safe harbors, and what actually fails.
For EmployersICHRA Opt-Out Cash: The 2026 Affordability Trap
Paying employees cash to skip your ICHRA can blow your affordability test. See the IRS rule, the 2027 penalty, and a real county example, sourced this year.
For EmployersICHRA and COBRA in 2026: What Employers Actually Owe
An ICHRA counts as a group health plan under COBRA. See the 20-employee rule, the 102% premium cap, and what a departing employee can keep in 2026.
For EmployersICHRA and Medicare: What Changes for 2027
A Medicare-eligible employee can use ICHRA funds, but the rules are specific. See how it works for 2026 and what a new CMS rule ends starting in 2027.
For EmployersICHRA in South Carolina 2026: Greenwood Wins, York Lags
South Carolina rates rose an estimated 21% for 2026. See which of its 46 counties beat small group with an ICHRA estimate, and why York County barely moves.
SetupHow the ICHRA Special Enrollment Period Works
Offering an ICHRA opens a federal 60-day enrollment window under 45 CFR 155.420. See how it works, with a worked 2026 example and sourced county data.
ComparisonICHRA vs Health Stipend: The 2026 Tax Math
A taxable health stipend loses money to payroll tax before it buys coverage. See the 2026 IRS math against a compliant, tax-free ICHRA, sourced this year.
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