eBen | Risk-Strategies Joins Brown & Brown
We have found a great new partner – someone who will strengthen our ability to serve you with a team-focused approach and a shared commitment to ensuring no client ever outgrows us!
We’re excited to announce that eBen | Risk-Strategies will now be a part of the Brown & Brown team. Ranked as the sixth largest insurance brokerage in the world, Brown & Brown has been providing top-tier customer-centric risk management solutions since 1939. With a global presence spanning more than 500 locations and a team of more than 17,000 professionals, this one-of-a-kind partnership promises to deliver even more innovative capabilities, tailored solutions, and specialty expertise. Above all, your trust and well-being are at the heart of everything we do and our commitment to you remains unchanged. We’ll be right here, as always, with our local strength and hands-on support, helping you protect what matters most.
It’s ‘business as usual’ but stay tuned for more exciting updates in the coming weeks ahead!
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Impact on Employee Benefits
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” makes lasting changes to tax and budget policy with notable effects on employer benefits. While proposed HSA expansions didn’t pass, the law introduces provisions that will require employers to reassess plan design and compliance priorities.
CMS Marketplace Integrity Rule Impact on Group Health Plans
Finalized on June 20, 2025, the rule tightens ACA Marketplace enrollment and verification standards. While aimed at individual and small-group plans, it also impacts employer plans by excluding gender-affirming procedures from essential health benefits in 2026 and updating cost-sharing limits.
Health & Welfare Plan Compliance Reminder
MLR rebate season is approaching for employers sponsoring fully insured group health plans. Under the ACA, insurers must rebate premiums if they spend less than 85% (for large-group plans) or 80% (for small-group/individual plans) on medical claims and quality improvements, and these rebates must be issued by September 30.
Paid Leave & PFML
As of mid-2025, several changes are impacting employer obligations for state-mandated paid leave and Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) programs. Maryland has postponed its PFML rollout, with contributions now starting in 2027 and benefits in 2028. In Michigan, paid sick leave took effect for larger employers on February 21, 2025, with smaller employers required to comply by October 1, 2025.
