Setting up a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) can be a game changer for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. This type of plan allows employers to offer health reimbursements to their staff, helping them cover medical expenses and insurance premiums without having to manage a full-blown group health insurance plan. However, to make sure everything is handled smoothly, working with an employee benefits advisor can be critical.

What Is a QSEHRA?

A Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) allows small business owners to reimburse employees tax-free for health insurance and medical costs. Instead of choosing a single group health plan that may not work for everyone, employees get the freedom to pick their own coverage that fits their needs and still get reimbursed by the company.

For many businesses, especially smaller ones, this provides flexibility. It’s a great way to support employees’ health needs without the complexities and high costs of traditional health insurance plans.

Why You Need an Employee Benefits Advisor

When dealing with any health insurance setup, especially QSEHRAs, the details matter. An employee benefits advisor ensures that:

• The business stays compliant with IRS guidelines
• Employees fully understand how to use their reimbursement plan
• The process of setting up and maintaining the plan is smooth and hassle-free

Without expert guidance, a company could face IRS penalties, confusion among employees, or not take full advantage of what QSEHRA has to offer. A benefits advisor makes sure that the company is not overpaying or missing out on key benefits when dealing with major health insurance providers.

Benefits to Your Business

Cost Control
For small business owners, managing healthcare costs can feel overwhelming. QSEHRAs let the business set a fixed budget for healthcare reimbursements, keeping expenses predictable and within budget. This is ideal for businesses that want to provide health benefits but can’t afford the high premiums of group plans.

Employee Retention
In a competitive job market, offering health benefits is a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. QSEHRAs give employees the flexibility to pick their own health coverage, making it a more attractive option compared to rigid group health plans.

Tax Advantages
Both employers and employees benefit from tax savings with QSEHRAs. Employers can offer tax-free reimbursements, and employees don’t have to report these payments as income, leading to significant tax benefits for both parties.

How QSEHRAs Work in Real Businesses

Let’s say a local design firm with 30 employees wants to offer health benefits but can’t afford a group health plan. By setting up a QSEHRA, they can give each employee a set amount, like $200 per month, to cover their insurance premiums or medical costs. One employee might choose to use it for health insurance, while another might cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.

In another example, a family-owned restaurant with 20 staff members wants to provide health benefits but needs flexibility because employees have different health needs. With a QSEHRA, employees can be reimbursed for the health coverage they choose, and the business keeps a handle on costs by setting a monthly reimbursement limit.

Common Challenges for HR Professionals

For HR professionals, navigating the world of health benefits is challenging enough, but managing QSEHRAs adds another layer. Keeping track of receipts, ensuring compliance with IRS rules, and making sure employees understand how to claim their reimbursements can be time-consuming. A benefits advisor can step in to handle these tasks, ensuring compliance and easing the administrative burden on HR.

Key Definitions

• Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA): A health benefit option available to small employers (with fewer than 50 employees) that allows them to reimburse employees for personal health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses.
• Reimbursement: A payment given back to employees for specific out-of-pocket health costs, such as insurance premiums or medical expenses.
• IRS Guidelines: Rules set by the Internal Revenue Service that dictate how QSEHRAs must be set up and maintained to ensure compliance.

Navigating health benefits for a small business doesn’t have to be a headache. With our help, a QSEHRA can provide a flexible, affordable solution that works for both business owners and employees. Contact us to get started!