• What does it cost to set up a small-group benefits plan?

    Published On: May 12, 2026
    111 words0.6 min read

    The largest cost is the premium itself, which varies by carrier, plan design, employee demographics, and employer contribution strategy. Rough DC-metro ranges for a 10-employee group with average demographics: Group medical (employer pays 50%): $400–$900/month per employee Dental: $25–$50/month per employee Vision: $5–$10/month per employee Short-term disability: $15–$40/month per employee Long-term disability: $20–$45/month per employee Group life ($25K-$50K): $3–$10/month per employee Total employer cost for

  • How does paid family leave work in DC, Maryland, and Virginia?

    Published On: May 12, 2026
    108 words0.5 min read

    DC has the Universal Paid Leave Act — up to 12 weeks of paid family, parental, medical, and prenatal leave, funded by an employer payroll tax. No employee contribution. Administered by DC government. Maryland is phasing in FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance), with contributions beginning 2026 and benefits beginning later in 2026 — up to 12 weeks of paid leave funded by both

  • As a federal contractor, what do I need to know about Service Contract Act fringe benefits?

    Published On: May 12, 2026
    108 words0.5 min read

    If you hold a Service Contract Act (SCA) federal contract for services valued over $2,500, you’re required to pay specified prevailing wages and provide a specified fringe benefit rate (set by DOL Wage Determinations). The fringe benefit obligation can be paid in cash to employees or applied to bona fide benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave above statutory minimums). Applying it to benefits — rather

  • What’s an ICHRA and is it right for my business?

    Published On: May 12, 2026
    121 words0.6 min read

    Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) is an arrangement where the employer reimburses employees tax-free for individual-market health insurance premiums and medical expenses, instead of offering a traditional group health plan. ICHRAs work especially well for: (1) small employers whose workforce is best served by choice (different employees, different plans), (2) employers with employees in multiple states or remote workforces, (3) employers who want a predictable cost

  • What’s the difference between fully-insured, level-funded, and self-funded health plans?

    Published On: May 12, 2026
    123 words0.6 min read

    Fully-insured is the traditional model — you pay a fixed premium to a carrier (CareFirst, Kaiser, UHC, etc.) and they bear all claims risk. Self-funded means you (the employer) pay claims directly out of a claims fund and buy stop-loss insurance to cap your exposure on high-claim individuals; used primarily by larger employers. Level-funded is the middle option that’s grown rapidly for small

  • How many employees do I need to offer group health insurance?

    Published On: May 12, 2026
    88 words0.4 min read

    In Maryland, DC, and Virginia, you can offer small-group health insurance with as few as two enrolled employees (one employee and one owner counts). Group plans become available, more carrier-competitive, and more plan-design flexible as you grow toward 50 employees. At 50 full-time-equivalent employees, the Affordable Care Act’s Applicable Large Employer (ALE) mandate kicks in — you must offer affordable, minimum-value health coverage to full-time employees