Compliance News & Updates: March 4 , 2025 Issue

In our recent In Compliance newsletter, we feature updates on key legislative and regulatory developments impacting employer-sponsored benefit plans. Highlights include new EEOC and DOJ guidance on discriminatory DEI practices, approaching deadlines for 2025 RxDC reporting, and executive actions affecting federal contractor wages and health plan compliance under the Trump administration. We also cover a rise in class-action lawsuits challenging tobacco surcharges and provide state-specific updates from Idaho, Iowa, and Nevada on workers’ compensation, civil rights protections, and workplace heat illness regulations. Stay up-to-date on the always changing state of employee benefits compliance. Sign up for our Bi-Weekly In-Compliance Newsletter.

EEOC and DOJ Issue Guidance on DEI-related Discrimination

On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued joint guidance on illegal and discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. The EEOC also issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding DEI-related discrimination. The guidance provides some clarity as to the agencies’ position on what may constitute illegal DEI and offers steps employees may take to report violations.  Read more>>

Employers Should Start Preparing for 2025 RxDC Reporting

Group health plans and health insurance issuers must annually submit detailed information on prescription drug and health care spending to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This reporting is referred to as the “prescription drug data collection” (or “RxDC report”). The next RxDC report is due by Sunday, June 1, 2025, covering data for 2024. Read more >>

Executive Order Revokes Federal Contractor Minimum Wage

On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) rescinding Biden-era EO 14026. EO 14026 established the federal contractor minimum wage rate of $15 per hour in 2022 and provided for annual increases based on inflation. The new EO took effect immediately. Read More >>

New Wave of Lawsuits Target Health Plan Tobacco Surcharges

Numerous class-action lawsuits have recently been filed against employers alleging that health plan premium surcharges related to tobacco use violate federal compliance requirements. These lawsuits have been filed by current and former employees of major U.S. companies, such as PepsiCo, Walmart, Target and Whole Foods, who have paid more in premiums due to their tobacco use, often hundreds of dollars more per employee per year. Read More>>

Trump’s Early Initiatives May Impact Health Plan Compliance

In the first months of his second term, President Donald Trump and his administration have issued executive orders (EOs) and policy changes that may have significant implications for employer-sponsored health plans. Read More>>

Benefits and HR State Updates

Idaho Amends Workers’ Compensation Law to Include LLC Members for Penalty Liability

On March 13, 2025, Idaho amended its workers’ compensation laws to include members of limited liability companies (LLCs) and make them criminally liable for failure to obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage if they had the authority to obtain the coverage. Read more>>

Iowa Removes Gender Identity Discrimination Protection

On Feb. 28, 2025, Iowa amended the Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA) to remove gender identity as a protected trait and define gender as either male or female, as observed or verified at birth. The amended law takes effect on July 1, 2025. Read more>>

Nevada Approves New Heat Illness Regulation

On Nov. 15, 2024, the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) of the Department of Business and Industry adopted a new heat illness regulation due to the increase in heat illness complaints submitted to Nevada OSHA. This regulation went into effect on Nov. 15, 2024. Read more>>

 

At Relation Insurance, we’re proud to champion women across our organization through ElevateHer—a movement focused on mentorship, professional development, and amplifying female voices in an industry that hasn’t always left the door wide open. What started as a handful of stories has become a powerful narrative of resilience, transformation, and community.

Through the ElevateHer interview series, we asked women across Relation:
Why insurance? Why Relation? And what advice would you give to others like you?

Their answers were honest, sometimes humorous, and always inspiring. Here’s what we learned:

Insurance: The Accidental Love Story

Almost no one said, “I always dreamed of working in insurance.” And yet, here they are—seasoned professionals, rising stars, and respected leaders—who “fell into” the industry and never looked back.

Some came from banking. Others from real estate. One was pursuing a career in education. A few were just looking for a job and found something bigger than they imagined: a career that blended analytical thinking with meaningful human connection.

“It was supposed to be a stepping stone. It turned out to be the best decision of my life.”

What started as happenstance became purpose. Many spoke of the satisfaction that comes from protecting what matters most—families, businesses, legacies. It’s not just policies. It’s people.

Why Relation? The Culture That Keeps You

While the insurance world can feel, at times, rigid or stale, Relation stood out. For these women, choosing Relation wasn’t about flashy perks or buzzwords. It was about culture—authentic, inclusive, and empowering.

They were drawn in by:

• Supportive, diverse leadership

• Transparent communication

• Growth opportunities (real ones, not just lip service)

• A deep commitment to values—especially family, integrity, and impact

“Insurance is insurance. But Relation is about the people. That’s the difference.”

Whether they came through a merger or applied outright, one thing rang true across every story: Relation felt different. And better.

Advice Worth Passing On

These women have climbed ranks, switched specialties, and shattered ceilings. And along the way, they’ve picked up some wisdom. Here’s what they want the next generation to know:

1. Trust Your Voice. Use It.

If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. If you have an idea, share it. Confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s clarity. In a traditionally male-dominated space, your perspective is power.

2. Stay Curious. Stay Hungry.

Whether it’s earning a CIC designation or learning from colleagues, the ones who thrive are always learning. Be a student of the industry. The more you know, the more impact you’ll make.

3. Build Your Circle.

Mentorship was a game-changer for many. If you don’t have a mentor, find one. If you can be a mentor, become one. The right people will celebrate your wins and help you rise from your setbacks.

4. Advocate for Yourself—and for Other Women.

Take up space. Ask for the raise. Apply for the leadership role. And while you’re climbing, make sure you’re holding the ladder for someone else.

5. Balance Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Leadership Skill.

From raising families to leading teams, these women are living proof that ambition and balance can coexist. It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most, with intention.

This Is Just the Beginning

ElevateHer isn’t just a program—it’s a promise. That women at Relation will have the support, tools, and network to grow into the leaders they’re meant to be. That we will continue to champion each other, challenge the norms, and create new paths for success.

Because when women rise, we all rise.

Want to learn more about ElevateHer or join the conversation? Connect with Alyssa Kresge, SVP of Operations.

At Relation Insurance, we’re all about building lasting partnerships. When one of our hospitality clients — a thriving hotel group based in Atlanta — came to us looking for ways to rein in their rising employee benefits costs, we knew there was a smarter, more sustainable way forward with a self-funding employee benefits plan.

The Client: A Long Standing Hotel Group in Atlanta

A well-established hospitality group headquartered in Atlanta, GA, operating within a competitive and service-driven industry. With a workforce of 2,200 employees — 800 of whom are enrolled in the company’s benefits plan — the organization generates $250 million in annual revenue and is focused on providing exceptional guest experiences while maintaining operational efficiency and financial sustainability.

The Challenge: Large Claims Consisentely pushing up Renewal Costs

For more than a decade, this hotel group had been fighting an uphill battle. Each year brought another round of fully insured cost increases, which they tried to manage through plan design changes and switching carriers. It wasn’t just exhausting — it was expensive.

Large claims consistently pushed up renewal costs, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules limited their ability to pass those increases on to employees. With 800 employees on the benefits plan, even small cost shifts had a major impact.

It was time for a change.

Our Solution: A Strategic Approach to Transforming Their Plan

Working closely with their team, Relation recommended a shift to partial self-funding — a move that would give the company more control, transparency, and long-term savings.

We implemented:

• A business analytics tool to identify areas of waste and cost avoidance

• A strategic third-party administrator (TPA) to carve out large claims and perform thorough claims audits

• An Rx carve-out strategy, allowing access to rebates and better pricing through group purchasing and stronger contract negotiations

• A BUCA Network as a wrap to ensure broad access and provider flexibility

This was more than a cost-cutting exercise — it was a complete transformation of how they approached employee benefits.

The Results: Significant Cost Savings 

The results speak for themselves:

• Over $1 million saved through carve-outs alone
• 94% of fully insured claims were found to be auto-adjudicated and never audited
• Additional 3–5% in savings from TPA audits uncovering duplicate claims and billing errors

Even in a worst-case scenario where claims hit the maximum, the new structure protects the bottom line far better than the fully insured approach ever could.

Your Partner in Smart Benefits Planning

At Relation Insurance, we believe your benefits strategy should be as bespoke as your business. If you’re feeling the pressure of rising costs and cookie-cutter insurance plans, let’s talk. We’ll work with you to find solutions that make sense — for your people, your goals, and your budget.

Ready to explore your options?

If you’re looking to create a benefits package that reflects your company values and employees’, while advancing your business goals, we’re here to help. Let us be your partner in building solutions that work today and for years to come.

Find a Location today to explore how Relation Insurance can help your business succeed.

​In today’s digital landscape, the threat of cyber attacks has escalated, posing significant risks to businesses of all sizes. A recent example is the Medusa ransomware, which has targeted users of popular email services like Gmail and Outlook, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and comprehensive cyber liability coverage.

Why Traditional Business Insurance Isn’t Enough

Many businesses operate under the assumption that their standard commercial insurance policies provide adequate protection against all potential risks, including cyber threats. However, traditional business insurance often falls short in addressing the unique challenges posed by cyber incidents. These policies typically cover tangible assets and general liabilities but may exclude or limit coverage for losses resulting from data breaches, cyber extortion, or system outages caused by malicious cyber activities. ​

How Cyber Insurance Can Protect Your Business

Cyber liability insurance is specifically designed to fill the gaps left by traditional policies, offering comprehensive coverage tailored to the complexities of cyber risks. By investing in a cyber insurance policy, businesses can mitigate the financial impact of cyber attacks and ensure a more resilient operational framework.​

Key Benefits of a Cyber Liability Policy

• Data Breach Response Costs: Expenses related to notifying affected individuals, credit monitoring services, and public relations efforts to manage reputational damage. ​

• Legal and Regulatory Expenses: Costs associated with legal defense, settlements, and fines resulting from regulatory investigations or lawsuits following a cyber incident. ​

• Business Interruption Losses: Reimbursement for lost income and additional expenses incurred due to the disruption of business operations caused by a cyber event. ​

• Cyber Extortion and Ransom Payments: Coverage for monies paid to threat actors to prevent or resolve cyber extortion incidents, such as ransomware attacks. ​

• Data Restoration and System Repair: Costs related to recovering or restoring data, software, and hardware damaged during a cyber attack. ​

• Forensic Investigations: Expenses for hiring experts to determine the cause, scope, and impact of a cyber incident. ​

• Reputational Harm: Costs incurred to manage and mitigate damage to the company’s reputation following a cyber incident. ​

Who Needs Cyber Liability Coverage?

Virtually every business can benefit from cyber liability coverage. Any company that collects, processes, or stores sensitive data online is susceptible to cyber threats. If your business engages in e-commerce or maintains databases with personal details—such as customer names, credit card numbers, or contact information—investing in cyber insurance is a smart safeguard.

Key Cyber Risks to Businesses:

• Exposure of confidential client information
• Data breaches caused by employee mistakes
• Identity theft, malware infections, or phishing attacks
• Unauthorized access to business social media accounts

Any of these incidents can lead to financial losses, reputational harm, and operational disruptions. Cyber liability insurance provides an essential layer of protection, helping businesses recover from the impact of a data breach.

If your company handles digital information—whether employee records, financial data, or customer details—consider the potential costs of a cyberattack. For small and mid-sized businesses, cyber insurance can serve as a crucial financial safety net.

Cyber Threats Affect Businesses of All Sizes

Even small businesses are not immune to cybercrime. Hackers often target them through vulnerabilities like compromised point-of-sale (POS) systems or weak security measures.

Additionally, many clients and corporate partners now require businesses to carry cyber insurance as part of contractual agreements, underscoring the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Work with a Trusted Insurance Partner

As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and frequency, it is imperative for businesses to reassess their risk management strategies. Relying solely on traditional insurance coverage may leave critical vulnerabilities unaddressed. Implementing comprehensive cyber liability coverage is a proactive step toward safeguarding your organization’s financial stability and reputation in the face of an ever-changing cyber threat landscape.

Did you know that 75% of small businesses are underinsured? Many business owners believe they have adequate coverage—until an unexpected claim arises. Whether it’s a lawsuit, property damage, or an unforeseen disruption, the lack of sufficient insurance can lead to devastating financial consequences.

Underinsurance can happen for many reasons, from underestimating risks, to failing to update policies as the business grows, even inflation. At Relation, we are here to help you assess whether your business is properly insured and provide steps to close any coverage gaps.

What Happens If My Business Is Underinsured?

If your business is underinsured, you risk not having enough coverage to fully protect your company in the event of a claim. Resulting in a shortfall between what your policy covers and what your actual financial exposure is. Common reasons businesses end up underinsured include:

• Failing to update coverage as the business grows.
• Underestimating the value of assets, property, or potential liabilities.
• Choosing minimal coverage to save on premiums.
• Not considering emerging risks, such as cyber threats.
• The cost to replace assets due to rising inflation costs.

If you haven’t reviewed your policy in the last year, your business may already be at risk.

Signs Your Business Might Be Underinsured

Inadequate Liability Limits

Liability insurance is essential for protecting against lawsuits, but many small businesses don’t have high enough limits. If your policy only covers $500,000 in damages but a lawsuit results in a $1 million judgment, your business would be responsible for the remaining $500,000. In industries where legal claims are common, such as construction or retail, low liability limits can be financially disastrous.

Lack of Cyber Insurance

With cybercrime on the rise, having cyber liability insurance is no longer optional. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing scams can cost businesses thousands—or even millions—in damages. Yet, many small business owners assume that a general business policy covers cyber threats, which is often not the case.

No Business Interruption Coverage

Natural disasters, fires, and even supply chain disruptions can bring operations to a halt. Without business interruption insurance, companies may struggle to pay rent, salaries, and other expenses while recovering. This type of coverage helps replace lost income, ensuring that your business stays afloat during an unexpected shutdown.

Insufficient Property Insurance

Your business property—whether it’s an office, storefront, or warehouse—faces risks such as fires, floods, theft, and vandalism. However, many business owners assume their existing property insurance covers all damages, only to find out after an incident that they don’t have enough coverage.

Common issues with property insurance include:

• Coverage limits that don’t reflect current market values.
• Exclusions for natural disasters like flood, earthquakes or hurricanes.
• Failure to include coverage for equipment, inventory, or outdoor signage.

Underestimated Replacement Costs

Inflation and rising construction costs mean that rebuilding a damaged property or replacing equipment could cost far more than what your policy covers. Many businesses rely on outdated valuations, leaving them with insufficient funds when they need to rebuild.

How to Reevaluate and Strengthen Your Business Insurance

One of the best ways to ensure your business is properly insured is by performing a coverage audit. This involves reviewing your existing policies, identifying gaps, and determining whether your coverage aligns with your current risks.

Key questions to ask:

• Do my policy limits match my business’s revenue, assets, and liabilities?
• Am I covered for emerging risks like cyberattacks?
• Do I have the right endorsements for my industry?
• Does my current policy reflect inflation and market changes?

Work with a Trusted Insurance Partner

Businesses evolve, and so should their insurance coverage. Whether you’re expanding, hiring more employees, or adding new services, your risk profile changes over time. Regularly reviewing your policy with a trusted insurance broker ensures you remain fully protected as your company scales.

At Relation, we know insurance policies can sometimes feel complex, and it’s easy to overlook important details. When you work with Relation, we are proactive about your risk. Our team of experts regularly checks in on our clients to help with:

• Analyze your current policy and suggest necessary adjustments.
• Compare options from different providers to find the best coverage.
• Ensure you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverage while still protecting your business.

Let Relation help you change the way you look at insurance. Find a location near you and contact us today!

Compliance News & Updates: March 4 , 2025 Issue

In our recent In Compliance Newsletter, we feature articles highlighting recent legislative changes and regulatory guidance for employer-sponsored benefit plans. Stay up-to-date on the always changing state of employee benefits compliance. Sign up for our Bi-Weekly In-Compliance Newsletter.

Acting NLRB General Counsel Rescinds Several Biden-era Memorandums

On Feb. 14, 2025, the Acting General Counsel (GC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a memorandum rescinding several policies issued by the previous NLRB GC, including memorandums addressing severance and noncompete agreements, captive audience bans and the rights of student-athletes under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The memorandum also restores prior guidance that delegated authority to authorize certain disclosures by the NLRA to the Division of Legal Counsel and indicates that the GC will issue new guidance to replace some rescinded memorandums. Read more>>

HHS Rescinds Guidance on Gender Affirming Care for Minors

On Feb. 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescinded its guidance on gender-affirming care from March 2, 2022, effective immediately. HHS was directed to rescind this guidance by President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14187(“Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation”). According to HHS, the 2022 guidance no longer reflects its views, and the rescission is a significant step in aligning civil rights and health information privacy enforcement with the Trump Administration’s policies. ​​​​​Read more >>

IRA Changes to Medicare Part D May Impact Employee Plans

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) includes several cost-reduction provisions to Medicare Part D plans that are designed to help beneficiaries but may also impact employer-sponsored health plans. Read More >>

IRS Issues ACA Reporting Guidance on Providing Statements Upon Request.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) includes several cost-reduction provisions to Medicare Part D plans that are designed to help beneficiaries but may also impact employer-sponsored health plans. Read More>>

Benefits and HR State Updates

Michigan Legislature Passes Changes to Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Time

The Michigan Legislature has passed bills altering increases to minimum wage and paid sick time ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court last year. The bills were signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Feb. 21, 2025, the same date the court-ordered changes were to take effect. The amendments took effect immediately. Read more>>

 

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the incredible contributions women have made across industries, communities, and history itself. At Relation Insurance, we believe in elevating women in insurance by fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace—one where women are supported, celebrated, and given opportunities to thrive. That’s why we were excited to launch ElevateHer last year (2024), an initiative dedicated to advancing and uplifting women in the insurance industry.

What is ElevateHer?

ElevateHer is more than just a program to elevate women in insurance —it’s a movement within Relation Insurance that champions the growth, development, and success of women in our organization and beyond. Our mission is simple: to create a supportive network that provides mentorship, professional development, and career advancement opportunities for women in insurance.

The objective of ElevateHer is to provide resources, events, and networking opportunities that empower our female employees to excel in their careers, build meaningful connections, and break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through education, mentorship, and community-building, ElevateHer is set to make a lasting impact.

How We’ve Been Elevating Women at Relation

While the official launch of ElevateHer marks a new chapter in elevating women in insurance, Relation has already been fostering an environment where women’s voices are heard and valued. Over the past year, we’ve hosted several impactful events and initiatives designed to support and celebrate women within our company:

1. The Inaugural ElevateHer Panel at NSM

One of the most exciting moments was our first-ever ElevateHer panel at the National Sales Meeting (NSM). Alyssa Kresge, SVP of Operations had the privilege of joining a group of dynamic, trailblazing women—each a leader in their own right—to discuss their professional journeys, challenges, and strategies for success.

The panel featured an inspiring lineup of industry leaders:

• Marti Smith – SVP, Employee Benefits Risk Advisor
• Kate Rager – General Counsel
• Keri Lopez – SVP, Employee Benefits Risk Advisor
• Marya Propis – EVP of RT Specialty

This discussion wasn’t just a conversation—it was a powerful statement about the importance of recognition, empowerment, and support in shaping the future of women in insurance.

2. ElevateHer Happy Hour: Connecting and Inspiring

Networking and mentorship play a vital role in professional growth, and we were thrilled to kick off our first ElevateHer Happy Hour last April, hosted by Kate Rager, Relation’s General Counsel.

This event brought together women in leadership roles to connect, share experiences, and inspire one another as we entered the second half of 2024.

“This was a great evening, getting away from the office for a moment to connect with women in a wide range of roles throughout the company,” said Kate Rager. “It was an honor and pleasure to watch colleagues building and strengthening relationships that will serve them as they progress in their careers here at Relation.”

3. Interview Series: Highlighting Women at Relation

We know that representation matters. Through our Women in Leadership interview series, we’ve been shining a spotlight on the incredible women who are shaping our company every day. These interviews provide a platform for women across various roles to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs—because when we see ourselves in leadership, we know what’s possible.

4. ElevateHer Resource Page: A Hub for Learning and Growth

We are committed to providing ongoing access to knowledge and support. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated ElevateHer resource page on our company intranet. This hub is filled with articles, insights, and industry news focused on the experiences of women in insurance. It’s a place to find inspiration, best practices, and guidance for career growth.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of ElevateHer

The launch of ElevateHer is just the beginning. As we move forward, we are committed to expanding the program with mentorship opportunities, leadership training, and additional networking events. Our goal is to create a lasting impact, not just within Relation Insurance but across the broader industry.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the trailblazers who came before us and commit to paving the way for future generations of women in insurance. ElevateHer is our promise to continue that progress, ensuring that all women at Relation have the tools, support, and opportunities they need to rise, lead, and thrive.

Interested in a Career at Relation Insurance

At Relation Insurance, we’re more than just an insurance firm—we’re a dynamic team of innovators, problem-solvers, and industry leaders who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, we offer exciting opportunities to grow, collaborate, and thrive in a supportive, forward-thinking environment. Ready to take the next step? Explore our career opportunities and discover how you can be part of something great!

Find my next career move at Relation Insurance >>

Nonprofits are built on a mission to serve, uplift, and drive meaningful change. While their focus is on improving lives and communities, navigating the complexities of risk and insurance can often feel overwhelming. That’s where trusted partners like Relation Insurance’s Lauren Erickson come in—bringing expertise, responsiveness, and a relationship-first approach to ensure nonprofits have the coverage they need to thrive.

Going Beyond the Policy: Lauren Erickson’s Commitment to Nonprofits

The unique risks that nonprofits face require more than a one-size-fits-all solution. Lauren Erickson has built her career on understanding the distinct needs of nonprofit organizations and crafting bespoke insurance solutions that align with their mission and operations. Her dedication and expertise have earned her the prestigious title of 2025 Nonprofit Power Broker—an honor that reflects her commitment to outstanding client service, problem-solving, and industry knowledge.

But don’t just take our word for it—Lauren’s clients say it best.

“We were just starting out as a new nonprofit with a unique risk profile. We run a restoration crew with forestry work, chainsaw work, prescribed fire—which gives us a higher risk, because you usually see prescribed burns with firefighting companies or timber operations, but we are neither of those things,” shared Lindsay Dailey, Executive Director of the Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance.

The nonprofit’s previous broker didn’t take the time to fully understand their work. When their renewal deadline loomed and frustration mounted, Lauren stepped in.

“She was responsive. It was night and day starting to work with Lauren and her team, and they took the time to learn our operations, who we serve, our program,” Dailey said.

This “night and day” difference is a common theme in the experiences of Lauren’s clients. Sam Chery, Assistant General Counsel at TSNE, echoed a similar sentiment.

“Lauren is a business partner to us,” Chery shared. “In the last two years, I’ve learned so much about how insurance works and works for us thanks to Lauren. Her philosophy is to be a partner first.”

The Power of Partnership in Insurance

At Relation Insurance, we believe in a teammate approach to insurance. Our goal isn’t just to provide policies—it’s to understand your business, your customers and your unique needs.Our mission is to build lasting relationships that help us serve solutions that empower our clients to focus on their mission with confidence. Lauren’s recognition as a 2025 Nonprofit Power Broker is a testament to this philosophy in action.

What Is a Power Broker?

The Risk & Insurance Power Broker® designation is awarded to individuals who stand out among their peers for exceptional client service, problem-solving abilities, and industry knowledge. Winners are selected based on client testimonials, highlighting the direct impact they have had on organizations. Lauren’s recognition reflects her deep commitment to serving the nonprofit sector with expertise and care.

Ready to Partner with a Team Who Puts You First?

Insurance should never be a roadblock to achieving your mission. At Relation Insurance, we specialize in crafting tailored solutions for many industries, including nonprofits. If you’re looking for a trusted partner who will take the time to understand your unique risks and advocate for your needs, let’s talk.

Read the original article on Risk & Insurance here

Find a Location and Contact us today to see how Relation Insurance can help protect your mission.

At Relation Insurance, we understand that employee benefits are more than just policies—they are a crucial part of a company’s commitment to its workforce. When a veteran-owned engineering firm in Colorado faced an unsustainable rate increase, they turned to us for a solution that would balance cost containment with their goal of maintaining a high-quality benefits package.

The Client: A Veteran-Owned Government Contractor

Located in Colorado, this government contractor has a dedicated team of 175 employees and generates $10 million in annual revenue. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, they were committed to providing a robust benefits package to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

The Challenge: Rising Costs Without Sacrificing Benefits

Like many businesses, our client was hit with a significant renewal rate increase—14%, to be exact. As a veteran-owned company that values its employees, they were determined to find a way to reduce costs without compromising the quality of benefits their workforce depended on. The challenge was clear: How could they continue offering competitive benefits while keeping costs under control?

Our Solution: A Strategic Approach to Cost Containment

Our team of Employee Benefits experts got to work, leveraging our deep industry relationships and market expertise to craft a bespoke solution tailored to our client’s needs. Our approach included:

1. Carrier Optimization: We explored alternative carriers and identified a new provider that could offer the same level of coverage at a more competitive rate.
2. Multi-Year Containment Strategy: By negotiating a multi-year agreement, we implemented a structured cost-control plan that stabilized expenses over time.
3. Integrated Solutions: We aligned plan design with cost-saving strategies, ensuring minimal impact on employees while maximizing savings.

The Results: Significant Cost Savings & Stability

The results spoke for themselves:

• 21% Reduction in Per Employee Per Year Claims Costs – A significant drop in claims expenses without a reduction in coverage quality.
• .006% Rate Increase the Following Year – Far below the industry average of 7% per annum, ensuring long-term cost stability.
• Enhanced Employee Satisfaction – The company continued to offer a benefits package that met employee needs while keeping costs manageable.

Your Partner in Smart Benefits Planning

At Relation Insurance, we take a hands-on, relationship-driven approach to employee benefits. We don’t just find solutions—we craft tailored strategies that align with your business goals. If your company is facing rising benefits costs, let’s talk. Together, we can create a plan that keeps your employees covered and your bottom line healthy.

Ready to explore your options?

If you’re looking to create a benefits package that reflects your company values and employees’, while advancing your business goals, we’re here to help. Let us be your partner in building solutions that work today and for years to come.

Find a Location today to explore how Relation Insurance can help your business succeed.

Compliance News & Updates: February 18 , 2025 Issue

In our recent In Compliance Newsletter, we feature articles highlighting recent legislative changes and regulatory guidance for employer-sponsored benefit plans. Stay up-to-date on the always changing state of employee benefits compliance. Sign up for our Bi-Weekly In-Compliance Newsletter.

Common Health Plan Compliance Mistakes to Avoid

Employers that sponsor group health plans are subject to many different compliance requirements under federal law. Keeping track of these various requirements can be challenging, even for the most attentive employers. Mistakes can easily occur, which may trigger penalties, excise taxes, enforcement action or lawsuits, depending on the type of mistake. To help avoid these potential consequences, employers should regularly review their compliance with employee benefits laws and implement strategies to address any compliance gaps.. Read more>>

Medicare Part D Disclosures due by March 1, 2025 for Calendar Year Plans

Group health plan sponsors are required to complete an online disclosure form with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on an annual basis and at other select times, indicating whether the plan’s prescription drug coverage is creditable or non-creditable. This disclosure requirement applies when an employer-sponsored group health plan provides prescription drug coverage to individuals who are eligible for coverage under Medicare Part D. ​​​​​Read more >>

Tips for Preventing Common ACA Reporting Mistakes

Employers often find the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) reporting process to be complex and challenging to navigate. Even though the requirements have been in place for nearly a decade, the process remains intricate and can be difficult even for the most experienced employers. It’s crucial for employers to steer clear of common mistakes to ensure compliance and prevent costly penalties. Read more >>

 

Benefits and HR State Updates

Deadline for California 2024 Pay Data Reporting Is May 14, 2025

Employers with 100 or more employees and/or 100 or more workers hired through labor contractors, in each case at least one of whom is in California, must file annual workforce pay data reports with the state Civil Rights Department (CRD). 2024 pay data reports are due on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, and the portal for submitting 2024 reports opened on Feb. 3, 2025. Read more>>