Insights: plain-English guidance for benefits decisions.

Your renewal notice is more than a new premium. This guide walks through the parts that matter: the rate change, any plan design changes the carrier made, rate guarantees, participation requirements and the response deadline. It ends with seven questions to ask your carrier or broker before you sign, and how much time to allow realistically if you want to explore alternatives.

Westbrook Benefits Group | Last reviewed: October 15, 2026

As companies grow, alternatives to traditional fully insured plans become more common. This article explains how each funding approach works, where the financial risk sits, what stop-loss coverage does, and the kinds of employers each approach tends to suit. It's balanced: we cover the potential upsides and the real risks, so you can have a better conversation with your advisor and finance team.

Westbrook Benefits Group | Last reviewed: October 15, 2026

From annual notices to ACA reporting and Form 5500 filings, benefits compliance runs on deadlines. This guide organizes common employer obligations by time of year and by company size, flags which ones generally start to apply at 20, 50 and 100 employees, and includes a downloadable checklist. It's educational only, with pointers on when to involve benefits counsel.

Westbrook Benefits Group | Last reviewed: October 15, 2026