Employee Benefits
Association Health Plans in Washington: More Benefit Choices for Small Businesses
Eligible Washington small businesses may have another path to valuable medical benefits and a competitive quote. Learn how a broker can help open the door to association coverage.
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2027 Numbers Washington Employers Need: HSA, FSA, ACA, PFML, WA Cares
Last reviewed: October 16, 2026. Written by Brandon Hoobler, licensed Washington insurance broker. Most of the 2027 benefit numbers Washington employers need are out as of October 16, 2026. The HSA limit rises to $4,500 for self-only coverage, and the ACA affordability percentage rises to 10.22%. The Paid Family and Medical Leave premium rises to…
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A 20% Health Plan Renewal? Build a Side-by-Side Cost Comparison Before You Switch
Compare a large Washington group medical renewal with fully insured, association, level-funded and ICHRA options using employer and employee costs.
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A 90-Day Renewal Plan for Washington Employers Facing a Big Increase
Organize a difficult Washington medical renewal with an implementation calendar for quotes, decisions, employee notices, enrollment and payroll verification.
Read MoreQuestions to bring to your benefits renewal
Use these questions to make the decision easier to assess. Ask for clear assumptions, written comparisons, and a workable implementation schedule. On this page Seven useful questionsDistinguish unavailable information from an unanswered questionConfirm services and feesRecord the decisionMore articles Quick answerA useful renewal discussion explains what is changing, what alternatives were considered, and what each…
Read More2027 Group Health Renewal Increase? Options for Washington Employers
Last reviewed: October 16, 2026. Written by Brandon Hoobler, licensed Washington insurance broker. A large 2027 renewal usually reflects rising medical and drug costs across Washington, plus changes in your own group, such as employee ages and enrollment. You also have real options to compare before your deadline. The earlier you start, the more of…
Read MoreThe broker-of-record letter, explained
A broker-of-record request asks the carrier to recognize a different broker for your account. Review the form and the transition before signing. On this page Separate the decisionsA practical transition sequenceTiming varies by carrier and productBefore you decideMore articles Quick answerThe request changes representation under the carrier’s rules. It does not itself request a change…
Read MoreIs your benefits support keeping pace with your business?
A growing workforce can need a different service arrangement. Use a practical review to decide what to improve with your current broker or what to look for in another. On this page Look for a change in needsPut the service arrangement in writingAsk for a comparison you can useChoose the next stepMore articles Quick answerCompare…
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How to Switch Benefits Brokers in Washington: 2027 Step-by-Step Guide
Last reviewed: October 16, 2026. Written by Brandon Hoobler, licensed Washington insurance broker. Switching benefits brokers in Washington does not, by itself, change your health plan, your insurance carrier or your employees’ ID cards. Each carrier simply names a new adviser on your account, and your coverage keeps running. Brokers like us are paid by…
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Level Funded vs Fully Insured Health Plans in Washington (2027)
Last reviewed: October 16, 2026. Written by Brandon Hoobler, licensed Washington insurance broker. A fully insured plan fits Washington employers who want a set price, no year-end settling up, and no claims risk of their own. That includes groups with someone facing ongoing medical care. A level-funded plan fits groups of mostly healthy employees who…
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