Employee benefits

Employee Benefits More Complicated – Start Planning Now

By Chris Noffke, REBC, CSFS, GBDS, Vice President of Employee Benefits

When I look at the coming year, 2026 feels like it’s shaping up to be a rollercoaster ride for health insurance and other benefits. Rising medical costs, specialty drugs, and policy changes are making benefits strategies more complex and personalized than ever. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act locked in permanent pre-deductible telehealth coverage for high-deductible health plans, a big win for employers and employees who value easier, more flexible access to care. That’s one of the smooth parts of the ride, but some of the looming changes will cause nearly 76,000 Wisconsin residents to lose affordable health care. The bill adds new cost-sharing rules and, in the future, will adjust eligibility windows that could change how individuals access coverage. 

Careful attention and proactive planning will be essential for group health, dental, and vision plans. What may appear to be a simple renewal in 2025 could feel very different in 2026 once these changes take effect. That’s why building a strategy now is so incredibly important. A thoughtful benefits strategy isn’t just about checking the compliance box; it’s about staying ahead of renewal cost pressures, protecting your employees’ access to choice in care, and keeping your organization competitive in a tightening labor market.

If you wait until renewal season to react, options will be available, but it could be too late to make thoughtful decisions. With a proactive plan in place, you’ll be ready to navigate changes with confidence and some control. Employers need to clearly communicate, use cost management strategies, and technology to help employees make informed choices.

If your group provides employee benefits and insurances, let’s start the conversation now. I can help you evaluate your current benefits as our team supports more than a hundred independent physician companies with these decisions. I will help identify potential impacts from the 2026 changes and develop a strategy that keeps your plan strong and sustainable. Contact me at chris.noffke@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3734.

Picture of Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS

Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS

Vice President, Employee Benefits

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at chris.noffke@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3734.

Send me an email!
Picture of Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS

Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS

Vice President, Employee Benefits

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at chris.noffke@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3734.

Send me an email!

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisions. Full disclaimer and contact information.

Adapting Employee Benefits to Support Your Staff

By Chris Noffke, REBC, CSFS, GBDS, Vice President of Employee Benefits

When I first entered the world of insurance nearly 20 years ago, the employee benefits landscape in Wisconsin was very different from what it is today. Back then, employee benefits centered almost exclusively around traditional health plan’s networks. Employers were primarily concerned with keeping costs manageable, while providing a basic level of coverage that checked the necessary boxes. Choices were not as limited, and customization was common.

Fast forward to today, and the shift is nothing short of pre-built benefits at a high cost. The employee benefits market has evolved dramatically, driven by changes in health care regulations, market competition, and the increasing expectations of both employers and their teams. Employees now expect a more robust and customizable benefits packages that go beyond just health insurance. We’re seeing a demand for Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), and more – all becoming integral parts of employee benefits packages. Moreover, with a diverse and changing workforce, plus competition from large health care systems, adaptability has become key in managing group benefits effectively.

Reflecting on the journey, I’m reminded of the countless conversations and problem-solving moments that have defined my career. The relationships I’ve built and the trust I’ve earned are a testament to the commitment we’ve all shared in pushing the envelope and making sure employee benefits in Wisconsin are among the best.

If your group is feeling the strain of rising health care costs, or if you’re simply looking for a way to better manage your benefits strategy, let’s have a conversation. Contact me at chris.noffke@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3734.

Together, we can navigate the complexities of today’s market and find solutions that work not just for today, but for the future. After all, the only thing constant in this industry is change, and the best way to face it is side by side.

Picture of Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS

Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS

Vice President, Employee Benefits

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at chris.noffke@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3734.

Send me an email!
Picture of Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS

Chris Noffke, CSFS, GBDS

Vice President, Employee Benefits

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at chris.noffke@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3734.

Send me an email!

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisions. Full disclaimer and contact information.

2025 Volume 2

Does DSPS Know Your Current Address & Email? If Not, You May Be at Risk of Penalty.

By Shawna Bertalot, CIC, ACI, WisMed Assure President

Email electronic communication graphic inbox on computer screen working on the internet. Email marketing and newsletter concept.

Moving is a hassle, including changing your mailing and email addresses, making sure you have notified all family, colleagues, friends, billing payees, and your professional licensing board. It is your responsibility under Wisconsin Law, and you may be penalized if you don’t do so in a timely manner.

Read more…

Medicare Resources and Support

By Alisa Allen, RHU, REBC, Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Senior black couple, documents and laptop for planning, budget and taxes with talk for future in home. Old man, woman and reading pc screen for insurance, retirement or finance goals with paperwork

The federal Medicare program is complex and can be confusing when you start reviewing your options at retirement or when you become Medicare-eligible. You may also be assisting your parents, grandparents, or friends with this important decision and searching for information.

Read more…

Social Security for Physicians

When should I take social security? Retirement and finance planning question, handwriting on napkin with tea.

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Senior Advisor, WisMed Financial

Social Security is a vital part of retirement income for most Americans, including physicians. But navigating Social Security retirement can be confusing. Making an informed decision requires an understanding of benefits, claiming strategies, spousal, and survivor benefits.

Read more…

Business Owner’s Insurance for Health Care Clinics

water damage in a clinic

By Jensen Peck, Business and Professional Insurance Executive

Business owner’s insurance policy (BOP) is a cornerstone of risk management for health care clinics. Unlike professional liability (malpractice insurance), which addresses claims against medical services rendered, a BOP addresses business risks such as general liability, commercial property, and business interruption. A BOP covers all these risks by bundling these coverages into one compact insurance policy.

Read more…

Adapting Employee Benefits to Support Your Staff

Company employee benefits manual, with cover opening to reveal tabbed contents.

By Chris Noffke, REBC, CSFS, GBDS, Vice President of Employee Benefits

When I first entered the world of insurance nearly 20 years ago, the employee benefits landscape in Wisconsin was very different from what it is today. Back then, the conversation centered almost exclusively around traditional health plan’s networks. Employers were primarily concerned with keeping costs manageable, while providing a basic level of coverage that checked the necessary boxes.

Read more…

Hybrid Policies Shine in Addressing Long-term Care Concerns

By Tom Strangstalien, Executive Director Individual Insurance Planning

image of extended family and long-term care team

It’s not a secret that the rapidly increasing cost of long-term care is driving dramatic increases in long-term care (LTC) insurance premiums. You may also have been victim or witness to a dramatic increase in long-term care insurance premiums on a policy purchased years ago.

Read more…

WisMed Assure Implements Employee Navigator to Enhance Benefits Administration

By Martin Hurst, Insurance Service Representative

WisMed Assure is taking a significant step in modernizing benefits administration for our employee benefits clients by implementing Employee Navigator (a leading benefits management platform designed to streamline enrollment, improve efficiency, and enhance overall experience for both employers and employees). This cloud-based platform serves as a central hub for benefits management, integrating with insurance carriers, payroll systems, and HR software to create a seamless and efficient process. Employers benefit from real-time access to benefits data, automated reporting, and built-in compliance tools that help track eligibility, manage ACA reporting, and ensure timely communication of benefits updates.

Your employees gain access to an intuitive self-service portal where they can review, select, and manage their benefits, update personal information, and retrieve essential HR documents anytime. By integrating this platform, WisMed Assure is providing its employee benefits clients with a more organized, automated, and user-friendly approach to benefits administration, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and efficiency while enhancing the experience for both employers and employees.

A Phased Approach for a Smooth Transition

To ensure a seamless transition, WisMed Assure is rolling out Employee Navigator in phases. This approach allows us to provide personalized support, address any challenges proactively, and tailor the implementation to best meet the needs of our clients. Our team is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible, offering training and ongoing assistance to ensure that both employers and employees can maximize the benefits of this new system.

As we continue this rollout, we look forward to enhancing the benefits administration experience for the groups we serve, helping them save time, reduce administrative burdens, and focus on what matters most—their business and employees.

To learn more about Employee Navigator, please contact Martin Hurst at martin.hurst@wismedassure.org or call 608.442.3728.

Picture of Martin Hurst

Martin Hurst

Insurance Service Representative

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at martin.hurst@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3728.

Send me an email!
Picture of Martin Hurst

Martin Hurst

Insurance Service Representative

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at martin.hurst@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3728.

Send me an email!

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisions. Full disclaimer and contact information.

2025 Volume 1

Working with WisMed Assure Helps Keep Medical Malpractice Rates Low in Wisconsin

By Shawna Bertalot, CIC, ACI, WisMed Assure President

Clipboard with documents about medical malpractice and gavel.

Some good news for Wisconsin Physicians, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), and the hospitals and clinics that employ them. At the last meeting of The Board of Governors of the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF) in December 2024, the Actuarial Committee made the recommendation to keep rates the same for the IPFCF’s Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026. 

Read more…

Last-Minute Money Moves for 2024 Taxes

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Senior Advisor, WisMed Financial

Road sign that reads 'Smart Money next exit'

As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, physicians still have opportunities to adjust and improve their 2024 tax returns.

Contribute to a Health Savings Account If you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you may be eligible to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). For 2024, the contribution limits are $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families. Contributions can be made until the tax filing deadline.

Read more…

Hidden Tax Benefits of Long-term Care Planning

Documents on table for the premise of calculating the amount needed for retirement and Long Term Health Care.

By Tom Strangstalien, Insurance Advisor

We’re well into the tax season, filing our returns for 2024 and planning for the 2025 tax year, and this is a perfect time to explore the hidden tax advantages offered by diligent long-term care planning.

Read more…

Tenants Improvements and Betterments, Is Your Clinic Properly Insured?

Clinic renovation

By Laura Weber, Senior Large Account Director

If you rent space for your office, clinic, or even just for storage, it’s important to understand per the lease terms which party (lessee versus lessor) is responsible for covering property at the location. The agreement with the building owner should specify:  if a property damage occurs at the rented location, who is responsible for securing insurance to cover walls, flooring, permanent fixtures, including any updates you may have made to the property whether fixed or removable.

Read more…

WisMed Assure Implements Employee Navigator to Enhance Benefits Administration

Person presents employee benefits options on a digital interface.

By Martin Hurst, Insurance Service Representative

WisMed Assure is taking a significant step in modernizing benefits administration for our employee benefits clients by implementing Employee Navigator (a leading benefits management platform designed to streamline enrollment, improve efficiency, and enhance overall experience for both employers and employees). This cloud-based platform serves as a central hub for benefits management, integrating with insurance carriers, payroll systems, and HR software to create a seamless and efficient process.

Read more…

Good Samaritan Law

By Jensen Peck, Business and Professional Insurance Executive

person helping jogger in distress

Good Samaritan Laws in Wisconsin are vital for protecting physicians who provide emergency care outside of a clinical setting. These laws encourage medical professionals to offer immediate assistance in emergencies without the fear of legal recourse, allowing medical professionals to extend their care beyond hospitals and clinics. However, it is important to be aware of when the law protects you and when it may not apply.

Read more…

New Rules Regarding Overtime Pay

By Fine Point Consulting HR Professional

The Department of Labor announced a final overtime rule, Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees, on April 23, 2024. The rule revised the regulations issued under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that implement the exemptions from minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.

The first phase of the rule became effective July 1, 2024, while the second phase becomes effective January 1, 2025. This final rule increases the salary exemption threshold to $58,656 per year and has the potential to impact a significant number of currently overtime-exempt employees. So, what should you do to get started?

The first step is to find out if any of your current employees will be impacted by this change. If none will be, no changes are necessary. However, if you realize you will have impacted employees, here is a quick guide on how to get started.

Steps to Take if Employees Are Affected:

Analyze Current Salaries

The first step is to evaluate the current salaries and estimate the amount of overtime worked. To help with this, feel free to use the 2024-2025 Salary Increase Impact Calculator for assistance.

Budget Adjustments

This is where it’s time to think ahead. As 2025 budgets begin to happen, be sure to allocate funds for potential increases in salaries and overtime expenses affected by this change.

Develop a Detailed Rollout Plan

Exemption Status and Role Classification – Determine whether currently exempt employees will remain exempt or be reclassified as non-exempt.

  • ‍Helpful Tip: You cannot have two employees in the exact same role, and one be exempt and one be non-exempt. You will need to reclassify one of the roles, and this doesn’t just mean a job title. To be compliant you will need well-documented differences in responsibilities along with an updated and clearly differentiated job description. Because of this, you should consider implementing salaried, non-exempt roles.

Operational Adjustments

  1. ‍Time-Keeping Changes: This is the time you should begin to prepare for any changes in time-keeping processes due to the new overtime requirements.‍
  2. Employee Communication: Address potential employee concerns through clear communication and manage employee relations.‍
  3. Policy Review: Ensure company policies, such as “Unlimited PTO,” comply with the new regulations.

‍Staged Implementation

Before you do this, we recommend that you review potential salary compression issues and adjust market rates for various positions accordingly.

Support and Resources

We know this is a lot to take in, but don’t worry our FPC HR Team is here to help. If you are a current HR client, don’t worry we are already evaluating your business and will reach out to you if changes are needed. However, if you don’t have HR services with us and would like assistance, reach out to us today. These changes can create a lot of questions and what-ifs. Our team is happy to work closely with those affected providing guidance and advice on how to navigate these adjustments- let us be the experts.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule time with our HR team, click here.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisions. Full disclaimer and contact information.

2024 Volume 3

Worker’s Compensation Rates Drop

By Brian Fowler, WisMed Assure Account Director

Workers compensation program word concepts banner. Protection employer legal right. Infographics with linear icons on dark green background.

Starting October 1, 2024, for the ninth consecutive year, Worker’s Compensation rates in Wisconsin will drop. Work Comp rates in Wisconsin are set by the state and are the same for every insurance carrier.

Read more…

Residual Disability Rider Provides Financial Protection

red umbrellas over a bag of cash

By Martin Hurst, Insurance Service Representative

The Residual Disability Rider is an essential addition to a physician’s disability insurance policy. It provides financial protection in the event of a disability that limits your ability to work at full capacity.

Read more…

Investing in Private Equity: A Pre-IPO Opportunity

Businessperson working on laptop with PRIVATE EQUITY inscription

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Senior Advisor, WisMed Financial

Private equity offers a unique opportunity to invest in promising companies before they go public. Unlike publicly traded stocks, which are bought and sold on stock exchanges, private equity investments are made in privately held companies.

Read more…

Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment concept. White lightbox on a gray office desk

By Chris Noffke, GBDS, CSFS, Vice President of Employee Benefits

Now is a good time to start thinking about your open enrollment. Many companies fail to properly do an open enrollment, or maybe it’s your first time. We had our HR OnDemand professional create this checklist to help you make sure you don’t miss anything. 

Read more…

Lifetime Term Life Insurance. Does It Exist?

Question mark and life planning images

By Tom Strangstalien, Insurance Advisor

Last month was life insurance awareness month, but we should be aware of the value of life insurance and the opportunities it offers all year round. A relatively new concept in life insurance is guaranteed no-lapse universal life.

Read More…

New Rules Regarding Overtime Pay

Overtime law book and calculator in an office.

By Fine Point Consulting HR Professional

The Department of Labor announced a final overtime rule, Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees, on April 23, 2024. The rule revised the regulations issued under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that implement the exemptions from minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.

Read More…

Practice managers: join us for virtual discussions!

By Chris Noffke, GBDS, CSFS, Vice President of Employee Benefits

Chris Noffke

In the constantly changing field of health care management, it is crucial to collaborate and share insights to achieve success. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting virtual discussions for practice managers.

These teleconferences will serve as a platform for us to delve into various critical issues and exchange valuable perspectives with fellow health care professionals. Some of the topics we plan to explore include:

Staffing Solutions: Best practices for recruiting, retaining, and nurturing talent amidst evolving workforce dynamics.

Efficiency Maximization: Strategies to accomplish more with limited resources and enhance productivity.

Culture Development: Methods for cultivating a positive work culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction and patient-centric care.

While these topics provide a starting point, we welcome suggestions for additional discussion themes from anyone interested in attending. To participate, please contact Martin Hurst.

Our primary goal with these calls is to create a supportive network where we can learn from each other’s experiences, share valuable insights, and collectively address challenges facing health care practices. Whether you are seeking guidance, eager to contribute your expertise, or simply interested in connecting with peers in the field, these discussions offer a valuable opportunity for growth and collaboration.

Together, we can navigate the complexities of health care management and strive for excellence in patient care.

WisMed Assure and WisMed Financial are focused on building and maintaining relationships with clients, and always keeping the best interest of the client at the center of all we do. Contact us at chris.noffke@wismedassure.org, 608.442.7374, insurance@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3810.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisions. Full disclaimer and contact information.

WisMed Assure clients benefit from access to Zywave solutions

By Martin Hurst, Insurance Service Representative

Martin Hurst

At WisMed Assure, we are committed to providing more than just insurance solutions; we are dedicated to fostering the success and prosperity of our valued customers. That’s why we proudly provide our customers access to Zywave free of charge, as a testament to our unwavering commitment to your organization’s success. Zywave provides HR solutions that assist with employee benefits management, compliance tracking, and HR administration. These tools help HR professionals navigate complex regulatory requirements, manage employee benefits programs efficiently, and ensure compliance with evolving laws and regulations. By automating routine HR tasks and centralizing data management, Zywave’s software empowers HR teams to focus more on strategic initiatives and employee engagement.

By providing ZyWave, we aim to not only streamline your operations but also strengthen our partnership, ensuring that together we can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable outcomes. We’re honored to support you every step of the way.

Key Features Zywave Provides our Clients:

Industry-Specific Expertise: Zywave is tailored specifically for insurance professionals, providing industry-specific tools and resources that address the unique needs and challenges of insurance agencies. This specialized focus ensures that you have access to solutions that are finely tuned to your industry, offering greater relevance and efficiency.

Comprehensive Suite of Solutions: Zywave offers a comprehensive suite of solutions beyond traditional HR systems, including compliance management, employee benefits administration, risk management, and client communication tools. By consolidating multiple functions into a single platform, Zywave streamlines your workflow and reduces the need for multiple software subscriptions.

Up-to-Date Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant with regulatory requirements is critical in the insurance industry. Zywave’s Reference Center provides timely updates on regulatory changes at the federal, state, and local levels, helping you stay informed and avoid costly penalties or fines.

Efficiency and Productivity: Zywave’s tools are designed to enhance efficiency and productivity within your agency. From automated client communications to streamlined policy comparisons and employee training, Zywave simplifies complex tasks, allowing you to focus more time and energy on serving your clients and growing your business.

Customization and Flexibility: Zywave offers customizable solutions that can be tailored to your agency’s unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re a small independent agency or a large enterprise, Zywave can scale to accommodate your requirements, offering flexibility and adaptability as your business grows and evolves.

ZyWave is just one example of our commitment to delivering value beyond insurance, empowering our clients with tools to enhance efficiency and success within their groups. With WisMed Assure, you can count on personalized support and a wide array of services designed to help you thrive, because your success is our success.

If you would like to discuss your employee benefits, please email me at martin.hurst@wismedassure.org  or call 608.442.3728.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisions. Full disclaimer and contact information.